Ascetic life. Asceticism is a tool on the path of self-development

And skepticism is a tool for self-development. To use it correctly, it is important to understand how it works, what austerities, how and when to practice, so that the result is for the good. I started observing austerities long before practicing yoga, but I didn’t understand what exactly I was using and what it gave me. Having become a teacher, and seeing asceticism from a new angle for myself, I realized that they were not instruments of development. In this article I will try to understand this issue and outline important points conscious and responsible work with asceticism, for, like for any action in this life, we are also responsible for performing asceticism and our attitude towards them.

What is asceticism?

Asceticism is the voluntary acceptance of discomfort (physical, psychological or any other), as well as certain efforts that we put into it. Important emphasis on the words “voluntary” and “acceptance”. That is, we do not suffer and do not expect that it will “count.” Moreover, we calmly and humbly accept it.

What are the types of asceticism?

There are different types of asceticism. Yogis and Buddhists distinguish 3 types: asceticism of the Body; asceticism of Speech and asceticism of Mind.

Asceticism of the Body:

• food that promotes spiritual growth (sattvic, non-lethal, without intoxication),
• moderate physical activity,
• pilgrimages,
• staying only in good places,
• cleanliness of body and clothing,
• simplicity,
• non-violence (can be asceticism of speech and mind too), control of passions, etc.

When performing asceticism for the body, it is important to remember that the goal is not to harm the body or suffer, but through asceticism to learn to control your desires and feelings. Fanaticism and sadomasochism are inappropriate; moreover, self-torture has nothing in common with asceticism. Here you can object and recall a lot of examples from the biographies of yogis who did what they did with their bodies, from our point of view, exactly sadomasochism. I explain this on different levels. spiritual development: what is asceticism for us is for them - natural state, so for effective inconvenience you need something more sophisticated.

Ascetics of Speech:

• satya (truthfulness),
• don't criticize
• don't discuss
• don't slander
• don't talk bad about someone behind their back,
• don't interrupt
• don't shout
• do not “force” with speech those who do not want to listen or are not ready to accept what is said,
• avoid disputes,
• do not convince anyone of anything and do not strive to “win over your faith, yoga circle, etc.”

Asceticism of the Mind:

• control of feelings and emotions,
• reading scriptures and meditation,
• jnana yoga,
• introspection,
• curbing feelings
• pacification of pride,
• repentance (repentance),
• respectful attitude towards people
• showing respect and the like.

Asceticism can be divided into forced and voluntary. Although, this is not entirely true. What can be called forced asceticism is “working off” karma, and is not asceticism. Forced discomfort and pain remind us of the inevitability of suffering in this world and the need to work on oneself; voluntary discomfort helps to work off or reduce future debts. Interestingly, not all volunteers will benefit. It is advisable to perform ascetics as prescribed.

In my opinion, the story of Gandhari, the wife of Dhritarashtra from the Mahabharata, is very significant.

The image of the queen is very pious and modest, as is prescribed for a woman, but the terrible asceticism to which she doomed herself was not prescribed. A woman should seek advice and permission from her father or husband, for she is under their protection and reaps the fruits of their activities. Gandhari, out of the best intentions of compassion and the desire to understand her husband who was blind from birth, doomed herself to voluntary blindness. My husband took this as a joke. The sages also did not approve of this act, for it was not mentioned in the scriptures and had not yet been used, but, nevertheless, taking into account good motives, asceticism was allowed by the Guru of the dynasty, although against the will of the husband. Karmic connections are difficult to understand because they are nonlinear. It is difficult to say exactly what this asceticism led to. But Gandhari did not have happiness in that incarnation - 100 sons were born with demonic tendencies, the husband did not leave for a moment and the thirst for power clouded his mind, bringing a lot of suffering to his wife and subjects. And brother Shakuni is considered the main instigator of the battle at Kurukshetra. Of course, asceticism alone is not the reason, but in a “multi-move” that is not fully understood, everything plays a role.

In any case, asceticism is a serious matter and requires a clear understanding of the goal and tools. It is better to use the prescribed ones, at least until the level of personal practice and spiritual growth allows you to see things deeper and compare the action with the consequence.

Like any act, asceticism can be performed in different gunas - passion (rajas), ignorance (tamas) or goodness (sattva). This depends, first of all, on the purpose of asceticism. Asceticism for the purpose of spiritual development is, for the purpose of obtaining for oneself material goods- in passion, and asceticism with the aim of obtaining energy to curse others - this is already ignorance. One must distinguish between asceticism for one's own good and for the good of others. These are completely different categories, however, the sequence of execution should be like this - first we cleanse ourselves with inner fire, then we work for the benefit of others.

What fruits can we get from asceticism?

1. Burning of karma (“Those who have accomplished great sin and the rest, who commit unworthy deeds, are freed from sin by a well-executed ascetic feat" Manu-smriti, XI 240).
2. The accumulation of subtle shakti energy (or tapas) by processing the gross energy of accumulated merit, which increases vital energy and increases our potential.
3. Receiving material or spiritual benefits - successful marriage, blessing of the gods, money, siddhis, power, authority, respect and much more.

In accordance with the law of karma, all events in the world are balanced between what we receive and what we give by a simple mechanism. This mechanism is known as Newton’s 3rd law: “An action always has an equal and opposite reaction, otherwise, the interactions of two bodies on each other are equal and directed in opposite directions.” And if we experience asceticism, then, according to the mechanism of karma, this suffering must be compensated by a certain amount of “happiness”, most often by the fulfillment of desires (get well, get married, get a lot of money, etc.). The “reward” largely depends on the level of development of the ascetic.

The purpose of asceticism.

The goal must be clear and precise. Otherwise, it’s easy to fall for the Ego’s bait and perform austerities for the sake of austerities themselves. At the same time, cultivating a sense of self, at the same time “enlightening” everyone and everything around, and watching the soaring sense of importance, both one’s own and the actions taken, becoming attached to the result and squeezing the hands of karma even tighter on one’s neck.

Seeing and understanding the goal is very important. We don’t know why the yogis of India starve themselves for a long time, cold, and God knows what else. This is another level. And there is no point in practicing such things in the name of the Ego. For example, we decide to perform asceticism and not wash for 10 days. This is serious asceticism. But what is the goal? Does this lead to increased levels of consciousness and spiritual growth? As an example, I will give this parable:

A man died and went to God's judgment and asks God:
- Lord, what about my share? Have I earned the kingdom of heaven? I suffered! - the man declared with dignity.
“Since when,” God wondered, “suffering began to be considered a merit?”
“I wore a hair shirt and a rope,” the man frowned stubbornly. - He ate bran and dry peas, drank nothing but water, and did not touch women. I exhausted my body with fasting and prayers...
- So what? - God remarked. - I understand that you suffered - but what exactly did you suffer for?
“For your glory,” the man answered without hesitation.
- I have a pretty good reputation! - The Lord smiled sadly. - So I starve people, force them to wear all sorts of rags and deprive them of the joys of love?
There was silence... God still looked at the man thoughtfully.
- So what about my share? - the man reminded himself.
“I suffered, you say,” God said quietly. - How can I explain it to you so that you understand... For example, the carpenter who was in front of you. All his life he built houses for people, in heat and cold, and sometimes went hungry, and often got himself in the wrong, and suffered through this. But he still built houses. And then he received his honestly earned wages. And it turns out that all your life you have done nothing but hit your fingers with a hammer.
God was silent for a moment...
-Where is the house? Where is the house, I ask?!

How to perform austerities?

Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita says: “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you sacrifice or offer, whatever deed you perform, O Kaunteya, do all this as an offering to Me!” (BG 9.27). “Know that those who perform cruel ascetic deeds not prescribed by the Holy Scriptures for the sake of narcissism and with pride, at the same time overcome by sexual passion, attachment and violence, are unreasonable, tormenting the elements of which their bodies are composed, as well as Me, who is inside their bodies, - know that their decisions are demonic!” (BG 17.5-6).

The most important danger facing any ascetic is that, receiving shakti (tapas) through austerities, pride begins to go off scale. Thanks to asceticism, respect for the practitioner in society automatically increases, and the Ego happily rubs its hands. Without faith and without God within, asceticism turns into an executioner. All results should be offered to God and done for the benefit of all living beings (even when performing austerities for one’s own purification and spiritual growth, one must understand that in long term it should benefit everyone).

Therefore, it is important not to discuss asceticism with others, not to brag, not to flaunt it, and it is better not to talk about it at all with anyone except the Teacher (Mentor), if there is one. There is a wonderful parable about this:

During the time of Buddha Shakyamuni, there lived a rich king who intended to present countless gifts to the Buddha and the hundreds of monks accompanying him. He invited them all to a special celebration that took place in his garden. For many weeks in a row, the king presented countless gifts to all those gathered in the form of delicious food, clothing and money. According to the tradition of that time, after performing a good action, a dedication of merit was performed, so that the person received a reward for his deeds. As the grand celebration came to an end, the king asked for the merits of the last few weeks to be dedicated. The Buddha agreed to fulfill his request, but before doing so, he asked a very unusual question: “For all your material offerings and gifts, should I make a dedication in your favor or in favor of the person who has actually accumulated the most merit?”

The king was confused. He thought that the greatest merit belonged to him, because it was he who organized the holiday and was so generous with everyone, but he replied: “Of course, you should dedicate the merit to the one who deserved it.”

Then the Buddha dedicated the merit to the old beggar woman who was sitting at the gate of the garden. Those gathered were shocked. Buddha's companion Ananda asked him: “Why did you dedicate the merit from this holiday to a beggar woman who did absolutely nothing, and not to the king who paid for it all?” The Buddha replied: “The king spent the money, and the beggar woman did not have even a rupee, but she was glad that such abundant offerings were being made. Since she herself had not given anything, she felt no pride. The king was generous, but self-satisfied, admiring his own good deeds. The old woman’s merit turned out to be greater than the king’s due to the fact that she was sincere and modest.”

When planning to observe asceticism, it is necessary to plan in advance the duration of asceticism and follow the plan. If there is a temptation to observe longer, the Ego has probably strengthened; if, on the contrary, there is a desire to end it quickly, this is an indication that willpower is weak or external forces are interfering. Fanaticism, as well as indulgence, is an indicator of unvirtuous asceticism. Prescribed austerities have a specific time of entry and exit according to the scriptures. For example, women in India fast on Navratri - 9 days and 9 nights of restrictions. And these days are determined by the spring and autumn equinox (there is a summer and winter Navratri, but they are celebrated less). Also, the fasting person can be influenced by the planet corresponding to a specific day of the week during fasting and other austerities. For example, Ekadashi falls on the 11th lunar day, and exit times are clearly marked. Orthodox fasts also have time frames and other conditions. That is, the time factor is important both in terms of duration and the beginning and end of asceticism. For myself, I realized that it would be good to follow existing instructions and not reinvent the wheel.

“Fasting both benefits those who begin it wisely and harms those who begin it foolishly. Therefore, those who care about the benefits of fasting should beware of its harm, that is, vanity.” (Reverend Mark the Ascetic)

The “rules” for performing austerities that I have developed for myself:

Firstly, constancy (a sign of sattva). Like any other aspect of sadhana, austerity must be constant, unless a specific period is prescribed for its implementation.

Secondly, offering the results of austerities to God, and initially doing it for God, in other words, not becoming attached to the fruits. It is worth being grateful simply for the opportunity to perform asceticism, serve people and move on the path of self-improvement.

In conclusion I would like to say. The best asceticism is to follow your dharma and establish a relationship with God, perform every action selflessly and offer fruits to the Almighty. Then karmic knots will gradually decrease, and life will be spent in good austerities. This is what the Manu Smriti says about dharma: “Asceticism for a brahmana is an acquisition sacred knowledge, asceticism for the kshatriya is the protection of the people, asceticism for the vaishu is economic activity, asceticism for a sudra is service” (XI 236).

May all living beings be happy!

We won't be able to understand what it is asceticism in goodness- if we don’t begin to realize what asceticism is in general.

You know, not so long ago, I treated this concept and phrase very warily and with a high degree of irony.

Probably, in your head you also see various images from movies in which monks carry out asceticism in goodness. But what is it really?

The whole point is that it doesn’t matter how you now feel about the concept of “asceticism in goodness” - the whole point is that you constantly practice them. True, it’s not always good. Well, for example, how this can affect you and affect you.

You were asked to wash the dishes or set the table for guests or something else. And you don’t want to do this so much that you simply shudder at the thought that you will now have to spend your efforts and your time to still go and do what you were asked to do.

And finally, having gathered your strength, you still go and, gritting your teeth, do the task assigned to you. Thus, you fight with your inner “I”, as a result of which you benefit those around you. Plus, work always ennobles every person.

As a result, we can say that any action of yours that takes you out of a sense of balance or comfort is a manifestation of asceticism. And I want to assure you that most of you carry them out on yourself to varying degrees.

Now let's look at what asceticism in goodness is and why and who needs it? I will say right away that this is an activity that is aimed at maximizing your development as a spiritual and full-fledged person.

Also, this activity greatly influences. This means that by doing certain actions, a person can develop such qualities of character that all people will want communication and friendship with him.

For example, if you start such an activity correctly, over time, a person can develop such positive character that even if he comes to get a job, they will hire him not because he is good at his specialty, but because he is simply a good person.

And, if you have applied for a job more than once, you may have noticed that some people are hired simply by talking to them and without even reading their resume and regardless of their level of knowledge.

And in order for us to start moving in the right direction, we need to begin asceticism in goodness, mainly consisting of three practices. The first practice is constant internal work.

It is aimed at the fact that you learn to fully respect and internally worship your parents, your spiritual mentor, and also perform prayer practice. The next practice is serious control over your thoughts and words.

A person can be content with little - a postulate of people who preach minimalism as opposed to the consumerism that has swept the modern world. Asceticism is encouraged in different religions and often these are harsh practices: self-torture. It is difficult for an ordinary person to follow this path, but there are less severe austerities, the results of which are impressive.

What is asceticism?

Asceticism is a person who has embarked on the path of knowing himself and the Universe, and the tool of ascetics is conscious self-restraint with the aim of cultivating in oneself the desired qualities and getting as close as possible to the Divine principle. An ascetic person voluntarily deprives himself of a significant share of material wealth and develops the mindset of an ascetic.

Asceticism contains two components:

1. Material asceticism- rejection of modern benefits of civilization and artificial needs created by society.
2. Spiritual asceticism– restriction or complete renunciation of sensual pleasures, creating a family. Reflections on God, reading spiritual literature. At a deeper level, rejection of society and withdrawal into monasteries and monasteries.

Asceticism in philosophy

Ancient Greece was famous for various philosophical movements and the schools that the rest of the world looked up to. The Cynics were a school of philosophers from the time of Socrates who preached special image life, which consisted in refusing the benefits provided by society. A prominent representative of the Cynics, Diogenes of Sinope, wandered and became a beggar. Another Greek school, the Stoics, founded by Zeno of China, rejected the asocial path. Asceticism in philosophy is a direction formed under the influence of Stoic philosophers (Seneca, Marcus Aurelius), which is based on:

• liberation from influence outside world through virtue and self-sufficiency;
• the power of the spirit over carnal instincts;
• high aesthetics in actions and thoughts;
• life in harmony with nature and the Universal Cosmic Mind;
• nonviolence.

Ascetics in Orthodoxy

Asceticism in Christianity is associated with Christ, whose image the Orthodox ascetic keeps in his soul and relies on him in everyday affairs, filling them with divine meaning. With the help of prayers, the ascetic tunes in with the divine and devotes all his ascetics to God to overcome temptations and passions. During the year, the Orthodox ascetic observes all fasts, prays, takes communion and confesses. Studying the lives of the saints strengthens the Christian in his intentions.

Christian saints who led ascetic image life (hermitage):

• John the Baptist;
• Onuphrius the Great;
• Seraphim of Sarov;
• Sergei Radonezhsky;
• Pavel Obnorsky;
• Tikhon Kaluzhsky.

Asceticism in Buddhism

When Prince Gautama Siddhartha turned 29 years old, he cut his hair, put on the modest clothes of a monk and left his parents' palace, saying goodbye to a luxurious life. Thus, Gautama became a seeker of enlightenment - the Buddha. For 6 years, Buddha lived as an ascetic: he mortified his flesh with severe austerities and once almost died of exhaustion, without coming closer to the truth even for a moment. The Buddha realized that self-mortification was a useless method for enlightenment and began to practice meditation and contemplation. Buddhism is characterized by the following austerities leading to Nirvana:

1. Shamatha– the main and main internal asceticism of Buddhists is concentration and complete calmness of the mind and consciousness.
2. Vipashyana– cultivation of higher knowledge (meditation).
3. Moderation in food- this is following the Middle Path in asceticism. The body is kept in a state in which it does not distract the ascetic from concentrating on meditation. In Buddhism, physical austerity is not as important as the austerity of thought control.
4. Practice of Sati(awareness) mentally dividing the body into 32 elements (hair, teeth, skin, nails, etc.) helps discipline thoughts so as not to succumb to worldly temptations.

Types of asceticism

An ascetic lifestyle involves enormous internal work and should be done every day only from a blissful state. Ascetics practiced in anger, passion and pride have nothing to do with spirituality. Asceticism is conventionally divided into types that are closely interrelated:

1. Asceticism of language– a very important asceticism of speech. Idle talk and gossip are unacceptable among ascetics. Truthfulness and kind words create a favorable destiny for a person and his loved ones.
2. Body asceticism- wearing simple clothing made from natural materials, maintaining moderation in food, honoring and respecting parents and elders.
3. Asceticism of mind- sufficient attention is paid to purity and control of thoughts. Self-control helps you control your feelings and channel them into the right direction. Contentment of the mind depends on the food taken and is associated with austerities for the body. Light food - positive thoughts, heavy food - fears, ignorance, loss of control over the mind.

How do ascetics live?

IN modern society an ascetic is a person who has decided to follow the path of liberation in order to rid himself of unnecessary consumerism and everything outdated: things, connections, thinking, old way of life. The word ascetic itself means stern, strict, Spartan. Today, people who have chosen the path of asceticism live by adhering to the following rules:

1. Contentment with little, without the feeling of inferiority imposed by marketers. Good books, better dear household appliances and furniture set.
2. A minimum of things.
3. Great importance is attached to the development of inner peace.
4. Respect for nature (plastic bags and bottles are absent from the everyday life of ascetics due to the cluttering of the planet with these oil products).
5. Charity.

Asceticism - reasons

Why is asceticism needed? to modern man? Main universal human values remained unchanged over many centuries: respect, health, knowledge of one’s capabilities, the belief that “I” is not only a body, but also a spiritual substance. The meaning of asceticism is unique for each individual and carries its own meaning. Reasons why a person begins to practice austerities:

• loss of health, incurable diseases;
• knowledge of one’s “I”;
• expanding the boundaries of consciousness;
• in women - infertility, lack of marriage;
• achieving superpowers;
• the desire to strengthen the world with positive vibrations (non-violence, kindness).

Asceticism - principles

What does asceticism mean - V.S. Solovyov (Russian philosopher of the 19th century) described in his work “The Justification of Good,” while noting the main principles of asceticism:

1. Submission of the flesh to the spirit is a worthy attitude towards that which is lower than the Spirit.
2. Compassion, altruism, self-control, reverence are the main components of blissful asceticism.
3. Love for God (the Absolute, the Logos, the Universe) - without it, any asceticism loses its meaning.

A person who has dedicated his life to spiritual perfection is called an ascetic. The word "ascetic" translated from Greek language means “practice in something.” Initially, this meant preparing athletes for competitions, then it was believed that asceticism is the desire for virtuous life, the fight against bad habits and vices.

The essence of asceticism

An ascetic differs from a person who lives a spiritual life, but is married and does not seek to escape worldly goods, in that he renounces any property and does not enter into marriage. In a word, a hermit. Asceticism is an extremely strict, abstinent way of life, in which a person engages exclusively in spiritual exercises that are inaccessible to the understanding of worldly people.

The main purpose of the ascetic is to achieve his own moral perfection or the good of other people. For this purpose, the ascetic is ready to endure spiritual trials, experience physical suffering and endure material deprivation.

Asceticism is inherent in Stoic philosophy. It was preached by Asceticism - this is a moral principle that asserts the superiority of the spirit over the flesh and requires the limitation of sensual pleasures. This direction of philosophy was characteristic of several schools that proclaimed the freedom of the spirit from desires. Asceticism became widespread in various religious movements. Christian asceticism had as its goal the pacification and mortification of human sensual desires. This meant not only sexual abstinence, but also renunciation of pleasures delivered by auditory and gustatory sensations, contemplation, and so on.

Asceticism is special state of mind, in which a person strives to know God. It is difficult for such people to live in the ordinary world; from birth they are destined for the life of an ascetic. Asceticism is also necessary for that category of people who strive to know the truth, but the predominance of sensual desires and lack of faith prevents them from achieving what they want. For such people, asceticism is an opportunity to know the truth.

They cannot be happy in the world, in ordinary living conditions; their restless, restless spirit requires asceticism. For example, if they are married, then they themselves suffer in family life, and make their wives unhappy.

The philosophy of asceticism is a protest of a person’s higher self against the dominance of sensual desires over him. To subordinate your body (mental and physical) to the will, you need a number of special exercises that contradict the desires of the flesh.

This means that asceticism is a means for subordinating one’s flesh to a person’s higher self in the interests of spiritual development. And if a person was able to achieve such a state and gained power over his passions, then he can live in ordinary living conditions, without fear that desires will overcome his spirit. Many holy ascetics did just that - they lived among people as preachers of the truth.

The path of asceticism is the path of reasoning about one’s exploits. And this path is necessary for a person to realize and balance his capabilities so that they are feasible and do not lead to counter-productive results.

Asceticism, or restrictions, are present in almost every person, even if he is not aware of it: to earn money, you need to go to work, to gain knowledge, you need to devote a lot of time to books, etc. Many people for the purpose of self-improvement and purification consciously resort to various restrictions. However, to perform asceticism correctly, you need to clearly understand what it is, what the goals and results of such actions are.

Asceticism, or asceticism

Asceticism is called conscious humble and voluntary acceptance of certain bodily, mental inconveniences and limitations. The main emphasis is on the words “conscious, voluntary acceptance”; otherwise, performing asceticism brings suffering, and the whole complex . For example, if a person consciously decides to limit himself in consumerism, communication, etc., this is for his benefit, promotes spirituality and the purification of karma.

If a person experiences material difficulties, or cannot organize his life, this is a forced asceticism associated with pain and suffering. Restrictions during wars, any social and natural disasters, because they cause people to feel injustice, deprivation and helplessness.

Asceticism is present in many cultures and religious directions, except for Judaism and other less common ones. In the broad sense of the word, asceticism is one in which luxury, quick pleasure, and indulgence of one’s weaknesses and desires are limited. Synonyms for asceticism include modesty, abstinence and humility.

Important!It is necessary to clearly understand that asceticism is not an end in itself, it is only a tool for personal development, improvement and growth.

According to Hindu philosophy, austerities can be performed in goodness, passion and ignorance:

1. In the first case, the practice benefits the person who practices it and the benefit of everyone else.
2. If the asceticism is carried out in passion, its purpose is to gain material wealth, money, respect and status, often by deceitful and dishonest means.
3. Practices performed in ignorance (stupidity) involve cruel torture and self-flagellation in order to prove something to others.

Types of austerities

According to Buddhist teachings, restrictions can be physical and mental, therefore there are three main types of practices: restrictions of the body, mind and speech. Asceticism of the body is usually easier to observe than asceticism of the mind and tongue. Indeed, with the modern pace of life, it is rarely possible to slow down, avoid or conflict situation, curb yours in time.

Bodies

This type of practice is clearly the opposite of modern life values, habits and aspirations. An ordinary person puts a lot of effort at work in order to be able to eat tasty and varied food, relax on Friday evening, have a lot of beautiful fashionable things, etc. When observing bodily asceticism, restrictions are imposed on the above pleasures.

When observing bodily austerities, it is important to adhere to the main principle - do not harm the body. That is, any bodily restrictions should not worsen the physical condition or cause unbearable discomfort and pain. Physical restrictions cannot be equated with self-torture and self-flagellation. At the bodily level, asceticism manifests itself in the following:

• clean nutrition without poisonous, toxic substances and the flesh of any living creatures;
• regular in moderation;
• early
• adherence to daily routine;
• ablutions with cool water;
• visiting holy places;
• keeping the body and clothing clean and tidy;
• external simplicity.

Did you know?Indian hermit sadhus, as a form of asceticism, subject their bodies to severe tests: they can remain in a standing position for years, dry out their limbs, do not wash or walk naked, and fast for long periods. The purpose of such strict restrictions is to show that spiritual world prevails over the material.

Speeches

This type of practice is also extremely relevant in modern world, in which not only oral speech is used for exchange, but also messages and calls. And even if we are silent, our mind is still constantly in internal dialogue with itself. It is obvious that our words have enormous power and influence both on others and on our own destiny.

By speaking rudely, maliciously and with hatred, a person invites misfortune upon himself. Idle talk leads to dispersion and loss of energy, and kind nice words are capable of literally “reviving from the ashes” the one to whom they are directed.

Verbal asceticism has the following manifestations:

• only with those who are ready and want you
• do not speak in vain;
• speak only the truth;
• avoid criticism, condemnation, slander in statements;
• do not speak badly about others behind their backs;
• don't gossip;
• do not interrupt your interlocutor or argue;
• do not raise your voice;
• do not try to convince a person that you are right;
• learn to listen and hear your interlocutor;
• silence is the basic condition of asceticism.

Uma

Adhering to this limitation is extremely difficult for two reasons: first, our mind is constantly in motion, analyzing, remembering, planning and thinking about something. Secondly, in the age of modern technology, in a day an ordinary person absorbs huge amount information, and not always voluntarily or consciously. Most This information has no true value and only clogs our consciousness. Therefore, practicing mental asceticism is especially useful, although difficult.

For mental asceticism, the following conditions must be met:

• control of your emotions and
• perception of only good, useful information;
• reading sacred texts, prayers;
• getting rid of pride, arrogance;
• the desire to slow down or stop internal dialogue.

Did you know?Contrary to the common myth that women are more talkative than men, Mexican scientists, together with US researchers, have proven the opposite - representatives of both sexes pronounce approximately the same number of words per day: 15,000-16,000. However, men tend to ask questions more often than women.

What are they for?

Having figured out who an ascetic is and what types of ascetic practices there are, it is important to understand the goals and possible “fruits” of such restrictions. Regularly practicing voluntary renunciation of the usual comfort, you can achieve the following results:

1. With each asceticism performed, the knots will be untied, and debts in the past and future will be gradually cleared.
2. Stimulation of vital potential increase.
3. Fulfillment of desires, acquisition of material wealth.
4. Willpower training.
5. Improved physical condition.
6. Cleansing consciousness from information garbage, reassessing values ​​and priorities.
7. Getting rid of destructive character traits: greed, greed, arrogance, selfishness, selfishness.
8. The ability to live in the present moment: without worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

Thus, the main goal of ascetic restriction is spiritual purification and growth, restructuring consciousness to a higher level, gaining control over one’s desires and passions.

It is known that some ascetics (especially in other Asian countries) resort to extremely strict restrictions, which are more reminiscent of abuse of their body and mind. The purpose of such torture- bringing your nature closer to the divine. But to an ordinary person there is no point in repeating such a sacrifice, because the level of consciousness and living conditions are completely different.

How to practice austerities

The practice of asceticism will be beneficial only if if done voluntarily, without fear or worry, with a willingness to overcome any difficulties. It is very important not to allow fanaticism - in this case, asceticism turns into torture and does not give any results, and if they do, they are temporary. In addition, strict restrictions can completely discourage the desire to repeat the practice.

Follow these rules:

1. It is better to complete a simple and short practice than to violate a strict restriction.
2. Practice regularly.
3. Learn to be satisfied during and after practice.
4. Think about your practice: its duration, conditions, etc.
5. If possible, try not to tell anyone about your intentions to do asceticism, if it does not manifest itself when interacting with society (for example, dietary restrictions).

If you are new to the practices of asceticism, you can first resort to already existing and well-described practices - for example, Ekadashi day, that is, dry fasting. It begins exactly on the 11th lunar day, the practice has a clear duration, rules of entry and exit. Christian fasts- this is also asceticism. However, remember that attempts to adjust the post to your desires (for example, invent more delicious Lenten dishes) also cancel out all the benefits of the restriction.

Features of spiritual practice

In Ayurveda, it is believed that they have different energies: the male is controlled by the Moon and the female by the Moon. The Sun is responsible for activity, determination, physical manifestations, while the Moon is responsible for the psycho-emotional sphere and intuition. Therefore, asceticism for women and men will be different.

Important!Execution male austerities can develop rudeness, callousness in a woman and dull truly feminine traits. This rule also applies to men. That is why it is so important to understand the purpose of the practices.

For men

Men's asceticism primarily concerns the physical plane. By performing body austerities, a man is able to increase solar energy and gain strength for new achievements. Thus, male practice consists of the following restrictions:

1. Early rise (about 3-4 am).
2. Pouring cold water.
3. often complex, involving force.
4. Keeping your body and clothing in a clean, strict condition.
5. Limitation in material comfort.
6. Reinforced, long lasting.
7. Food restrictions.
8. Walking, barefoot.

Women

Women's asceticism concerns mainly the mental and verbal planes. Compliance with these practices can make a woman softer, fill her being with love, increase vital energy, and make her “shine” from the inside. As a result, the benefits of asceticism will manifest themselves not only for the woman herself, but also for her family and close circle.

Women's practices are based on such principles:

1. Conscious love in all household chores (cleaning, cooking, washing).
2. Ask for help if needed.
3. Stay in good relations with others.
4. Handicraft classes.
5. Taking care of your body.
6. Showing compassion, love for others, selfless help.

True asceticism: how not to fall into the trap

Often people practice asceticism for the wrong reasons. For example, many seek to refuse either as a bet or to prove their toughness, to earn respect and recognition. If asceticism is completed to the end, the person is admired, the Ego inflates to infinite proportions, the consciousness becomes clouded, the person gets stuck in stupidity, vanity and ignorance, which is why he cannot realize all the wrongness of his actions. The result of such practice is exactly zero.

An ascetic lifestyle is not a desire to become demonstrably holy and correct, to be held in high esteem. Also, you should not assume that by suffering you will deserve material or other benefits, fulfillment of desires, and the like. The practice of asceticism helps clear your mind, learn to hear yourself and understand what is really important and necessary for you. Regular practices free a person from thoughtless consumerism and teach him to live according to his own principles, and not those imposed by society.

When practicing asceticism, avoid showing off, do not make yourself a victim, do not try to evoke compassion or admiration. Understand for yourself why you need practice, what you want to achieve through voluntary limitation, what your true motives are.

We hope that now your understanding of what asceticism is and who an ascetic is has become deeper and clearer. If you haven't practiced conscious limitation, you can start small - getting up vigorously at sunrise. Train yourself to be conscious in your daily actions: actions, thoughts, words, in choosing food and clothing. Listen to your true needs - over time, you will certainly notice how the quality of your life has increased!