Which term is often used to describe a lifestyle of self-denial for spiritual enhancement?

The term "ascetic" refers to a lifestyle that emphasizes self-denial and minimalism, often for the purpose of attaining spiritual growth or enlightenment. Ascetic practices may include fasting, celibacy, and renunciation of worldly pleasures and material possessions. This way of life is often associated with various religious traditions where individuals seek to purify themselves and strengthen their spiritual commitment through rigorous self-discipline.

This concept is particularly significant in numerous spiritual paths, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism, where asceticism is viewed as a means to transcend the physical world and achieve a closer connection to the divine or to higher states of awareness. The goal is to cultivate inner freedom and a deep sense of peace, which is believed to be hindered by the attachments and distractions of everyday life.

Understanding this term in the context of spiritual practice underscores the important relationship between self-denial and personal development within many philosophical and religious frameworks.