Asceticism: Asceticism is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from various worldly pleasures, often with the aim of pursuing spiritual goals. Practitioners of asceticism may adopt this way of life for religious, ethical, or philosophical reasons. Common practices associated with asceticism include fasting, celibacy, poverty, and seclusion. Ascetic traditions can be found in many of the world's religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, each with its own specific practices and theological rationales. By renouncing physical comforts and personal desires, ascetics seek to attain a higher spiritual state, enlightenment, or closeness to the divine.