The Basis of the Belief

• The doctrine that a person can

attain a high spiritual and moral

state by practicing self-denial,

self-mortification, etc.

• Two main categories of

asceticism :

— “Otherworldly” : withdraw from

the world in order to live an

ascetic life

—> Example : St. Francis

of Assisi

— “Worldly” : live ascetic lives

without withdrawing from the

world

—> Example : Ghandi

What is it?