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Is self-denial good for you?
From the book: Chum for Thought: Throwing Ideas into Dangerous Waters by David Satterlee
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| Chum For Thought: Throwing Ideas into Dangerous Waters |
Is self-denial good for you?
Asceticism is the voluntary and deliberate self-denial of
personal comforts and possessions. It is usually undertaken to distance oneself
from the distractions of material or interpersonal responsibilities. This is
often with the explicit purpose of devoting time and attention to
transcendental spiritual pursuits.
Asceticism is relatively common among the most devout
adherents of many religions. Mormon missionaries temporarily defer marriage,
career, and family associations for at least two years during their missions.
Missionaries of other religions, usually live according to the impoverished
standards of the community to which they are sent.
Religions with special orders of devotion may distinguish
individuals who take vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. They may live
cloistered lives of isolation or give exclusive attention to assigned duties.
Volunteer workers at the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses take such vows
as do many priests, monks, and nuns.
Individuals such as Hindu and Jain ascetics usually have
reached a point of spiritual development that
