Significance of Austerities
Synonyms: Severity, Self-denial, Discipline, Frugality, Asceticism
In Dutch: Bezuinigingen; In Finnish: 厂盲盲蝉迟枚迟; In Spanish: Austeridades; In German: 厂辫补谤尘补脽苍补丑尘别苍; In Swedish: 脜迟蝉迟谤补尘苍颈苍驳补谤; In Malay: Penjimatan; In French: 础耻蝉迟茅谤颈迟茅蝉
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Austerities'
Austerities in Buddhism encompass rigorous self-discipline and denial of physical pleasures aimed at achieving enlightenment and spiritual advancement, characterized by practices like deprivation and renunciation often undertaken by the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Strict self-discipline practices aimed at spiritual advancement, often involving renunciation of physical comforts.[1] (2) The rigorous spiritual practices undertaken by the Exalted One during his quest for enlightenment.[2] (3) Severe self-discipline practices that the Bodhisattva undertakes in the pursuit of enlightenment.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Practices of self-discipline and penance that the Buddha undertook extensively throughout his life.[4] (2) The self-discipline practices engaged in by the Bodhisattva during his quest for enlightenment, contrasting with Yashodhara's hidden struggles.[5]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Practices of self-discipline and renunciation undertaken by practitioners to strengthen resolve and spiritual commitment.[6]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, practiced by the Buddha after renouncing the world.[7]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Rigorous practices the Buddha underwent for six years to attain spiritual purity and understanding before achieving enlightenment.[8]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Practices of strict self-discipline undertaken to achieve spiritual advancement.[9]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Practices of severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, which, when divorced from true understanding, may lead to suffering.[10]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Rigorous spiritual practices that 鈥榢hon phu ba followed, suggested by his mentor.[11]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Practices of self-discipline and denial of physical pleasures aimed at spiritual growth and the destruction of lust.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Austerities'
Austerities in Hinduism encompass rigorous practices of self-discipline and restraint aimed at achieving spiritual goals, self-mastery, and purification. These practices, often characterized by self-denial and asceticism, are vital for spiritual advancement and deeper divine connection.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The rigorous practices followed by Rishis, which enhance their spiritual powers and virtues.[13] (2) The rigorous practices engaged in by the saint living in the hermitage, who is devoted to virtue and seeks to maintain his spiritual commitment.[14] (3) Practices of self-denial and discipline intended to achieve spiritual advancement.[15] (4) Strict lifestyle practices adhered to by ascetics like Nara and Narayana, aimed at spiritual discipline.[16] (5) Self-discipline practices aimed at spiritual growth, which enable an individual to enjoy the fruits of righteousness without being damaged by worldly pursuits.[17]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The practices of severe self-discipline that Ananda undertakes in pursuit of spiritual purity and emancipation.[18] (2) Vows and strict practices observed by rishi Ritavac, which he maintained despite the difficulties arising from his son's conduct and his personal afflictions.[19] (3) Spiritual practices and self-discipline that the learned birds claim to have practiced.[20] (4) Severe self-discipline and abstaining from food that the maiden practiced in the forest.[21] (5) Practices of deep discipline and dedication that Galava undertook and was threatened by the Daitya.[22]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Rigorous self-discipline and self-denial, undertaken by Agastya to achieve spiritual goals.[23] (2) The disciplined practices that Shri Rama intends to complete before engaging in hunting, reflecting themes of self-control.[24] (3) The severe practices performed by the great ascetics that led to the blossoming of eternal flowers in Matanga's Wood.[25] (4) The severe self-discipline and practices performed by Ravana that were believed to have granted him various powers.[26] (5) The spiritual practices performed by sages in the forest, indicating a life of discipline and restraint.[27]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Rigorous self-discipline practices meant to enhance spiritual power and connection to the divine.[28] (2) Severe self-discipline and practices engaged in by Cakshusha to attain spiritual goals.[29] (3) Severe self-discipline practices that the sons undertook in their second birth to please Brahma.[30]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) Spiritual practices or disciplines performed by Siddha-Samadhi to attain special powers.[31] (2) Rigorous spiritual practices engaged in by Sachatapa that led to purification and control over senses.[32]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Austerities are the rigorous practices undertaken by Visvamitra on the Pushkar鈥檚 shore, which he continues for a thousand years, indicating his dedication to the practice.[33] (2) The severe self-discipline and practices undertaken by the ascetic, which were disrupted by the nymph's presence and the influence of the immortals.[34]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The rigorous self-discipline and practices that a Vrati must undertake to earn the full merit of their vow.[35]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Practices of self-discipline and asceticism aimed at spiritual development and moral rectitude.[36]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Self-discipline practices that the Brahman undertook to attain spiritual goals.[37]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, often for spiritual purposes.[38] (2) Spiritual practices that involve self-discipline and renunciation aimed at purifying the body and mind, often emphasized in the path of spirituality.[39] (3) Practices that involve self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often for spiritual growth.[40] (4) Spiritual practices of self-discipline and restraint used to gain power; in the text, they enhance the wielder's effectiveness with the Sudarshana.[41] (5) Disciplined practices aimed at spiritual development that often involve self-denial or rigorous routines.[42]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Spiritual practices that involve self-discipline and penance, which Kalindi was performing.[43] (2) Disciplinary practices aimed at self-control for spiritual advancement.[44] (3) Severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, often practiced to achieve spiritual goals.[45] (4) The discipline and spiritual practices that involve self-restraint and meditation.[46] (5) Severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence for spiritual growth.[47]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Practices involving self-discipline and self-control, often through penance that cultivates bhakti over many lifetimes.[48] (2) Spiritual practices involving self-discipline and self-control aimed at achieving higher states of consciousness.[49] (3) Spiritual practices that involve self-discipline and sacrifice, which enhance one's devotion.[50] (4) Practices involving concentration on topics related to Bhagavan and the worship of Him, often including the abandonment of personal desires in pursuit of spiritual goals.[51] (5) Practices of self-denial and discipline aimed at attaining spiritual goals, mentioned in relation to the narrator's heritage.[52]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Practices involving self-discipline and spiritual effort aimed at achieving deeper understanding or divine favor, whose results are questioned in this context.[53] (2) Practices involving self-denial or rigorous discipline aimed at achieving spiritual progress.[54]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Severe self-discipline and abstention from various pleasures, employed in the pursuit of spiritual goals, often referenced in the context of Lakshmi鈥檚 practices.[55]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Spiritual practices involving self-discipline and penance, regarded as a means of attaining results in earlier ages.[56]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Penances or strict self-discipline practices observed in Vedic traditions.[57] (2) Discipline practices that lead to the expiation of sins and personal purification.[58] (3) Practices of severe self-discipline often associated with spiritual or ascetic practices.[59] (4) Practices of self-discipline and denial that are performed by the householder as a means of spiritual development and sacrifice.[60] (5) Refers to rigorous practices done as a means of penance or purification, available for various categories of individuals.[61]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Practices of self-discipline and self-restraint undertaken by hermits to attain spiritual purity.[62] (2) Practices involving self-discipline and self-denial, typically for spiritual growth.[63]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Practices of self-discipline and asceticism aimed at spiritual purification and atonement for sins.[64] (2) Rigorous self-discipline and denial of physical pleasures to achieve spiritual goals.[65]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) Spiritual practices or rigorous self-discipline linked to the ritual life described in the text.[66] (2) Practices of severe self-discipline and abstention for spiritual reasons, which the student should be addicted to.[67]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Strict self-discipline and abstention from indulgence for spiritual purposes.[68] (2) Spiritual practices involving self-denial and penance, aiming for personal enlightenment.[69] (3) Disciplines performed by Dharmashila and Naravahanadatta that highlight their dedication to spiritual goals.[70] (4) Intense acts of penance undertaken by deities and ascetics to gain favor from higher powers.[71] (5) Spiritual practices undertaken by King Viradeva to seek divine favor for offspring.[72]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Practices of self-discipline and moderation that are essential for personal growth and spiritual advancement.[73] (2) Practices involving self-discipline and enduring hardships as a means to achieve spiritual growth and realization.[74] (3) The type of austerities referred to involves the contemplation and planning of creation, rather than physical hardships.[75]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Disciplines and self-denials practiced to gain control over one's desires and enhance spiritual focus.[76]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Severe practices intended to purify and strengthen spiritual resolve, often employed by sages and practitioners.[77]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Practices of self-discipline for spiritual growth undertaken by Prajapati.[78]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Disciplines or practices that involve self-denial and rigorous ethical conduct.[79]
Jain concept of 'Austerities'
Austerities in Jainism consist of rigorous practices by monks aimed at cultivating discipline, self-denial, and spiritual growth, essential for achieving enlightenment and overcoming worldly attachments, ultimately facilitating spiritual advancement and purity.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Rigorous self-discipline and abstention from physical pleasure, often important in a monk's path to enlightenment.[80] (2) Practices undertaken by monks to enhance their spiritual discipline and penance.[81] (3) The practice of self-denial and rigorous discipline aimed at achieving spiritual purification and growth.[82] (4) Strict self-discipline practices performed by sages and monks like Bala, which lead to a purer existence and spiritual progress.[83] (5) Practices of self-discipline aimed at achieving spiritual purity and self-control.[84]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Rigorous practices undertaken by monks to cultivate discipline and renounce worldly attachments.[85] (2) Practices of severe self-discipline and abstention, often related to spiritual development.[86] (3) Practices of severe self-discipline embraced by monks to attain deeper understanding and control over desires.[87] (4) Practices characterized by self-discipline and restraint, often involving physical and mental hardships to attain a higher state of spiritual purity.[88] (5) Practices aimed at spiritual discipline that often involve self-denial and reduced pleasures.[89]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Bodily disciplines that one must endure for spiritual advancement and emancipation.[90] (2) Practices that involve self-discipline and self-denial as part of adhering to dharma.[91] (3) Practices of self-discipline and abstention in order to achieve spiritual or moral goals.[92] (4) Acts of self-discipline often practiced by ascetics like Jamali, representing a commitment to spiritual progress.[93]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) Strict self-discipline practices observed by monks during the Pajjusan, aiming for spiritual advancement.[94]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Strict self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence practiced by Mahavira and other Jaina ascetics in their spiritual quests.[95]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Practices of severe self-discipline that lead to spiritual advancement and can contribute to the attainment of different body forms.[96]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Spiritual practices embraced by Dharmaghosha, reflecting discipline and detachment.[97]
The concept of Austerities in local and regional sources
Austerities encompass various disciplines involving self-denial, meditation, and strict self-discipline aimed at spiritual growth, highlighting themes of sacrifice and endurance to achieve higher consciousness, as demonstrated by figures like Rakhumabai and Tulsidas.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Practices or disciplines aimed at spiritual growth, typically involving self-denial.[98] (2) Practices of self-discipline and abstinence undertaken for spiritual growth and to achieve a higher state of consciousness.[99] (3) Severe self-discipline practiced by Tulsidas in his quest for divine manifestation.[100] (4) Practices of severe self-discipline and refraining from indulgence, which do not yield results without the name of Rama being included in one鈥檚 speech.[101] (5) Practices of self-discipline and endurance that Rakhumabai engaged in to purify herself and eliminate her faults.[102]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Spiritual practices followed by devotees at the temple of the Devas, requiring constant diligence.[103] (2) Strict self-discipline practices aimed at attaining spiritual goals, often through physical hardship.[104]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Spiritual practices undertaken by the Prince and the ascetics, indicating a theme of sacrifice and self-discipline.[105]