Followers of asceticism eschew worldly pleasures and encourage spiritual practice.
Asceticism ( [ əˈsɛtɪsɪzəm ] from the [ Wiktionary : ἄσκησις , ἄσκησις ] áskesis , `` exercise '' or `` training '' ) is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures , often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals . The practitioners of these religions eschewed worldly pleasures and led an abstinent lifestyle , in the pursuit of redemption , salvation or spirituality .