A lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures is practiced by monks.
Asceticism -LRB- -LSB- əˈsɛtɪsɪzəm -RSB- from the -LSB- Wiktionary  : ασκησις , ασκησις -RSB- askesis , `` exercise '' or `` training '' -RRB- is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures , often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals .. Ascetics may withdraw from the world for their practices or continue to be part of their society , but typically adopt a frugal lifestyle , characterised by the renunciation of material possessions and physical pleasures , and time spent fasting while concentrating on the practice of religion or reflection upon spiritual matters .. Asceticism is classified into two types .. `` Natural asceticism '' consists of a lifestyle where material aspects of life are reduced to utmost simplicity and a minimum but without maiming the body or harsher austerities that make the body suffer , while `` unnatural asceticism '' is defined as a practice that involves body mortification and self infliction of pain such as by sleeping on a bed of nails .. Asceticism has been historically observed in many religious traditions , including Buddhism , Christianity , Hinduism , Jainism and Judaism .. religious. religious. Buddhism. Buddhism. Christianity. Christianity. Hinduism. Hinduism. Jainism. Jainism. Judaism. Judaism. Mainstream Islam has lacked asceticism , except for its minority Sufi sect whose long tradition has included strict asceticism .. Islam. Islam. The practitioners of these religions eschewed worldly pleasures and led an abstinent lifestyle , in the pursuit of redemption , salvation or spirituality .. redemption. Redemption ( theology ). salvation. salvation. spirituality. spirituality. Asceticism is seen in the ancient theologies as a journey towards spiritual transformation , where the simple is sufficient , the bliss is within , the frugal is plenty .