Asceticism in Buddhism and HinduismAsceticism is derived from the Greek word "asceticism", meaning practice, bodily exercise and sports training (Cambell). Early Christians adopted this concept to predict spiritual things in order to acquire habits of virtue. Virtue is behavior that demonstrates high moral standards. There is also natural asceticism in the sense that it aims at personal development and directly targets natural virtues such as temperance, patience and chastity. The following will explain what asceticism is, why asceticism is practiced, and the nature of asceticism practices in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Practicing asceticism is an attempt in one's life to achieve various goals, such as working on the inner self in one's "whole" to achieve liberation and self-mastery. Even the ancient Greeks practiced asceticism; the athletes who participated in the Olympic Games disciplined themselves in order to escape common pleasure. Having attachment to material things meant that one could not focus on the important things that needed to be done. Athletes who abstained from normal pleasure were able to achieve a mental focus that helped them think through the daily tasks at hand. The Sophists, who were teachers, writers, and lecturers, taught others the concept of asceticism (Eliot). These ascetic trainers were paid in exchange for the service they provided. Asceticism among Buddhists and Hindus is a form of expression practiced throughout the world in many different backgrounds and religions. Additionally, the ancient Israelites refrained from sexual intercourse when going to war in order to maintain the mentality of the situation (Cambell). Askesis, derived from the word asceticism, is ex...... middle of paper ......c. 2013. Campbell, Thomas. "Asceticism." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Flight. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. December 9, 2013. Devinda, Monk. The 13 ascetic practices. NP, 2007. Web. December 9, 2013. .Ed. Jayram VNp, 2013. The web. December 10, 2013. .Eliot, Sir Charles. HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM. 1921. Vol. 1. London: ROUTLEDGE & KEGAN PAUL LTD, 1954. 3 vols. library of wisdom. Internet. December 9, 2013. .Lanman, Charles R. “Hindu Ascetics and Their Powers.” xlvi. Print.Queen, Christopher. "Asceticism." Scholarly Journals 49.1 (1999): 75-78. Internet. December 9. 2013.