Asceticism: a profitable deal or the temptation of evil, what you are willing to give up and what you can get in return

Asceticism is a modern term that is more prevalent on TikTok than on the walls of monasteries. Some proclaim: “I’m giving up sugar for 21 days for love,” while others choose to ignore social networks, hoping for the wisdom of the Universe. But do these restrictions bring results? And most importantly, what does the practice of asceticism mean? Is it a spiritual exercise or just an attempt to bargain with invisible forces?

Asceticism is a conscious limitation of oneself in something essential to achieve something greater: inner strength, the fulfillment of desires, or raising consciousness, if you are from elite esotericism. The word comes from the Greek “askēsis”, which means “training”. In ancient times, this method was used to temper the spirit, practiced by monks, yogis, and hermits, who consciously renounced comfort to achieve spiritual development.

Today, asceticism has taken on new forms. Now it is taken not only for enlightenment, but also for material achievements – from new relationships to career advancements.

There is no single recipe for effective asceticism, like in movies where participants perform magical rituals. But if you want it to work, follow a few fundamental principles:

Clear intention. Define a specific desire. For example, “I want to find a worthy partner for a serious relationship,” and not “I want love, wealth, and fame.”

Specific restriction. Choose something that you are addicted to, but that will not harm you, for example, giving up sweets or limiting the time spent on social networks.

Set a deadline. The minimum period is 21 days, optimally – about 40. The main thing is not to set yourself more than you can withstand.

Formula of intention. You can formulate this out loud or in writing, for example: “In the name of my desire, I refuse (specify what) for (specify the term)”.

Asceticism is not only about the inner world, but also about energy. With the help of restrictions, you compress the energy of your pleasures for one purpose, like a powerful spring. However, be aware that if you limit yourself thoughtlessly, you may lose more than you gain.

Do not forget that asceticism is not just a sacrifice. It is an act of power, which takes the form of internal transformation. If you approach this process with the determination to change something in your life, you will not only achieve the desired result but also gain an internal strength that will last for a long time.