define psychological term asceticism
In Christianity, Francis of Assisi and his followers practiced extreme acts of asceticism. Asceticism (/ÉËsÉtÉªsÉªzÉm/; from the Greek: á¼ÏÎºÎ·ÏÎ¹Ï Ã¡skesis, exercise or training) is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals.