Asceticism

n. abstinence and self-denial for the purpose of spiritual discipline

Ascetic redirects here. You might also be looking for acetic acid. The term should not be confused with aestheticism. Asceticism describes a life characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures (austerity). Those who practice ascetic lifestyles often perceive their practices as virtuous and pursue them to achieve greater spirituality. Many ascetics believe the action of purifying the body helps to purify the soul, and thus obtain a greater connection with the Divine or find inner peace. This may take the form of self-mortification, rituals or renunciations of pleasure. However, ascetics maintain that self-imposed constraints bring them greater freedom in various areas of their lives, such as increased clarity of thought and the ability to resist potentially destructive temptations.
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Noun
1. the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state
(hypernym) doctrine, philosophy, philosophical system, school of thought, ism
2. the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)
(synonym) austerity, nonindulgence
(hypernym) self-discipline, self-denial
(hyponym) monasticism
3. rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint
(synonym) ascesis
(hypernym) self-denial, self-discipline, self-control

(n.)
The condition, practice, or mode of life, of ascetics.
  

Ascetic, Asceticism Originally exercise, practice, applied to monastic discipline and self-mortification, very much as was the Sanskrit tapas. But the true ascetic is not one who mortifies his passions, abuses his body, or suppresses his instincts, but one whose earthly desires have been consumed or transformed in the fire of devotion and knowledge. It is used in The Secret Doctrine with special reference to Siva, the "Great Ascetic," and to kumaras who have maintained their purity by refusing to create.