Asceticism In Hindu, Jain, And Buddhist Religions By Harold Coward

Asceticism is very important dimension of the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religions. Asceticism indicates a religious life; usually conducted in a community under a common rule and characterized by celibacy and poverty and obedience. Asceticism is the practice of self-denial in an attempt to draw closer to God. It may include such controls as fasting, wearing simple or uncomfortable clothing, sleep deprivation, and in extreme forms, and self-mutilation. The act of denying yourself and controlling your impulses. Each of these three religions have there own beliefs and there own way to practice asceticism.
In the book "Reading in eastern religions" by Harold Coward, there is a lot of information on asceticism in the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions. …show more content…
Jainism inspires fasting, yoga practice, and meditations. For the people who are Jainism, the most important thing for them is moksha meaning a cycle of birth, which is similar to Hindu and Buddhist religions. Only monks and nuns can achieve the five great vows, which are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity) and Aparigraha (Non-attachment). In this story "The son of Mriga", about a king Balabhadra and the queen Mriga in the town of Sugriva, their son Balashri, known as Mrigaputra is very loved by this mother and father; he is a crown prince a future lord of ascetic. He also has a wife and a kid; they live in a palace in Nandana. One day he was standing at the window and the floor was inlaid with precious stones and jewels and he saw a shramana passing by who practiced penance, self-restraint and self-control. The prince Mrigaputra was trying to remembers where he might have seen that man before. All of the sudden he remembers his birth came upon him as he was plunged in doubt. He realized that he was once a shramana. Later he tells his parent "I have learned the five great vows, the suffering in the hell or in an existence as a Brite, I have ceased to take delight in the large ocean, therefore, o mother, allow me to enter the order" (Coward 104). Then he keeps on convincing his parent on he is who he is and he have to be who he is and he is ready to leave his family to be who he is. His parents said, “I shall imitate this life of animals.” “Well, my son, as you please.” “I shall imitate this life of animals. Which makes one free from all misery, if you will permit me.” “Go, my son, as you please.” (Coward 108). With his parents permission he gave up all his