ascetics

Both were called ascetics, from their being entirely devoted to the most perfect exercises of mortification and prayer, according to the import of the Greek word.

The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March

Recreation, therefore, is not to be regarded as an evil in itself -- Men at different times have so regarded it. (_a_) Those who have been termed ascetics in the Church of Rome looked upon every form of amusement as sinful.

Life and Conduct

Others resent the idea of ascetics seeking enlightenment in the comfort of their tax-free temples at a time when a severe recession has caused massive layoffs, a spike in suicides, and worries over a bleak future.

The Sydney Morning Herald News Headlines

Among them there was also some food -- the produce of the wilderness -- such as ascetics liked and took.

The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 4 Books 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18

It is all over with those religions which place their trust in gods, Providences, rational orders of the universe, miracles, and sacraments, as is also the case with certain types of holy lives, such as ascetics; for we only too easily conclude that such people are the effects of sickness and an aberrant brain.

We Philologists Complete Works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Volume 8

"ascetics" are feared in India, but not respected, and our children, no longer fearing them, are apt to show their scorn.

India and the Indians

XX, 291-4) mentions among the "ascetics" the greatest pontiffs of the first ages, St. Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Polycarp, and others.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 12: Philip II-Reuss

Significantly, among the most ardent ascetics in the “black freedom movements” were whites.

A Renegade History of the United States

Similarly, the history of Hinduism suggests a creative tension between asceticism and sensuality, and yields a range of female prototypes from earthy deities and single mothers to polyandrous queens and naked poet-ascetics who spurn domesticity.

The Hindus: An Alternative History by Wendy Doniger – review

In this feature film, Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer, Dr. Chumley and his collaborator, Father John McGuckin, have provided an unprecedented, insiders' view into the lives of contemporary Christian ascetics, athletes of spiritual struggle.

Scott Cairns: Mysteries Of The Jesus Prayer