A monk completely avoids practicing a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures.
Asceticism ( [ əˈsɛtɪsɪzəm ] from the [ Wiktionary : ἄσκησις , ἄσκησις ] áskesis , `` exercise '' or `` training '' ) is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures , often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals . Ascetics may withdraw from the world for their practices or continue to be part of their society , but typically adopt a frugal lifestyle , characterised by the renunciation of material possessions and physical pleasures , and time spent fasting while concentrating on the practice of religion or reflection upon spiritual matters . The practitioners of these religions eschewed worldly pleasures and led an abstinent lifestyle , in the pursuit of redemption , salvation or spirituality .