A monk practices asceticism.
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 . A monk ( [ mʌŋk ] , from μοναχός , monachos , `` single , solitary '' and Latin monachus ) is a person who practices religious asceticism by monastic living , either alone or with any number of other monks . A monk may be a person who decided to dedicate his life to serving all other living beings , or to be an ascetic who voluntarily chooses to leave mainstream society and live his or her life in prayer and contemplation .