CHAPTER 8: thoughts and beliefs

asceticisme comparison of Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism
advances 

Asceticism is a process of devotion to God which the adherents of a particular religion to do anything of the suffering of their body outward. They do this just to achieve process we refer to as the Union or union with God. This process requires a very high sacrifice in everyday live where people of every religion will do a lot of suffering apparent as ravenous hunger, torture of the body and so on. The author explains the three religious asceticism in terms of Hiinduisme, Buddhism, and Christianity.

meaning of Asceticism 

Asceticismism word is derived from a Greek word that Arkesis that brings some meaning, which is a physical training (The Encyclopedia of Religion. 1987 sv "asceticism"). According to The New Encyclopedia of Britannica (1985 sv "asceticism"), formerly Ancient Greek society is ready for a physical competition like the Olympics or whatever nature through a variety of tough physical training also called asceticismism.

Asceticism is by definition, is any one practice or training with a purpose to deprive the physical requirements and psychology to achieve spiritual perfection. It is the desire of the body rejecting anything that is contrary to the spiritual principles of ethical thinking. According to Plato's belief, the desire of the body to be eliminated so that the soul will always feel free to get knowledge. This view was later supported by the Plotinus who became the founder of Neo-Platonism. Emmanuel Kant was involved in the process of achieving asceticismism moral welfare. If viewed at a glance, almost all religions have their spiritual asceticismisme process which is inherent in every human soul to achieve the main goal (The New Encyclopedia of Britannica. 1985 sv "asceticism").

This is because the word asceticismism too much discussed by researchers in the West, where their eyes look to the asceticism inherent in Hinduism, Christianity and other religions, they are regarded as an extreme asceticism in religion that rejects claims of physical and material things. In fact, the term asceticism is applied directly in any form of moral discipline, but this term many religions lead to negative actions. (The Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 1972, sv "asceticismism").

Asceticismisme in Religion 

Here will be explained briefly the aspects of various forms of asceticism inherent in most religions. Aspects which are sometimes referred to as the similarities between the religions. Among the aspects asceticismism done is:

1 The control of sex
Control of sex is called in The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1985) as the main thing that must exist in the life of the religious community among the earliest followers of Christianity because it was regarded as a high status among their communities. For those who are single are allowed to become priests or clergy in the Roman Catholic. Almost all organized religion for control over the clergy sex (Monk) (Kamariah Yusoff. 2002: 32)

2 Difficulties of Life
That way the people who practice this asceticismism morality in everyday live. They live by begging and they are not allowed to accumulate wealth and compassion only expect from others. Practices and how these are practiced by the Christians Fransisca and Hindu monks and Buddha (The New Encyclopedia of Britannica. 1985 sv "asceticism").

3 Fasting and Abstinence live always in Banning
This is the most common form in practice asceticismism. Primitive man was originally believed that all food is dangerous and required to keep away. Ancient Greek religious practitioners are-looking from meat, especially for the poor and vegetarian (Kamariah Yusoff. 2002: 33).

4 Neglect of personal hygiene
Asceticismism practitioner will let himself filled the dirt and dust on their bodies. They will also leave with no long nails trimmed and combed hair without tangles (The New Encyclopedia of Britannica. 1985 sv "asceticism").

More practice asceticism practiced by religions worldwide that make asceticism as their daily lives. This matter will be discussed and focused on Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.

Asceticismism in Hinduism

Aspects of asceticism is a very important aspect of Hinduism with their purpose for drawing near to God. They also emphasized this aspect in order for absolutely free themselves from the Law of Karma. Karma is a means of reckoning in Hindu law where people who do not keep themselves from evil in this world, they will be born again into the world of the future in which the lower castes from their current castes or lower castes of Priya or also in various forms such as animals and so on. As long as their lives have not been cleaned from impurities, the process will be repeated and can not be united with God. This process is called samsara (Bruce R. Reichenbach., 1990: 89). To escape from this Karma, Hindu religions must do asceticismism as many fast, awake at night, do not expect to die, punish yourself, always grieving and so that new they will achieve union with God. Besides, they also can not expect someone to die because when Hindus die, then they count will be resurrected to undergo the process of Karma. They should always look forward and aspire to be united with the Lord. (Ahmad Shalabi. 1981: 69).

The aspect that must be present in Hindu asceticism is Tapas, which is a form of meditation (hermitage) earnest and takes a very long time in order to develop and master the spiritual aspect in order to achieve atonement. Similarly, the behavior of suautu of Samadhi meditation done by anyone wishing to free themselves from a relationship with another person (Kamariah Yusoff. 2002: 35). The Brahmin divide their lives into ashramas, 4 stage level. It seeks to liberate ourselves from samsara. 4 levels are Brahmachari, Grahastha, Vanapranastha and Sannyasa (Wangu. 1991: 108-110).

Brahmachari is the one boys aged 8-11 years old to start learning the Vedas while serving with the teacher as helping teachers to carry water, prepare food and clean clothes. They would not be back with the directions of teachers until graduation (Patrick Burke. 1996: 32). Grahasta was most reaches adolescence already graduated and married. But he still needs to aspire to reach the next ashramas to leave the house (Wangu. 1991: 109). Vanapranastha also is the stage where a Hindu spend the rest of his life by doing meditation and worship to God (T. Patrick Burke 1996: 32). Sannyasa stage this was the fourth stage of the life of the Brahmin caste. They must leave their homes and families to serve in small huts or houses on the edge of the forest bad.

4 levels experienced on this is self-cleaning stage of a given concentration of worldly and spiritual aspects. This practice is cited by Dr. Ahmad Shalabi from the book Yoga Vasishtha (Ahmad Shalabi. 1981: 70 -71). The minions are:

1 People who want to attain higher knowledge should avoid sugary foods, meat, a fragrant smell, and mutually. Bercelak can not, do not wear shoes, and can not for menghindakan umbrella from rain or heat, prohibited also thinking about the direct provision.

2 When I'm old, family leave and be alone in the woods. Hair should be long, beard, mustache and nails are left long.

3 Meals can be taken only from the type of crops and fruits. Still banned from quoting from the tree, can only wait for the fall.

4 It should stay away from alcohol and meat

5 Do not think about physical relaxation. Forsake comfort, never approached his wife sleep on the hard ground and avoid a cozy place and the food is delicious.

Many other self torture instruction should be done by Hindu devotees to attain oneness with his god. The above is just a touch only a few aspects of Hindu meditation in Sannyasa.

In terms of asceticism in Thaipusam hand, emphasized what the kavadi as it is an important aspect of the festival of Thaipusam. Kavadi is a semi-circular bamboo wood with god murugan photo decorated with flowers, peacock feathers, banana leaf and others. Kavadi is very heavy and it brought the hope of the Lord Murugan will forgive our sins and take care of oneself. It relates to the payment of vows and show gratitude to God. Those who carry kavadi must walk a dozen miles barefoot and also punish the body with back and chest poked with sharp iron hanger decorated with lemon, tingling tongue, cheeks, chin with Vel. Sometimes they draw a heavy kavadi with steel hangers that have pierced the body while walking a dozen miles (Lawrence Babb. 1976: 6)

Desires liberation from this world needs is an honor because it will unite people with their Lord. According to Ahmad Shalabi (1981: 64), he cites this based on the Aranyaka of mentions:

"Anyone who has never wanted anything and nothing at all to disobedience, independent and free from the slavery of lust, well satisfied with himself, he returned to his senses and unite him with Brahma and became Him"

All done in the form of Hinduism include the control of sex, always living in hardship, fast, abstain from many things, neglecting personal hygiene, and physical torture in order to waive the physical requirements to achieve spiritual elevation in them. The examples above are carried on several aspects of asceticism in the process of releasing themselves from samsara to lead to eternal life. Actually many other aspects of life in the Hindu asceticism in which debate is too long to describe the author.

Asceticism according to Buddha

In Buddhism, they do not emphasize the divine. But always, the teachings of Buddhism emphasizes the goodness in life to achieve personal perfection. Nevertheless, the early Buddhists did not completely deny the existence of a Creator, they acknowledge that the great Brahma is considered powerful god created the universe, but they just do not emphasize the profound question of the divinity. This is because due to the goal of Buddhism asserts that man must liberate themselves from the shackles of suffering (inner). In fact, they say that the thought of God is a waste of time because it resulted in efforts to free themselves from suffering stunted (Edward Conze. 1959: 39).

The main purpose of Buddhism is only going to achieve nirvana, ie departure from the misery that exists in this world due to follow their desires. They go through some practice or we call a concept asceticismism in their religious practices. According to Schumann, the Buddhist belief in the life of this world is filled with suffering. There are a number of statements issued Buddhist Monk in front of five people in Isipatana (Schumann. T.th: 30), said:

"Birth is suffering, old age is suffering, sickness is suffering, death is suffering, sorrow, kesediahn, pain, misery, and despair are suffering, combined with something that is not liked is suffering, separated from a loved one is suffering, not achieved what is hoped is suffering "

Buddhism has a doctrine of which is the Supreme Truth Four (The Four Holy Truth) and Eight Street Highness (Noble Eightfold Path). It works to achieve and drivers towards the ultimate goal of Nirvana. Karma is (or called Kamma in Pali) is the act previously done with desire. It is related to the control of man in which every act of good will destroy evil effects (Ananda. WP Guruge., 1986). Therefore, all acts done by the demands of self-invented reward, whether good or bad. Rebirth is repeated several times as long as they do not achieve nirvana, by not doing any good deeds that can achieve nirvana, so long as they will always have the Karma. But Buddhism has set some way out of suffering to reach Nirvana. This aspect will be discussed asceticism inherent in Buddhism. Margaret Smith citing:

"Where does Nirvana consist? When th fire of lust is extinct, That is Nirvana, When the fire of hatred and infatuation are extinct, That is Nirvana: when pride, false belief and all other passions are extinct, That is Nirvana "(Margaret Smith. 1995: 61) .

In achieving this Nirvana, Buddhism uses a method asceticismism in earnest effort to get it. It is a requirement but is a must for those who believe in the teachings of the Buddha, and they will not be recognized as a Buddhist as long as no through road (Narasu. The essence of Buddhism. Pg. 161). Streets is what is the Noble Eight Road, doctrine focuses on moral and self-discipline, but it is not an incidental aspect but it is core to achieve. These are:

1 Right Understanding or Right View (Samma ditthi)
That is the view of life and belief in the truth. It means that when a Buddhist reach an understanding of what is referred to as a crime and what is referred to as the good. Some crimes are murder, theft, sodomy, cheating, defamation and other (Humphreys. 1951: 66).

2 Right Resolve (Samma Sankappa)
It is the determination of truth. That determination includes three things, the determination to get relief, the desire to make a determination for welfare and not doing any harm and endanger the lives of others (Schumann. 1973: 69).

3 Right Speech (Samma Vaca)
Speech is a speech that is free from any kind of offense, slander, foul language and pointless conversations (Harvey., 1990: 69).

4 Right Conduct (Samma Kammanta)
Behavior or act that is true, that is not committed murder, taking the rights of others, violate the limits of decency. A Buddhist have to go through this act to relieve the suffering of suffering to achieve Nirvana (Humphreys. 1951: 68)

5 Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva)
Style or way of life that is true. Refrain from destructive lifestyles, encouraging a living in a way that does not endanger yourself and others. Therefore unclean for the sale and purchase of weapons, meat, liquor and other (Harvey., 1990: 69)

6 Right Effort (Samma Vayama)
Effort or endeavor that is true. This is to avoid any act that is not good for one's mind. The most important exercise is to control the senses so clean and perfect man (Schumann. 1973: 71)

7 Right Awareness (Samma Sati)
That is a concern and awareness of the truth, which is the consciousness vigorously against the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects. It is a way to restore the sense of anxiety and restlessness.

8 Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi)
Concentration of mind is such concentration of mind that accompanied the awareness of things that eventually led immersion bath. In fact, this level is described as a stage where the mind and the human mind to achieve a deeper understanding of the common man (Guruge. 1975: 44).

Noble Eightfold Path apart from actually practicing Buddhism also other aspects asceticismism called Threefold Dicipline. It's not something different from the Noble Eightfold Path is there only have a little extra in this Dicipline Threefold doctrine. Threefold Dicipline but this can not be replaced by the Noble Eightfold Path is a key pillar asceticismism aspects that exist in Buddhism.

Christian Asceticism

In early Christianity, the sacrifice of the first physical perfection is known as Christianity. An expanded form of spiritual sacrifice among persons who are single (celibacy) in the locals called virgins or ascetic lifestyle seriously practice repentance and prayer. Then the group has moved from pagan and occupy a place. They kept practicing asceticism or certain as night vigil, fasting, feeling hot and cold, to escape from human comfort, quiet and contemplative, aloof and fight the evil influence of spiritual practice. (Http://carmelnet.org/larkin/larkin002.pdf)

Christian Asceticism old has added some new elements to the basic perspective, mainly an understanding of the humanity of Christ. A desire to feel the suffering of Jesus and hope to find the cause of Jesus in the world and travel to the holy penziarahannya. St. Francis of Assisi (m. 1226) the creation of the song but the meaning of existing nail scars on the body of Jesus from the cross (istigma) was first recorded in history, it explains or reflects the development of the new life that no longer can be controlled in the past Monastic structure.
(Http://carmelnet.org/larkin/larkin002.pdf)

In the early modern period, contemporary spiritual big movers - Ignatius of Layola, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis de Sales - continuing a strong tradition of asceticism. Members of protestant reformation (Christian sect) spread asceticism and reject some forms of traditional practices were mainly single and monkhood in order to announce reward purity kurianaan (Jesus).
(Http://carmelnet.org/larkin/larkin002.pdf)


Practice Christian Asceticism 

Although the practice of asceticism has long existed until thousands of years, but today this practice as understood by the Christian minority and do the exercises diligently by the much smaller. Practice of asceticism is needed is to ensure the physical part we stay healthy and in some ways we need for spiritual training that spiritiual life (spirituality) continued strong and healthy. Paul says when we do training on good practice or it is something that is beneficial to all. (Davis Noris. 2007: 155)

lTimothy4vs7 ... exercise yourself Toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise Profits a little, but it is profitable for all things, having promise of the life That now is and of That Which is to come.

Among the practices that need to be done by Christians to understand and to be united with their God was the first to read the Bible. Without reading the Bible difficult for Christians to deepen their understanding of God. A commitment to a spiritual life, they need to learn about the divine and life. God wants them to live instrument was Bible study. Bible is God's speech and it must be accepted and reliable overall. (Davis Noris. 2007: 160)

Both are doing rituals like prayer or worship. As well as reading the Bible, it is important for all Christians to interact with their Tuahn. Prayer is a spiritual conversation with God Tuahn and always want to listen to conversations in the express from the heart of His children. Prayer is a time to spend in communicating with God and a person will develop a spriritual much time is spent in worship or pray. The more a person is guilty of this practice the more he gets the character of his Lord. (Davis Noris. 2007: 168)

Among other things it also is with the practice of fasting. In Matthew verse 6, pages 16-17 statement made by Jesus showed that He mengaggap people will fast when He states, "When you fast ...". With fast they may shy away from food and drink for several days, to abstain from all food only at a certain time period or distance themselves from some form of food within a certain time. Care should be taken while fasting to ensure that the body is able to hold it and have to take the advice of a doctor when it comes to fasting. (Davis Noris. 2007: 165)

In the meantime also, Christians need to practice asceticism or meditation. Christian asceticism should be clearly distinguished from the western asceticism. They need to clean or clear their minds of all thoughts and need to be diligent in depth and also hanger themselves. In doing this practice, they seem to lose their identity and immersing yourself to connect with spiritual power. With Christian asceticism they often use the mind to think in about God, such as attributes, God speaking in the Bible, what he has done and promised to create. (Davis Noris. 2007: 170)

Which ultimately is worship (worship). It is focused on God and must be addressed solely to him. They were told in verse from John's gospel that they must worship God "in spirit and in truth"

John verse 4, page 24: God is spirit, and Those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Worship is purely spiritual practice that can be made by people who live solely on God. Worship is to teach them the truth about God, and it provides guidance on love and know God fully. However, before they do the liturgy, they should look back at their lives and repent of all sin. They also need to forgive anyone who wants their forgiveness. This is perfect for worship with a clean heart, soul, and mind the noble desire to be with God. (Davis Noris. 2007: 179)

Although there are some practitioners asceticismism the Christians do asceticismism practice as a whole, but the fact asceticismism Christian is actually not much discussed, but also does not cover the entire teachings found in Christianity. This is evidenced by Schmidt in his book. According to Schmidt (1999: 541) in Christianity, asceticismism actually not something that is emphasized, but less influential than other religions. For Christians, asceticismism is something that is defined as a leave of all kinds or forms of life or worldly practices and physical requirements. Asketikism in Christianity in general is to have some form of anataranya like living separately from the people who live in a group, or even leave life in a city and take the road to living in the forest. Basically, this fact is not something that is taught by a Christian, just that it is one of the efforts of the followers of Christianity for approximating yourself to Jesus.

The first figure of the early Christian world asceticismism practice is like Saint Antony. He is a living as a farmer, but he was an illiterate. From his biography can be seen that he was a practicing asketikism for taking the words of the Gospel, namely,

'If you want to be a perfect and sell everything that is yours (and other properties), sedekahkannya to the poor and follow me.' (Luke 18: 22)

According to Antony and the mysticism of the practice asceticismism after him, the world is as a barrier to humans, it is something that is considered to be protective of human nearness to God. These people recognize and believe that the act or practice is a fundamental practice in Christianity, and it is true that the practice should be followed by those who profess Christianity. In fact, the practices done in the church is less status than the practice that should be done by Christians that they asceticismism practice at the time. They intended to leave everything in the form and nature of the world, whether as married, collect treasures and so on, because it was purely enurutkan desires tempt mankind from following what Jesus taught and practiced. By the way do sacrifice as did their Lord, namely Jesus, who sacrificed themselves solely as slaves, in the same way as they do the same thing they hope to unite with God. Their theory also Schmidt again is equivalent to what is taught by the movement of the Neo-Platonism of The Flight of the Alone to the Alone. In the teachings of Neo-Platonism they explain the so-called asceticismism and explain the practices done. (Schmidt 1999: 541)

Actually what is practiced in Christian asceticismism this is not a teaching that Jesus commanded. According to Schmidt (1999: 540) Jesus never once leaving his message to his followers to leave the life of a material, and practice what awaits the day later. It is true according to Christian belief, Jesus was not married, but Jesus never told his followers not to marry, but not even any form or type of incentives referred or directed by Jesus to his followers to do so.

According to Margaret Smith (1995: 10-11), the tendency in practice asceticismism not start from the Christian doctrine itself but what we found is that it starts from the Jewish religion. John the Baptist was living a life of asceticism in the wilderness, and Therapeutae Essenes were a Jewish asceticism practitioners influenced by Hellenism. In Egypt, a group of those practicing asceticism in Fayoum is about the year 340 BC. Century Christianity 100 is adopting asceticism in their lives but they practiced asceticism is shaped like them to be athletic, to fight against the world, has a body that is very rough, and they resist any spiritual shaped like devils and jinn. Even in the world of Christian asceticism only in name only, the tendency to live independently and in isolation (seclusion) is an opportunity that used to live free from worldly overarching against themselves.

http://cetusangagasanilmiyyah.blogspot.com/2011/11/perbandingan-asceticisme-dalam-hindu.html