asceticism

This term describes a rigorous lifestyle of self-denial, often associated with a pursuit of spiritual purity or moral perfection. It carries a connotation of austerity and intentional hardship, distinguishing it from simple frugality or poverty, which may be involuntary. The focus is on the active rejection of worldly pleasures to achieve a higher state of consciousness or devotion.

As an uncountable noun, asceticism refers to a general practice or philosophy rather than a discrete object. It cannot be pluralized to describe multiple instances of the practice; instead, one would refer to different forms of asceticism or specific ascetic practices to denote variety.