Ascetics are individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from various forms of indulgence, often for spiritual or religious reasons. This lifestyle is commonly associated with various religious traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Ascetics may engage in practices such as fasting, meditation, and renouncing material possessions to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and their beliefs. The goal of asceticism is often to attain spiritual enlightenment or a closer connection to the divine. Many ascetics live in solitude or in communities dedicated to their practices, focusing on simplicity and self-control. Notable ascetic figures include Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, and Saint Anthony, an early Christian hermit.