The Rubinshteinic Introduction to Asceticism and a Directory
- Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein
- Jul 25, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Articles on Asceticism:
The Rubinshteinic Introduction to Asceticism
Asceticism, in its essence, represents a deliberate pursuit of freedom.
Although biological imperatives necessitate a degree of dependence on external products for survival, an ascetic lifestyle fosters independence from seductions and addictions that can enslave the individual, and which weakens the power of his or her mind.
This materialistic slavery manifests as a dependency on external stimuli, hindering one's capacity for autonomous action, and fostering internal conflict.
Freedom, in ascetic contexts, signifies liberation from these dependencies. The ascetic mind, by comparison, is stronger, and can be seen as more competent when it comes to critical thinking, passionate work, and the ability to perform tasks usually done by several people (AKA, being a real-life "one man army")
Concepts such as financial materialism, unchecked hedonism, obsessive behaviors, megalomania, greed, and sloth exemplify this form of enslavement. While a superficial, materially-focused perspective might perceive these as the TRUE avenues to freedom -- a deeper examination reveals a different reality.
Consider the acts of addiction. Can addiction truly be classified as freedom? While the initial choice may be autonomous, the physiological and psychological dependence undermines true liberty. Freedom, therefore, isn't just a matter of choice, but also a matter of willpower.
Asceticism is a format which allows you to make your willpower stronger.
The pursuit of fleeting joy through such means often leads to addiction, a state characterized by an insatiable craving that dictates behavior. This pursuit masks an underlying servitude of a weaker mind, who deadlocks itself on the same activity without necessarily developing the habit of looking both ways when it comes to its actions.
Modern society often encourages a similar deception, equating freedom with the acquisition of diverse experiences and material possessions.
The idea of endless entertainment, culinary variety, and travel destinations can foster a relentless desire for novelty. However, this very passion for variety can become a form of enslaved bondage.
The more we crave, the more susceptible we become to the tyranny of our desires – constantly seeking the next experience, the next acquisition.
This perpetual cycle of wanting transforms into an addiction, and no addict can truly be the master of their own destiny.
To attain greater freedom, we must consciously reduce our dependencies, not increase them.
The idea that we are free just because we choose to increase our dependencies on so many things and people, is a deceptive notion. In reality, we just surrender ourselves to the tyranny of circumstance, instead of acting beyond it.
While complete independence may be an unattainable ideal, minimizing our reliance on external sources, empowers us to look within ourselves, and use our potential in innovative and creative ways.
Innovation and originality are the hallmarks of true freedom.
Asceticism provides a framework for this reduction of external dependencies.
It advocates for a life centered on the fundamental necessities for survival, both physical and mental, stripping away superfluous desires that give away our power to other people.
For instance, cutting your own hair instead of going to the hairdresser, is a product of such freedom.
While the definition of "necessity" may be subject to individual interpretation, the pursuit of knowledge and personal development can be considered vital to one's true freedom.
Knowledge enhances our capacity to navigate the world and secure our survival. Under asceticism, much knowledge can already be found by listening to our intuition and to our hearts.
Similarly, self-actualization can be more possible under an ascetic mentality, and not necessarily under a collective one.
When you surrender yourself to the desires of the collective framework, you may also surrender your creative freedoms, and most importantly: the freedom to be yourself.
Additionally, many behaviors such related to addiction, while potentially offering fleeting pleasure, ultimately undermine our well-being by harming our overall health.
Even workaholism, which is supposed to be good for society, can just be a way to conceal one's hidden suffering.
The momentary gratification derived from such activities often comes at the cost of physical or mental health and erodes inner peace, leading us to a state of perpetual dissatisfaction.
While power over others is a necessary evil of social structures, its unchecked pursuit can lead to delusion and a distorted sense of self-worth. As such, power corrupts, and power corrupts absolutely.
Therefore, cultivating a degree of intentional monotony/training can be a pathway to liberation from temptations that might lead to a corrupt view on reality.
By reducing our dependence on external sources for satiation and satisfaction we free ourselves from their potentially-distorting influence on our views on who we really are (AKA, not only other people, but ourselves as well).
The contrast between a monk finding contentment in simple sustenance and an addict perpetually seeking novel and stimulating experiences, can highlight your understanding of this article. The monk's path to contentment is far short, and simpler, than that of the addict.
Similarly, the enduring happiness found in genuine human connection stands in deep contrast to the fleeting satisfaction sought by those trapped in a cycle of seeking new romantic adventures.
Furthermore, the relentless pursuit of external validation can lead to unforeseen vulnerabilities and ultimately undermine well-being as well.
In general, it seems that much of our pursuits in life, as endless as they may appear, are there to conceal deeper suffering that goes un-addressed.
Asceticism, when not done under extremely-dangerous measures, can be a healthy and empowering practice that diminishes the temptation to sensation-driven loops. By actively reducing desire, not increasing it, asceticism becomes the embodiment of liberty resisting the tyranny of external stimuli.
An ascetic lifestyle can therefore be seen "meta-loop", one that has the potential to break free from all other self-destructive cycles, that conceal our repressed suffering and prevent us from becoming the ideal versions of ourselves.
As beings inherently driven to survive and find meaning in our existence, asceticism can also offer an interesting, solitary journey into the self, where we might become "self-professors"
Finally, the anecdote of Mahatma Gandhi, finding profound freedom within the confines of a prison cell, illustrates the concept of true ascetic freedom.
His liberation stemmed not from external indulgence but from an internal alignment with his beliefs and a detachment from worldly desires.
This contrasts with the "freedom" of a perpetually restless individual, merely perceived as free for being outside prison, but being restless nonetheless, constantly chasing fleeting pleasures.
This highlights the profound truth that true liberation often lies not in external acquisition but in internal mastery.
Through asceticism, we can know that true freedom comes from within.
Finally, to quote the Buddha, let the truth be your refuge. The truth rests inside of you.
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