{{stub}} '''Asceticism''' is the practice of self-denial (i.e., control of one's [[passions]] and base impulses) for the sake of the Kingdom. The practice of asceticism - called ascesis - is most often associated exclusively with [[monasticism]], although all the faithful are exhorted to practice lesser forms of ascesis through the Church's regimen of [[prayer]], [[fasting]], and repentance. The word "ascetic" comes from the Greek root ἀσκητικός, which is turn is from the verb ἀσκέω, meaning "I train." The Apostle [[Paul]] likens the Christian life of prayer and repentance to training for various sporting events (1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 4:7). As such, the methods of ascesis should not be used as ends to themselves, but as means to the end of [[salvation]], the "prize" which the Apostle mentions in First Corinthians. Some forms of ascesis take a much more austere - even seemingly unhealthy - appearance than others, for instance Stylitism, in which the ascetic stands on a high pillar or tree for a prolonged period of time.
