Monastic Life in The Tradition of Religions

In the Hindu tradition where Sanskrit is spoken, the meaning of “tapa” evolved into tapas meaning various austere spiritual practices or asceticism. In Buddhism, however, asceticism includes the practice of meditation and self-discipline. Asceticism is generally practiced in a secluded and quiet place with the aim of achieving liberation from the wheel of reincarnation and salvation (moksa).

In general, the founding fathers of religions practiced asceticism with a purpose that is in line with the meaning of the word above as well as deepening its meaning. As the founder of Judaism, Abraham is not said to have practiced asceticism. However, Moses, who can be called the co-founder of Judaism, did a kind of ascetic practice on Mount Horeb or Sinai. His ascetic practice was a process of self-discovery as the bearer of the mission of leading the Israelites out of Egypt to Canaan, and receiving the revelation of the ten commandments of God and the book of Torah for the people of Israel. In the subsequent development of the Jewish tradition, the practice of asceticism was applied under several names: hisbodedus, nazirite, therapeutae, levitical, prophetic community and esseni.

Hinduism is considered to have no founder because it was a way of life chosen by many communities in India starting in 2300 BC. However, it is characterized by ascetic practices, for example, Sri Khrisna Dvipayana Vyasa, the composer of the Bhagawadgita. From a young age he was called to live in the forest doing akhanda tapas (continuous penance). His tapas practice resulted in books full of Vedic wisdom such as the Brahma Sutras, Mahabharata, 18 puranas and Bhagavadgita. Hindu ascetics include yogis, sannyasi/swami and vairagi. Hindu ascetics are called Sadhu (monks) or Sadhvi (female ascetics). In Buddhism, it is said that Sidarta Gautama practiced asceticism either by becoming a beggar, dying under the guidance of a guru or meditating in the middle of the forest. The aim of his ascetic practice was to achieve enlightenment with an understanding of misery and nirvana, control of fear, and liberation/moksha.

Buddhist traditions generally practice communal asceticism in a community (monastery/sangha) and the ascetic is called a monk or nun. There are also those who meditate alone as sramana by becoming beggars or in Japan referred to as yamabushi who mostly live in the mountains and sohei, monks who specifically devote themselves as soldiers.

Before establishing Islam, Muhammad SAW in his teenage years had liked to retire to a cave on a hill called Jabal an-Nur to spend nights contemplating and praying, until at the age of 40, he received a revelation through the Angel Gabriel. Muhammad's purpose in seclusion was to seek tranquility and pray to Allah to annihilate disbelief and ignorance.

Islam prohibits the practice of celibate religious life, but there are groups of people who devote themselves to a special life as Sufis and Dervishes. In Indonesia the santri and their caretakers, the kiai, can also be classified in this context as they live a more strict religious life.

In the Christian tradition, the Gospels tell of Jesus going into widrawal in the wilderness. Jesus went into a solitary life (for 40 days) not of his own free will but brought by the Spirit received at his baptism. Jesus' reclusion was not because of a disease but because of the ecstasy of the fullness of the Holy Spirit and to show the power of God's wisdom / Word over the devil with his temptations, all of which were defeated by quoting the holy Bible. The Catholic Church recognizes several forms of consecrated life, for example: hermites or anchorites (solitary asceticism), cenobites (community asceticism), active monks and clergy.

Two Types of Ascetic Practices

Ascetic practices are not only applied for divine purposes but also for worldly or self-interested purposes. In this case it is often found that people ascend with the aim of being able to cooperate with supernatural beings to seek wealth, honor and supernatural or occult abilities to gain prosperity in life.

Thus there appear to be two kinds of ascetic practice, namely for a time and throughout life. Temporary asceticism is mostly done privately because of special intentions or divine grace. However, many also do it in groups through retreats or undergoing religious obligations (e.g. pilgrimage). Meanwhile, lifelong asceticism is a life choice believed to be a divine calling, as practiced by monks and nuns.