Mortification of the flesh

Mortification of the flesh literally means "putting the flesh to death". The term is primarily used in religious and spiritual contexts. The institutional and traditional terminology of this practice in Catholicism is corporal mortification.

In its simplest form, it can mean merely denying oneself certain pleasures, such as by abstaining from alcoholic beverages, pornography and fornication. It can also be practiced by choosing a simple or even impoverished lifestyle; this is often one reason many monks of various religions take vows of poverty. In some of its more severe forms, it can mean causing self-inflicted pain and physical harm, such as by beating, whipping, piercing, or cutting.

See also self-punishment

Various forms of self-denial or voluntary suffering are practised in various ways by members of many religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam (only in Sufism and Shi'a Islam).

See also

• Flagellant
• Castigation
• Cilice
• Sackcloth
• Hairshirt

This page may contain information from (or links to) www.WikiPedia.org under GFDL license Jump to: Main Page • Micropedia • Macropedia • Icons • Time Line • History • Life Lessons • Links • Help
Chat rooms • What links here • Copyright info • Contact information • Category:Root