Monthly Archives: August 2023

The Ascetic’s Hermitage

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Vajragoni

Kindly take note that the major content in this blog has been freely paraphrased from the exceptional literary work of Kazi K. Ashraf, The Hermit’s Hut Architecture and Asceticism in India, University of Hawaii Press 2013. It is my belief … Continue reading →

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The Heat of the Matter

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Vajragoni

As stated in the opening blog of this series Spiritual-Heat, or Tapas, is generated when utilized for spiritual rejuvenation; tapas is always a self-imposed and voluntary type of asceticism, rather than a natural occurring one. These voluntary practices may entail … Continue reading →

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Obsidere

Posted on August 19, 2023 by Vajragoni

External forces, especially those arising from demonic sources, pose significant challenges for individuals on the Ascetic journey. These relentless assaults are among the most formidable barriers to be overcome. The Latin translation of “to besiege” was occasionally expressed as obsidere. … Continue reading →

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St. Antony of Egypt

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Vajragoni

The most renowned of all western desert solitaries was St. Antony of Egypt (251-356 CE). He was a disciple of St. Paul of Thebes and began to live an ascetic lifestyle at the age of 20 and 15 years later … Continue reading →

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Asceticism

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Vajragoni

  Asceticism has been discussed in several articles throughout this blog, but I am taking a much broader look at the subject in this series, incorporating aspects of both Eastern and Western thought. The concept of ascesis, derived from the … Continue reading →

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