Editing Monasticism (section)

==Hinduism==
{{See also|Dashanami Sampradaya|Matha|Sādhanā}}
[[File:Shankaracharyas_meet_together.jpg|thumb|A meeting of various [[Shankaracharya]] – heads of monasteries called [[matha]]s in the [[Advaita Vedanta]] tradition. The title derives from [[Adi Shankara]], an eighth-century CE reformer of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="Aditya Thakur">{{cite news|title=Just A Handful Of Hindus Know Adi Shankaracharya Revived Their Religion|url=http://topyaps.com/just-handful-hindus-know-adi-shankaracharya-revived-religion|access-date=16 May 2014|newspaper=Topyaps|date=1 November 2014|author=Aditya Thakur|archive-date=3 May 2014|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503043917/http://topyaps.com/just-handful-hindus-know-adi-shankaracharya-revived-religion}}</ref>]]
In their quest to attain the [[spirituality|spiritual]] goal of life, some Hindus choose the path of monasticism ([[Sannyasa]]). Monastics commit themselves to a life of [[simplicity]], [[celibacy]], detachment from worldly pursuits, and the contemplation of God.<ref>Swami Bhaskarananda, ''Essentials of Hinduism'' 112 (Viveka Press 1994) {{ISBN|1-884852-02-5}}</ref> A Hindu monk is called a ''sanyāsī'', ''sādhu'', or ''swāmi''.<ref>[[R.S. McGregor]], ''The Oxford Hindi-English Dictionary'' (5th ed. 1999) {{ISBN|0-19-563846-8}}</ref> A nun is called a ''sanyāsini'', ''sādhvi'', or ''swāmini''. Such renunciates are accorded high respect in Hindu society, because their outward renunciation of selfishness and worldliness serves as an inspiration to householders who strive for ''mental'' renunciation. Some monastics live in monasteries, while others wander from place to place, trusting in God alone to provide for their physical needs.<ref>Alex Michaels, ''Hinduism: Past and Present'' 316 (Princeton 1998) {{ISBN|0-691-08953-1}}</ref> It is considered a highly meritorious act for a lay devotee to provide [[sadhu]]s with food or other necessaries. [[Sādhu]]s are expected to treat all with respect and compassion, whether a person may be poor or rich, good or wicked. They are also expected to be indifferent to praise, blame, pleasure, and pain.<ref>Swami Bhaskarananda, ''Essentials of Hinduism'' 112 (Viveka Press 1994) {{ISBN|1-884852-02-5}}.</ref> A sādhu can typically be recognized by his ochre-colored clothing. Generally, [[Vaisnava]] monks shave their heads except for a small patch of hair on the back of the head, while [[Saivite]] monks let their hair and beard grow uncut.

A ''sādhu's'' vow of renunciation typically forbids him from:
* owning personal property apart from a bowl, a cup, two sets of clothing and medical aids such as eyeglasses;
* having any contact with, looking at, thinking of or even being in the presence of women;
* eating for pleasure;
* possessing or even touching money or valuables in any way, shape or form;
* maintaining personal relationships.