Samanism

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Samanism - (Shramana) The exact dates of its origin are unknown, but its place of origin is near what we now call India. However, their methodology, mild asceticism, comes from the Greek Orthodox Church, who would preach to avoid sex, meat, alcohol and ostentatious clothing Two of Samanism's famous leaders are Mahavira and Gotama Buddha.

A Samana (or Shraman/Saman) is a wondering monk living by the principles of ascetism with goal of escaping samsara - the cycle of rebirth. Specifically, they seek abstinence from various sorts of worldly pleasures by refraining themselves from sensual pleasures and material wealth. It is not that a Samana must shun themselves from the enjoyment of life, but rather the final goal are often impeded buy such indulgence.

While he was a Samana, Siddhartha (character from novel) "had one single goal - to become empty, to become empty of thirst, desire, dreams, pleasure and sorrow - to let the Self die. He "practiced self-denial and meditation according to the Samana rules" (With the Samanas) He also learns to "think, wait, and fast". In the novel, Siddhartha eventually reaches enlightenment at Madhyamaka, or the Middle Way, one of the central organizing principles of the philosophy of future ascetics. Even though Siddhartha at first hoped that extreme asceticism (being with the Samanas) would bring him enlightenment, he noticed later that it is merely an impediment to ultimate freedom (Nirvana) from suffering (Samsara). Hence, he chose later a path which would meet the needs of the body without crossing into luxury or indulgence.