fakirism

Fakirism is a spiritual practice found in several religions, most notably Islam and Hinduism, though similar ascetic traditions exist in other faiths. The term "fakir" itself originates from the Arabic word for "poor" and generally refers to a Muslim mystic or dervish who has renounced worldly possessions and comforts. Fakirs often engage in ascetic practices, such as fasting, solitude, and self-mortification, as a means of seeking spiritual enlightenment and closeness to God. These practices can include prolonged periods of prayer, meditation, and sometimes dramatic physical feats designed to transcend the material world.

In Hinduism, the equivalent concept is often associated with sadhus or yogis who follow paths of renunciation and austerity. Their practices may involve extreme forms of physical discipline, such as holding limbs in fixed positions for extended periods, enduring harsh weather conditions, or consuming minimal food and water. The underlying motivation is typically a pursuit of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, through spiritual discipline and detachment from worldly desires. While some fakirs and sadhus achieve renown for their asceticism and perceived spiritual powers, it is important to distinguish these practices from theatrical performances or medical claims often misrepresented as fakirism in popular culture. The core of fakirism lies in its spiritual and devotional dimension.