<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">asceticism</topic></authority><related type="broader"><topic>religious ideologies</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>ascetic</topic></variant> <note xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ Refers to the practice of self-control and self-denial as an act of religious devotion and a means of achieving greater spiritual awareness; it is found in different forms and to different extents in all religions. Ascetic practices include fasting, a solitary life, meditation, celibacy, the renunciation of possessions, and the mortification of flesh. ]]></note></mads>