FALSE AUSTERITY

When austerity is undertaken with full faith and concentrated mind, without longing for results, but only for the sake of God, it is said to be “in goodness.”

When, on the other hand, austerity is undertaken for the purpose of getting praise from others, such as “He is a great ascetic,” or with the aim of receiving bodily respect, such as having people stand up when the person approaches, or for the purpose of gaining mental respect which would manifest in the future as, for example, gifts of money, then the austerity is in what is called the mode of passion and is considered false austerity.

Similarly, when austerity is performed out of blind attachment and foolishness, causing pain to oneself or others, or with the objective of harming or destroying others, the austerity is in the mode of ignorance and is likewise considered false austerity.