eremitic
Living in isolation
Eremitic describes a life of religious seclusion and solitary contemplation, like that of a hermit.
The word applies to those who withdraw from society for spiritual purposes, living in isolation rather than in monastic communities.
The desert fathers of early Christianity pursued an eremitic existence in the Egyptian wilderness.
It contrasts with cenobitic, which describes monks living together in communities.
One choosing isolation
- isolationComplete separation from others
- seclusionVoluntary withdrawal from society
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- alonenessState of being solitary
reclusiveness · solitary · alone · quietude · privacy · remote · cloistered · secluded
Underground hollow in rock
- cellBasic unit of life
- desertTo leave behind completely
- wildernessUncultivated, uninhabited natural region
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
anchorhold · grotto · hut · shelter · mountain · refuge · hideaway · sanctuary
Trained self-control or specialty
- abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
- self-denialRestraining one's own desires
- austerityEnforced economic stringency
- frugalityEconomical resource management
simplicity · renunciation · fasting · mortification · penance · temperance · self-restraint · self-abnegation
Sustained reflective attention
- meditationFocused attention practice
- prayerAddress to deity
- mysticismPursuit of divine union
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
piety · enlightenment · transcendence · ascent · vision · union · sanctity · holiness
recluse
One choosing isolation
- isolationComplete separation from others
- seclusionVoluntary withdrawal from society
- withdrawalAct of taking away
aloneness · reclusiveness · solitary · alone · quietude · privacy · remote · cloistered · secluded · undisturbed
cave
Underground hollow in rock
- cellBasic unit of life
- desertTo leave behind completely
- wildernessUncultivated, uninhabited natural region
retreat · anchorhold · grotto · hut · shelter · mountain · refuge · hideaway · sanctuary · hovel
discipline
Trained self-control or specialty
- abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
- self-denialRestraining one's own desires
- austerityEnforced economic stringency
frugality · simplicity · renunciation · fasting · mortification · penance · temperance · self-restraint · self-abnegation · continence
contemplation
Sustained reflective attention
- meditationFocused attention practice
- prayerAddress to deity
- mysticismPursuit of divine union
devotion · piety · enlightenment · transcendence · ascent · vision · union · sanctity · holiness · divine
monk
Cloistered religious devotee
cloister · convent · priory · vows · novitiate · habit · order · cenobite · Desert Fathers · Carmelite
Anthony
Masculine given name
marabout · yogi · fakir · Thoreau · anchoress · Julian of Norwich