CultureJuly 8, 2026
abstinence
/ˈæbstɪnəns/
Definition
The practice of refraining from certain pleasures or substances, such as meat and alcohol, as a form of self-discipline or religious asceticism.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'abstinentia', which comes from 'abstinere', meaning 'to hold back' or 'withhold'. It entered Middle English through Old French to describe the act of restraining oneself from indulgence.
In the news
In this article, the word refers to the traditional Buddhist practice of avoiding meat and alcohol to eliminate distractions and maintain an earnest focus on spiritual training. It highlights that shōjin ryōri is rooted in these self-disciplined choices rather than just being simple vegetarianism.
Shōjin Ryōri: Japanese Vegetarian Food from the Heart
Read the full article ↗nippon.com