St. Jerome had used the term "white martyrdom" for those such as desert hermits who aspired to the condition of martyrdom through strict asceticism.

They fasted and prayer together in a continuous fashion as the ideal Sufi, practicing very strict asceticism.

Later he went to the town of Béjaïa where he practiced very strict asceticism and acquired an honorable reputation for his knowledge.

Eventually he settled near Antioch where he lived a very strict asceticism and became known for his holiness.

She was a hermit and followed a life dedicated to strict asceticism for some sixty years.

It was this strict asceticism that made Martin Luther judge him so severely.

The origin of this practice is traced back to a yamabushi who obtained this art while undergoing strict asceticism on Mount Kinpu.

Anthony became well known in the area for his strict asceticism.

Despite the strict asceticism preached through Buddhism, it's clear that the craftsmen employed were given free rein regarding their joyous sensuality.

In the years 1147 to 1152 Elizabeth suffered recurrent disease, anxiety and depression as a result of her strict asceticism.