Asceticism, as set'e sizm, signified among ancient philosophers the mastery of the desires and passions. It exercised a great influence over the early Christians, who practiced fasting and self-denial. Later, among the monks, it took the form of self-torture, penance and vows of poverty and celibacy; and even a disregard of personal cleanliness was considered as an aid to a holy life. Among the Protestants of to-day the objection to card-playing, the theater and dancing, as well as the teaching of total abstinence, vegetarianism and other restrictions, may be the result of ascetic tendencies. The Reformation, in its teaching that salvation was acquired through faith and not works, produced a great change in ascetic practices. Even among the Mohammedans and Catholics, fastings and self-sacrifice are growing less rigorous. See MONACHISM.