Editing Asceticism

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Disambig header|the practices involving asceticism in general|the Sangheili group|ascetics}}
'''Asceticism''' is a form and variation of [[Forerunner]] worship among the [[Covenant]] way of creed, involving a variety of practices, including humbling oneself before Forerunner technologies. Asceticism is followed in different forms by both the [[Sangheili]] and many [[San'Shyuum]] in diversities of [[History of the Covenant|Covenant Ages]] and by notable individuals.<ref name="ch144">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 144''</ref> 

==San'Shyuum Ascetics==
The ascetic priests were led by the [[Philologist]] and resided in the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] of ''[[High Charity]]''. The priests concerned themselves with exploring the [[keyship]]'s interior pathways with the help of trained [[Lekgolo]]<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 269''</ref> and [[Huragok]].<ref name="hitd57">'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 57'' (Google Play edition)</ref>  The Philologist also tended to the [[Mendicant Bias|Oracle]] of the Dreadnought and interpreted its will.<ref name="ch271">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 271''</ref> Politicians of the [[Covenant]] required the Oracle's blessing for formality's sake when deciding important matters. Though the priests were not beyond political bribing or blackmail, the  former-[[Prophet of Truth|Minister of Fortitude]] was prepared to make a donation of some sort for the Philologist when asking for a blessing for what they thought to be a newly discovered [[reliquary]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 274''</ref> 

Ascetic priests did not care for personal appearance, often having long, unkempt hair and unwashed skin. As part of their humble lifestyle, the ascetic priests wore white robes and used [[anti-gravity chair]]s made of stone, as opposed to the metal chairs used by most San'Shyuum.{{Ref/Reuse|ch144}}{{Ref/Reuse|ch271}} One of the former-Minister of Fortitude's [[cleric]]s was also a follower of the San'Shyuum ascetic teachings.{{Ref/Reuse|ch144}} Huragok [[Drifts Randomly]] once assisted the ascetic priests.{{Ref/Reuse|hitd57}}

==Sangheili Ascetics==
{{Main|Ascetics}}
The Ascetics are an ancient group of Sangheili whose main function is to defend and enforce ideological purity. During the Covenant's existence, the Ascetic guard was incorporated under the authority of the [[Ministry of Abnegation]]. The Sangheili Ascetics used a unique type of combat armor, known as the [[Ascetic Harness]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 56''</ref>

==Trivia==
In the real world, Asceticism is a form of strict self-denial intended to foster spiritual discipline.<ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asceticism '''Merriam-Webster''' entry on Asceticism]</ref>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{Fm}}
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Ideology]]