Is it true that ASCETICISM DEADENS the senses?

Question: Is it true that ASCETICISM DEADENS the senses!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Though never ever tried to practice ASCETICISM, What I have learnt through books/learned people, is that the aim is NOT to deaden the Senses BUT to gain a Higher Realisation of Self!

Ascetics practice self-discipline or denial to such a harsh extent by fasting or punishing the body that their minds get enlightened!. By curbing their baser instinct they strive to reach a realm where only purity of thoughts exists!.

My guess is its not DEADENING of senses but AWAKENING! There are many religions that support this path!. But my religion i!.e!. Sikhism does not advocate this!. We are told that spiritual awakening is possible even while living in the thick of Family Life!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Ascetism deadens the senses! Rather transcendentalism sharpens, refines and increases sensitivity of the senses!. Man requires an iota of inspiration to awaken and stimulate his senses in search of inspirational thinking and enlightenment!. Few have the luxury of time to devote and rarer still the blessed incorporated ascended soul into ordinate lives and fully integrated and assimilated into the world whilst in a state of transcendentalism!.

Ascetism releases the spirit from the confines of the mortal being and the associated emotional baggage it is saddled and weighed down with!. Sheer exhilaration and blissful contentment simply from the comfort and smiles of one’s brethren and brood!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I wouldn't say that it deadens the senses, but rather deadens the desire!.

For an example, we'll use a person trying to quit smoking!. The longer he goes without having a cigarette, the easier it becomes for him to resist the temptation to light one up!. But, if at some point he gives in, that cigarette will still be just as good as every other one he smoked, maybe even better than he remembers!.

I can't be sure, but I imagine this would be the same as with any other desire one would choose to abstain from!.

(Don't take my word for gospel, I didn't know what asceticism was until I looked it up on wikipedia after reading the question!.)Www@QuestionHome@Com

I doubt it!. We're "built" of our desires to receive pleasure!. We can get to believe that fulfilling our every desire is not "good!." But that would not kill our desires and needs!. It would only facilitate our having the opinion that, in some instances, desires are to be downplayed!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I feel a headache coming on!. Mind turns inward; no more parties!. Senses detect no action, retraction, no noise!. M/b aliens!. Level of consciousness is raised, reaches critical mass!.
Something new--tomorrow!. Let the dogs out in the morning!.Www@QuestionHome@Com