noun
- The practice or philosophy of ascetic self-discipline and spiritual wisdom, historically associated with ancient Indian ascetics who practiced nudity as part of their spiritual discipline.
Usage: rare; historical; from Greek gymnos (naked) + sophia (wisdom)
Examples
- The ancient gymnosophy practiced by Indian ascetics emphasized renunciation and meditation.
- Scholars of Eastern philosophy have studied gymnosophy as a path to spiritual enlightenment.
- Gymnosophy represented a radical approach to achieving wisdom through physical and mental discipline.