ABC

Renunciation

Doctrines and rituals

Renunciation (Pa. vermani) involves virtuous modes of living, such as asceticism or abstinence. The Five Precepts demand that one refrain from taking life, stealing, speaking falsely, committing sexual misdeeds, and using intoxicants. In addition, Buddhist monks and nuns are subject to a comprehensive and stringent set of rules, which require them, among other things, to renounce sexuality, the ownership of property, having a family, even a fixed abode. The opposite of renunciation is craving and desire.