To be fair, I hadn't heard of him either before I researched ascetics for this article. His was an incredible feat. I think all ascetics choose their path as a way of reaching enlightenment and gaining mastery over desires - to find a connection beyond the physical world. Your question about whether they are trying to avoid "smaller" problems in the real world is a great one. I wonder that about Nuns! Thanks for reading, Patrick, and for your thoughtful response. 🙏💚