Gymnosophy
/ˌdʒɪmˈnɒsəfi/noun
A form of ascetic philosophy or wisdom associated with ancient Indian naked sages.
Did you know?The word was coined in Greek for the Indian ascetics called gymnosophists, whose nakedness was described by ancient writers as a sign of radical spiritual discipline, not scandal.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
gymnosophia
“naked wisdom; the philosophy associated with naked sages”
Late Ancient Greek
Greek
gymnosophistēs
“a naked sage or ascetic, especially in reference to Indian philosophers”
16th Century
English
gymnosophy
“the doctrines or practices of the gymnosophists”
Modern English
English
gymnosophy
“ascetic or contemplative philosophy associated with nakedness or severe self-denial”
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