Final answer:
Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as Buddha, initially practiced asceticism but ultimately rejected it for a "middle way" toward enlightenment, emphasizing a balanced path of understanding and mindfulness over extreme self-denial or indulgence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Siddhartha initially engaged in various ascetic practices after he encountered suffering in the world, but eventually, he abandoned these severe austerities for a path of moderation and mindfulness known as the "middle way". This moderate path led him to enlightenment without the need for extreme self-denial or indulgence, contrasting with the ascetic practices of the time. He preached that the way to liberation was not through severe self-deprivation but through understanding the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path. The teachings of Buddha challenged the traditional caste system and hierarchy, offering a revolutionary perspective on individuality and society. The concept of no-self (Anatta) negated the transference of individual karma to future lives, dismissing the justification of one's social status by birth. Therefore, Siddhartha's perspective towards the asceticism of the gurus was critical, favoring a more balanced and self-reflective approach to achieving spiritual awakening.