Not Asceticism

The Buddha wasn't an ascetic. As a prince, supreme luxury. After renunciation, six years of austerity — nearly dying — then he abandoned austerity. After awakening: fine food offered by disciples, he ate it; simple alms, he ate that too. What he demonstrated: when blessings are present, enjoy them; when not, remain at ease. The point isn't having or not having — it's non-attachment.