It seems like extreme ascetism, a step farther than eschewing the material world in Buddhism and a step up from the punishment for Roman vestal virgins who brok

It seems like extreme ascetism, a step farther than eschewing the material world in Buddhism and a step up from the punishment for Roman vestal virgins who broke their vow. I can see why they'd encourage it, though. A death sentence to solitary confinement would induce a radically altered state of consciousness, and provide visitors with the closest thing to an oracle who's experienced death. I'd definitely have many questions. Wouldn't want to volunteer!