During the middle ages, eastern monks adopted a(n) way of life, living by themselves as hermits in inhospitable places

The correct answer to this open question is "ascetic."

During the Middle Ages, eastern monks adopted an ascetic way of life, living by themselves as hermits in inhospitable places.

This was a lifestyle chose by eastern monks where they had abstinence for material things and carnal pleasures to accomplish their spiritual goals. They spent long days of fasting to purify the body, clear the mind, and concentrate in deep praying. These monks believed that a simpler life was enough to find happiness and salvation. Religions such as Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, followed this ascetic principle.

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