Asceticism

Siddhattha went in search of teachers skilled in mystical knowledge. He first went to Alara Kalama who declared the “dimension of nothingness” as his Truth. He also went to Uddaka Ramaputta who declaired the “dimension of neither perception nor non-perception” as his Truth. Seeing that their teaching did not lead to true Awakening and Unbinding, Siddhattha left them.
He then decided to practice by himself with the five ascetics, Kondanya, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama and Assana. He endured all forms of austerity including abstaining from food and water.