Is asceticism, as it is practiced in the Coptic Church, biblical?

The Coptic Church is known for its ascetic inclinations, not only due to the monastic movement that started in it, but asceticism is also considered one of the essential characteristics manifested in her life as a whole and her worship. These inclinations exist not because asceticism is a goal in and of itself, nor on the basis that the flesh is evil in nature; but rather on a biblical and heavenly understanding: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). “Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor … and follow Me” (Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22). “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).

This biblical understanding was found to be sweet by the Copts, whose hearts were inflamed with eternal love.