Sadhus

Sadhus are “Holymen” who have “dropped out” of society in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Often hermetic, they travel around the sub-continent living off donations, although it is also open to abuse by non-devout beggars to obtain freebies. The genuine sadhus often live in caves, forests and temples, and wander across the country in their quest for moshka (liberation) through meditation, contemplation and yoga. Traditionally, in the initial stages, an apprenticeship is served under a guru. There is thought to be about 5 million sadhus in India alone.

I find them highly photogenic and putting a special portfolio of these. A section of these can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/aubreygroves67/Sadhus02 although it is unlikely this will be completed until I finish my tour of Nepal during December and January.