Sadhu

In Hinduism, sadhu is a common term for a renounced ascetic or practitioner of yoga (yogi) who has given up pursuit of the first three Hindu goals of life: kama (pleasure), artha (wealth and power) and even dharma (duty). The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving moksha (liberation) through meditation and contemplation of God.

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Sadhus are often sanyasi, or renuciates, who have left behind all material and sexual attachments and live in caves, forests and temples all over India. The word comes from the Sanskrit "to practice", referring to the practice of meditation. See sadhana.

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There are 4 or 5 million sadhus in India today and they are still widely respected, revered and even feared, especially for their curses. It is also thought that the austere practices of the sadhus helps to burn off their karma and that of the community at large. Thus seen as benefitting society, many people help support sadhus with donations.

Hinduism: :This article is about the Hindu religion; for other meanings of the word, see Hindu (disambiguation)....

Ascetic: redirect Asceticism...

Yoga: : See Hatha Yoga for the yoga of mostly physical exercises popular in the West....

Sadhu related Images and Photos (experimental)

Sadhu Sitting Outside an Internet Cafe Varanasi Uttar Pradesh State India