Shamim Ahmed Photos
The Chilam - Smoking Baba
The Naga sadhus or 'warrior-ascetics'
Naga sadhus are a large and a prominent Shaiva sect, who have existed since the prehistoric past. The Naga sect is subdivided into Akharas, i.e. 'regiments', like an army. Their display of weaponry -- sticks, spears, swords and especially the trident -- have a mostly symbolic function. Among the Nagas are many sadhus who walk about naked. They are mostly smeared with ash, carry traditional weapons like the trident, smoke cannabis or hashish and can perform incredible feats and yoga asanas.
In their nakedness they do not emanate sexuality. On the contrary, they control, inhibit the sexual 'vibrations', retaining its energy so it can be mystically transformed into psychic and spiritual power.
The chilam, a clay pipe smoked by many sadhus through cupped hands, is filled with tobacco, cannabis and hashish.
The Chilam - Smoking Baba
The Naga sadhus or 'warrior-ascetics'
Naga sadhus are a large and a prominent Shaiva sect, who have existed since the prehistoric past. The Naga sect is subdivided into Akharas, i.e. 'regiments', like an army. Their display of weaponry -- sticks, spears, swords and especially the trident -- have a mostly symbolic function. Among the Nagas are many sadhus who walk about naked. They are mostly smeared with ash, carry traditional weapons like the trident, smoke cannabis or hashish and can perform incredible feats and yoga asanas.
In their nakedness they do not emanate sexuality. On the contrary, they control, inhibit the sexual 'vibrations', retaining its energy so it can be mystically transformed into psychic and spiritual power.
The chilam, a clay pipe smoked by many sadhus through cupped hands, is filled with tobacco, cannabis and hashish.