This stunning set of portraits by Brooklyn-based photographer Joey L puts us face to face with religious ascetics who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of spiritual liberation. Starting in Northern Ethiopia, Joey has traveled the world searching for wandering monks and spiritualists. The latest installment of his Holy Men series features holy men, or sadhus, living in Varanasi, India. All of the world’s faiths have their own forms of ascetics, but the ascetics of the Hindu faith are known for sometimes extreme acts of self-denial, such as keeping a single arm aloft for months or even years.
Most of the portraits focuses on aghori, a sect known for engaging in postmortem rituals such as covering themselves in human ashes, meditating on corpses or crafting jewelry from human bones. “The Aghori have a profound connection with the dead. Death is not a fearsome concept, but a passing from the world of illusion,” says the photographer.
Amazing photos!
I particularly love the picture of the Sadhu with the super-long dreadlocks that reach the floor.
Hopefully one day i’ll make it to Varanasi so I can experience what it’s like to be around such spiritually-inspired people. I would also love to take a dip in the holy Ganges river. My spirit is overdue for some good cleansing.
Amazing and rare photographs of Sadhus engaged in Krichhra Sadhana .
Fantastic!!!
Excellent Photographs. Thank you
Great and spiritually inspiring pictures.
What a journey! for you. a real treat.! these photos are very beautiful i would love to see more and know about conversations with the Sadhus and such Your own feelings and experience.
kindly thankyou for this spiritual treat
Very nice! He should come down south India, for many more great sadhus!
Photographs are amazing. I hope you have interacted with those Sadhus. Would appreciate if you can share those experiencews.
Awesome!!!
I am glad that someone is interested in capturing this in photography. Gives us a small glimpse into the world of these sadhus. That would truly be a spiritual journey of a lifetime. Thanks for sharing!
thank you, good god must help all those who dedicate themselves
for the welfare of all.
hello CaliOM visualize your chosen Master, close your eyes,
relax, breathe a few times just with your tummy.
speak your mind with loving respect for their consciousness.
you are there, no matter your doubts.
there is no time or distance between anyone.
i am guessing you might experience stonger ‘feedback’ if this is
carried out during the time your chosen Master is at rest.
love all
great….
I visited Varanasi jus for the SADHU experience and these pics brought back amazing memories. Thank you
These are wonderful. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing these amazing photographs.
Absolutely stunning pics. could anyone tell me where the third pic from the last was taken? Also what kind of sadhu is the person shown in that image?