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In Hinduism, sadhu is a common term for an ascetic or practitioner of yoga (yogi) who has given up pursuit of the first three Hindu goals of life: kama (enjoyment), artha (practical objectives) and even dharma (duty). The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving moksha (liberation) through meditation and contemplation of God. Sadhus often wear ochre-colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation.

The Sanskrit terms sādhu ("good man") and sādhvī ("good woman") refer to renouncers who have chosen to live a life apart from or on the edges of society in order to focus on their own spiritual practice.

A Sadhu is usually referred to as Baba by common people. The word 'baba' means father, or uncle, in many Indian languages. Sometimes the respectful suffix 'ji' may also be added after baba, to give greater respect to the renunciate.

There are 4 or 5 million sadhus in India today and they are still widely respected: revered for their holiness, sometimes feared for their curses. Sadhus are supported by donations from many people.

Sadhus are not unified in their practices. Some live in the mountains alone for years at a time, eating only a few bananas. Others walk around with one hand in the air for decades until the fingers withdraw into a stump. Still others partake in the religious consumption of charas (a preparation of ganja) and contemplate the cosmic nature and presence of God in the smoke patterns.

There are naked Naga (Digambar, or "sky-clad") Sadhus have thick dreadlocks, non shaven, and Jata, who carry swords. Aghora sadhus may keep company with ghosts, or live in cemeteries as part of their holy path (See Aghori). Indian culture tends to emphasize an infinite number of paths to God, such that sadhus, and the varieties that sadhus come in, have their place.
(copyright: Wikipedia)

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