Sadhu Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Some perform magical rituals to make contact with the gods, others practise intense forms of yoga and meditation to increase their spiritual powers and acquire mystical knowledge.
Certainly, not all sadhus are enlightened. But believers regard them all as holy anyway, if only because of their radical commitment. And successful sadhus are even worshipped as 'gods on earth'.
Believers only have to 'behold' a sadhu -- as a kind of living idol -- to receive a spark of his spiritual energy. They give donations to the sadhus -- regarded as offerings to the gods -- and get their blessing in return. Thus, since time immemorial, has Indian society been organised to support the holy men, for they are not supposed to work.

tiobibi, Wanda1, tobourge, rasto1893, Wandering_Dan, cagla, UgaldeSoros has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ddupre2 (886) 2009-04-29 19:42

superbe portrait,

bonne idée

cordialement

dd

Wanda1 (10917) 2009-04-29 23:14

Hi Benjamin,
Such a strong image! These feet look like they have walked many steps and many kilometers. Great contrast with the orange of his clothing and perfect sharpness.
Regards
Wanda

tobourge (913) 2009-04-29 23:24

Hello Benjamin

Strong post. I went through different state while watching your picture.

1st I opened it as it attracted me, then when it got to its full size I was a bit disgusted by the feet but now it gives me food for thought.

Thanks!

Tony

yquem46 (7802) 2009-04-30 0:18

A strong and original shot Benjamin !
the ochre color of the costume helps to identify the person as a sadhu
take care
Patrick

vincz (19039) 2009-04-30 1:26

This is strong, very strong. A fantastic shot. I love it.

rasto1893 (1729) 2009-04-30 2:50

Hello Benjamin,
Powerful and very impressive photo-- life history in the foot , you have a very interesting and useful gallery ,
My best Regards
Rastislav

Wandering_Dan (3207) 2009-04-30 10:51

Hi, Ben -

A fascinating if somewhat disturbing closeup shot, great angle, very imaginative, use of a few strongly colored shapes. I just have to cringe a bit at the thought of being as close as you must have gotten to those filthy feet, though!

Best,
Dan

ryno (4590) 2009-05-06 2:42

A great idea Ben, and well-executed with excellent sharpness. What better part to focus on than a wanderer's feet? This is a well-travelled pair, by the looks of it. It also reminds me very strongly of the feet of the reclining Buddha here in Yangon. Nice one!
Ryno

wolf38 (12565) 2009-05-08 0:14

Hello Benjamin. A really original photo. Very beautifully and worth seeing. Best regards, Wolfgang.

cagla (2084) 2009-05-09 12:50

Hi Benjamin, This is a very striking shot, telling nearly everything about a very different kind of living style. The bg colors and DOF, the sharpness and your composition are all wonderful. I love your gallery. Congratulations.
Çağla.
PS. Sorry for the smiling face, I did not notice that I used them all. :)

stewils (481) 2009-06-30 4:26