India - Calcutta - Man with buried head in Central Calcutta's Maidan open space.

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A holy Sadhu man attracts a crowd on the Maidan in central Calcutta, India. Near some ballustrades built by the British during the last years of the Raj, the man is leaning forward on his knees and his head is buried in gravel. Practicing Tapas or Niyamas, is one form of Austerity that holy men like this perform to cleanse themselves of bad thoughts. It is a conservation of energy; an increase of power in the system by sense control; a process of positive-thought, self-imposed hardships and inner-strength - all to gain a higher being for oneself. They might stand in cold water in winter, stand on or bury their heads in earth. Niyamas also breeds non-violence, truthfullness, non-stealing, moderation, non-possessiveness, purity, contentment, discipline, study and surrender.

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Filename: RB_059-18-11-1996.jpg
Copyright: Richard Baker
Image Size: 4096x2666 / 882.2KB; Richard Baker reportage photojournalism people travel India Calcutta Kolkata Raj West Bengal cultural historical location landmark Maidan architectural leisure colonial recreation prominant families locals groups personal relaxation lifestyle hobby pastime afternoon sunshine on-lookers interest attraction buried head begging donations strange bizarre commonplace bemused novelty crowd young youth youthful section follower Sadhu austerity religious discipline Tapas tapasvi tapasya yoga inner-heat mental strength Self-imposed hardship control attitude Niyama practice strength technique energy purify belief history historic faith religion holy positive thought cleansing inner-peace restful relaxing quiet still peaceful tranquil prayer health sanctuary spiritual event daily habit routine solitude contentment purity surrender moderation
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A holy Sadhu man attracts a crowd on the Maidan in central Calcutta, India. Near some ballustrades built by the British during the last years of the Raj, the man is leaning forward on his knees and his head is buried in gravel. Practicing Tapas or Niyamas, is one form of Austerity that holy men like this perform to cleanse themselves of bad thoughts. It is a conservation of energy; an increase of power in the system by sense control; a process of positive-thought, self-imposed hardships and inner-strength - all to gain a higher being for oneself. They might stand in cold water in winter, stand on or bury their heads in earth. Niyamas also breeds non-violence, truthfullness, non-stealing, moderation, non-possessiveness, purity, contentment, discipline, study and surrender.