Adopting the lifestyle of a Sadhu is both desirable and undesirable; however there is more than simply the religious component that draws people to it. Throughout Indian society, Sadhus are regarded as important and respected people, though they depend on other classes to support them. Sadhus’ qualities of both spirituality and thievery contradict each other, and this contradiction lessens the importance of their role; however the Sadhu’s role is very important to the rest of Indian society and may also eliminate the struggles of the homeless.
A Sadhu is a devotee of Shiva, but also a casteless, nomadic, beggar. Giving a Sadhu money or food is good Karma in Indian society. This clever way of aiding casteless people in Indian society is one which other countries may have a right mind to follow. Many Sadhus are genuinely spiritual and devoted to their worship of Shiva, though many are beggars and some are thieves. Regardless, they have given up three of the four goals of life: enjoyment, material success, and the duty of good actions (kama, artha, and dharma). To give up these three goals is to sacrifice the life they would lead for themselves and instead, live for Shiva. While some without a doubt take advantage of this noble role in society, such is true in every role, in any culture. There is always someone reaping the benefits of something they falsely practice. Generally, false devotees are found in popular pilgrimage cities. Devout Sadhus live in caves, forests, and temples across India and live for Shiva to achieve moksha.
Sadhus are a walking contradiction, one might say. While they are known as very disciplined, spiritual people, they are not independent. This dependency on all other castes for food and money can also be seen as a solution to the equivalent of the homeless in another country. However, this solution is not a negative explanation for the existence of Sadhus, for many countries do not help their homeless to such an extent. This theory as possible solution to homelessness, while its explanation is not for the pursuit of the soul’s freedom from samsara, is nevertheless useful to and has a positive impact on Indian society.
For whatever purpose people believe the role of the Sadhu to exist, it is positive in either sense. If the Sadhu class was created to aid the homeless, it is still much better than how the homeless is dealt with in the United States. If the class was created truly for the devotion to Shiva and the quest for moksha, this moves the Sadhu one step closer to moksha and passes good karma onto other castes.
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2 comments:
I really like that you included that homelessness is not necessarily always a negative occurence. Although it can be demanding of the community to care for its homeless, I like that you talked about the kind of unity that that effort creates within a community. I think it's easy to be frustrated with homeless people or sadhus for being dependent and perhaps not doing the same kind of work that others are, but it's important to also recognize what the experiences with this kind of situation can bring to a community, or even to an individual.
Well-said. It's important to note that different cultures have independently developed the idea that a solitary life devoid of material possessions is a blessed life.
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