sadhu

Indian holy wanderer

A sadhu is a Hindu holy man or ascetic who has renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual liberation.

Sadhus typically wander without permanent homes, own few possessions, and may practice extreme forms of self-denial such as fasting or holding difficult physical postures for extended periods.

They are recognizable by distinctive markings, matted hair, and saffron or white robes.

Sadhus gathered along the riverbank for the festival.

ascetic

hermit

Person choosing total seclusion

yogiDevoted meditation practitioner
anchoriteReligious recluse in enclosure
recluseOne choosing isolation

fasting · austerity · penance · tapas · self-denial · celibacy · abstinence · solitude · cave-dwelling · matted hair

holy

saint

Canonized holy person

devoteeZealous admirer or follower
mahatmaRevered Hindu sage
blessedReceiving divine favor

sacred · divine · pilgrimage · Ganges · Varanasi · temple · ashram · blessing · ritual · puja

spiritual

meditation

Focused attention practice

enlightenmentProfound spiritual awakening
mokshaRelease from rebirth cycle
nirvanaRelease from cyclical existence

samadhi · dharma · karma · yoga · prana · chakras · kundalini · atman · liberation · transcendence

sage

guru

Revered authority figure

wisdomGood judgment from experience
teacherOne who instructs others
masterAuthority or controller

preceptor · spiritual guide · counsel · disciple · teachings · scripture · knowledge · philosopher · seer · lineage

wandering

itinerant

Moving for work

nomadicWithout fixed residence
pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
homelessWithout a dwelling

roaming · footloose · peripatetic · wanderer · journey · sacred sites · staff · traveling · alms · impermanent

sadhu

hermit

saint

meditation

guru

itinerant

sadhu

Opposites

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