THE SADHUS of India number some seven millions. They are mostly to be found in the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, the Punjab, Rajputana, Nepal, Tibet, and other regions near the Himalayas, the Vindhyas, etc.

A Sadhu means a person who has shunned the material world and is seeking salvation, according to Vedic rites, in some secluded spot. He seeks no earthly gain, and lives mainly on roots, fruits, etc. He seeks no companion, and is always content.

There are, however, Sadhus and Sadhus. Not all the seven millions of them are real Sadhus. Thousands of them have adopted the yellow robe or put on a loin cloth and smeared their bodies with ashes to eke out a living. Hundreds of them have escaped the hands of justice and turned “holy men,” thinking that they are safe. In fact, these rascals have lowered the Sadhu cult in non-Hindu estimation.

The real Sadhu will seldom be found in any town or city or village. He is to be found in the Himalayan regions mainly, and it is no difficult matter to find him out. He does not make pupil or disciple of any and every man who may come to him for spiritual aid. He subjects the would-be pupil or disciple to severe tests, and he who comes out successfully is initiated.

It is a well-known fact that by practicing certain “asans” and controlling the breath, spiritual salvation can be secured. But one must learn the “asans,” etc., practically, and practice them with one heart and one mind. Distraction of mind, and desire to go back to one’s family—these lead to failure; one whose heart really cries for salvation can soon attain his heart’s desire. He becomes what is called in Indian vernacular, a “Mukta purush”—a freed man.

It is usually found that most of the real Sadhus do not care to return to the world to uplift their fellow-creatures. They live for themselves. But some do return, not with a view to any gain, but to help the worldly-minded along the path to salvation.