Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2022 8:35:54 GMT
The term 'sadhu' refers to an ascetic or monk within Hinduism who follows a path free of earthly attachments. They generally wear saffron clothing to denote the path taken. India has thousands of sadhus, particularly living in religious communities on the banks of the Ganges river.
Many sadhu communities have aligned themselves with the rightwing governing party of India. Not at all what one would expect from ascetics. This has similarities with churches that are closely aligned to the Republican party in the US.
Anyhow, this post is about how some of these sadhus seem to have the ability to predict the future. it is believed that an ability or "sidhi" can be acquired through performing tantric rituals or yoga. Once acquired, the ability can be used for good or, as some sadhus do, to scare people into donating money so that protective rituals can be performed on their behalf. The fact that these abilities can be acquired through rituals and spiritual practices is a well-accepted fact but people warn you that some sadhus are neither accurate nor well-intentioned.
I came across a sadhu earlier this year during a field trip for my research. He was passing by the farmer's house where I was staying and stopped to ask the farmer for a meal. I was standing on a balcony on the second floor looking down at them. The sadhu looked up, saw me and stated, "you are studying". My curiosity was aroused and I went down to speak to him. In the meantime, he had been invited into the courtyard and served a meal. The sadhu was speaking to the farmer telling him about his life and a few minutes later, turned his attention to me. He proceeded to tell me about my life in general, that I had two sons and that I was single etc. He then predicted that I would have a bad fall before I reached home. I did not ask any questions as I was uncertain of his ability or intentions but I did fall, just as he had predicted. Next time I happen upon one of these people, I will make enquiries about how the ability to know about a person's life and make predictions was acquired. And also ask about what else lies ahead.
Many sadhu communities have aligned themselves with the rightwing governing party of India. Not at all what one would expect from ascetics. This has similarities with churches that are closely aligned to the Republican party in the US.
Anyhow, this post is about how some of these sadhus seem to have the ability to predict the future. it is believed that an ability or "sidhi" can be acquired through performing tantric rituals or yoga. Once acquired, the ability can be used for good or, as some sadhus do, to scare people into donating money so that protective rituals can be performed on their behalf. The fact that these abilities can be acquired through rituals and spiritual practices is a well-accepted fact but people warn you that some sadhus are neither accurate nor well-intentioned.
I came across a sadhu earlier this year during a field trip for my research. He was passing by the farmer's house where I was staying and stopped to ask the farmer for a meal. I was standing on a balcony on the second floor looking down at them. The sadhu looked up, saw me and stated, "you are studying". My curiosity was aroused and I went down to speak to him. In the meantime, he had been invited into the courtyard and served a meal. The sadhu was speaking to the farmer telling him about his life and a few minutes later, turned his attention to me. He proceeded to tell me about my life in general, that I had two sons and that I was single etc. He then predicted that I would have a bad fall before I reached home. I did not ask any questions as I was uncertain of his ability or intentions but I did fall, just as he had predicted. Next time I happen upon one of these people, I will make enquiries about how the ability to know about a person's life and make predictions was acquired. And also ask about what else lies ahead.