SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Himalayan Ascetism and Mysticism

This talk will describe contemporary South Asian sadhus, or ascetics, and consider whether they live up to the legendary roles that have been attributed to them.  Certainly their religious practices, or tapas, are modelled after those of the great mahasiddhas in Himalayan mythology, but being an ascetic in real life poses particular kinds of challenges.  Do all ascetics necessarily aspire towards mysticism -- and do all mystics practice an ascetic lifestyle?