Sadhus India's Mystic Holy Men by Dolf Hartsuiker   Paperback 128 pages (September 1993) Inner Traditions Intl Ltd ISBN: 0892814543 Bookshelf Categories Yoga & Hinduism

Reviews:

An Unassuming Study Of Human Devotion	1/11/2001
Reviewer: Lawrence from NYC, NY USA
The men (and very occasionally women) portrayed in this inconspicuous volume are compelling in the extreme. It is only necessary to gaze at their faces and ash-dusted bodies to fully appreciate the gift of this work. But the author/photographer offers so much more. As a study in psychology in extremis, the wealth of behavioral detail and description is satisfying. And the diverse, often incredibly imaginative, rituals of self-abnegation are conveyed with tremedous sensitivty and scrupulous balance. The text is dense, and possibly impenetrable in places. It is academic in its emphasis on getting every possible relevant detail down. So one is met with an avalanche of esoterica upon delving in. Perhaps the writing assumes a bit of knowlege and sophistication in Eastern ways? But it really doesn't matter anyway. Somehow a sense of what is important filters through after a while. And the photo captions are well-written and fascinating. This is a picture of a society of devotees who have given it ALL up in order to stay exquisitely near to the timeless, pitiless cycle of death and regeneration that powers all life. The book itself is clearly an act of devotion to that extaordinay commitment.

awe inspiring for anyone seeking Spirit	10/30/1999
Reviewer: Steve from richmond, ca
an india friend of mine loaned me his copy of "Sadhus" and after reading it I went and bought my own. But I gave that to my brother so now I've ordered another from Amazon. You can tell I like it. Thirty years ago I spent a year in India and saw some sadhus from time to time. This book captures my memories of sadhus. I was reminded of the different types of expression. Some are friendly, some silent and remote and others that are to strange to my mind for me to relate to. But they all look like they have the spiritual quest at heart. Thanks to the author for refreshing my memory.

Offers an esoteric perspective of Hinduism	8/24/1999
Reviewer: Max from Bend, OR USA
Cool color pictures, and intense documentation on the fascinating aspect of Hinduism that someone who's never been to India would have a hard time learning about. This is the India that non-Indians think of when they hear the term "India;" mysterious, forboding, and hard for the mind to think of for too long without profound bewilderment. Reccomend to anyone with even a mild interest in India or Hinduism, as is this is an integral part of her past, present, and undoubtedly, her future.