The Morality Of Sadhu, By Lakkhikanto Karmakar

Just last week, a man beheaded an infant in Bankura, West Bengal. This incident has caused many to reflect on the sanity of Sadhus. The man, Lakkhikanto Karmakar, was seen by various village people performing a ritual with the infant’s head. The man is supposedly “holy” and did this act to offer it as a sacrifice to Goddess Kali. The act didn’t stop there. He later hung the infants head around the idol. This holy man is what we call a Sadhu in Hinduism. A Sadhu refers to a “Holy Man” in Hinduism. These men are respected in their communities and many seek their help. Sadhus are those who strive towards Moksha, a Sanskrit term meaning liberation. This, they believe, is the fourth and final stage of life; to attain Moksha. This they obtain mainly

There are different rituals and practices one needs to do in order to become one. First, to become a Sadhu, one should deeply reflect on their philosophy. As the belief is widespread amongst the Sadhus, it can be said that a Sadhu is initiated by a Guru. The Guru also give the person a new name and a mantra, which is a sacred phrase or sound. The mantra is only known to the Sadhu and Guru. This mantra is used by the initiate as the sound or phrase he/she can use as part of his/her meditation practice. It is said repeatedly whilst meditating. Becoming a Sadhu is the fourth stage every Hindu must go through, after he or she has completed Hindu studies [not necessarily formal studies, just a lot of reflection on the sacred texts and scriptures]. The first three being Brahmacharya [Going after Brahma, the universal God and Infinite Supreme One], Grihastha [being the household type, family person] and Vanaprastha [retiring, living in a forest]. All four is collectively known as ashramas. Though it is a core belief in Hinduism and the final stage of life, for many, it’s not a very practical and realistic path. Despite it being the fourth stage of life, many youngsters in their late teens already become Sadhus, fleeing from the responsibility of Grihastha [the family orientated lifestyle]. In order for one to become a true Sadhu, it is important that the person’s intention is only that of someone that strives for Moksha. The person should have vairagya, which is the desire to cut off all relations of the world and have no material attachments. So, someone that desires to become a Sadhu must approach a Guru. From there, the person performs guruseva which is translated as “service”. The Guru then decides, by observing the initiate, whether it is appropriate for the initiate to take sannyasa [fourth stage; renunciation] by close observance of the soon-to-be Sadhu. If satisfied, then the teaching is done. The person is now