About the Book
In "The Mystics, Ascetics, and Saints of India: A Study of Sadhuism," the author explores the realm of asceticism in India, specifically focusing on Sadhus. The book examines the principal ascetic sects, particularly emphasizing Yogis and the yoga system. Subsequent chapters recount the author's personal interactions with various sadhus and visits to monasteries, providing European readers with a glimpse into contemporary sadhuism.Dating back to 1903, the study covers mythical and legendary aspects of Sadhuism, including miracles, wonders, and prophecy. It also delves into how European visitors perceived fakirs, explores theological topics like karma and pantheism, and discusses the role of this rich tradition in an era of democratic reform.
About the Author
John Campbell Oman (1841-1911), a renowned author, compiler, and translator, is primarily recognized for his remarkable contributions to India's ancient history and literature. His notable works include books like Brahmans, Theists, and Muslims of India; The Mystics, Ascetics, and Saints of India; The Great Indian Epics; as well as Cults, Customs, and Superstitions of India.
Preface
BIOLOGISTS teach that the body of every human being is an aggregation of various and innumerable protoplasmic cells which are ever undergoing changes, constructive and destructive. And yet we can plainly see that each man, though perceptibly changing with the passing years, persistently retains to the end a marked individuality, together with corporeal and mental characteristics peculiarly his own. So, too, is it with each race of men and the comparatively short-lived units of which it is made up. Of the latter, some are, at every moment of time, passing away and giving place to newer and slightly modified ones; but the race as a whole, though thus steadily undergoing mutation-perhaps suffering decay-with the fleeting centuries, still holds fast certain physical and psychological traits, its special heritage and possession, which have in the past differentiated it from all other races, and will continue to do so as long as it enjoys a separate existence.
Thus it happens that every distinct ethnic division of the world's population has its own peculiar ideals and aspirations, its own philosophy and religion, and also its own intellectual and moral limitations.
Obviously, then, nothing can be more helpful for the comprehension of the history, condition, and prospects of any people than the discovery and recognition of those salient and persistent habits, mental peculiarities and tendencies, which it has uninterruptedly exhibited through a long period of time.
Now the study of Indian Asceticism and Mysticism affords, I believe, not only an admirable, but the very best means of obtaining such desirable information in regard to the great Hindu race. I hope, therefore, that the present volume, which is concerned with the results of the most deep-seated and abiding ideas and sentiments of the Indian people, may, notwithstanding its necessary imperfections, meet with appreciation in some quarters at least, and help to interpret the people of India to that section of the English public which is, more or less, interested in a little understood but most fascinating land, with whose fortunes are irrevocably linked, for good or evil, the destinies of Great Britain and the Anglo-Saxon race.
At the threshold I ought to explain that a description of the peculiarities and minor differences of the innumerable Hindu ascetic sects and sub-sects has not entered into my plan, though all the more important sectarian divisions have been noticed, and such details as seemed essential for the comprehension of the whole subject have not been omitted.
A great many curious myths, legends, and stories about ascetics of various sects have been included in this volume; but I make no apology on this account, because such myths and stories reveal, far better than any dissertations could possibly do, the true nature of Indian asceticism.
