Though I am an Indian,
sadhus of India are a mystery to me too.
They are very peaceful in nature
though they can become quite agitated
and ready to defend whatever few possessions
they may have, in any manner whatsoever.
But these are very few and rare cases.
The law or the police finds no reason
to be troubled by these poor
and it should be that way.
They should be left alone in peace
and their endless search of God and salvation
from one pilgrimage to another
all over our vast country India.
A lot of them have families
that they have left behind
and we are nobody to pass judgement on this issue.
Dressed in saffron or orange cheap clothes,
they wander in villages and cities
and travel in buses and trains,
free of charge mostly.
A lot of them smoke cheap cigarettes, bidees,
ganja or hashish, and take a drink or two occasionally.
Yes, you should maintain an absolute safe distance,
but I will still vouch for them and I will say that
they are harmless monks who beg for alms and small time money
and move on pretty quickly
even if they are given just a one rupee coin.
Misunderstood, abused and harried more than necessary,
they should at least be allowed their quest of
minimal living and search of the Almighty.