 |
|
Priests, monks, and gurus have always played an important role in South Asian religious practice. Stories and myths are replete with descriptions of wandering ascetics and holy figures who accumulate power through their practices of strict renunciation, ceaseless meditation and devotion to God. In Buddhism, famous holy figures range from Gautama Buddha himself to the Dalai Lama today. In Hinduism, the god Siva himself is often seen as the ultimate ascetic renunciant, surrounded by a host of sages. In recent times, figures like Satya Sai Baba have attracted an international following. Sikhism and Islam in South Asia provide us with holy figures in the form of Sufi saints, sants, and community leaders. These pages draw together images of priests, monks and holy figures, both historical and current, who find ample representation in the Mary B. Wheeler collection.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Go back to Religion Index |