Chapter XVIII

Sadhus and Faqirs

Buried gold--Power of sympathy--A neglected field--A Sadhu converted to Christianity--His experiences--Causes of the development of the ascetic idea in India--More unworthy motives common at the present time--The Prime Minister of a State becomes a recluse--A cavalry officer Sadhu--Dedicated from birth--Experiences of a young Sadhu--An unpleasant bedfellow--Honest toil--Orders of Muhammadan ascetics--Their characteristics--A faqir's curse--Women and faqirs--Muhammadan faqirs usually unorthodox--Sufistic tendencies--Habits of inebriation--The sanctity and powers of a faqir's grave 227-240