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Sanyasi

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A Hindu ascetic of the most extreme kind, who assumes a state of silence, and gives up the use of fire, eats little, and asks but once in the day for food. "At the time," says the Code of Manu, "when the smoke of the kitchen fires has ceased, when the pestle lies motionless, when the burning charcoal is extinguished, when people have eaten, and when dishes are removed, let the Sanyasi bid for food." He feeds upon roots and fruits. In order to fit him for immortality, he endeavors to reach a state of indifference and entire freedom from passion and emotion of every kind. He must never walk without keeping his eyes upon the ground for the sake of preserving minute animals; and, for fear of destroying insects, he must not drink water until it has been strained. The only occupation suitable to his situation is meditation.