Yogis Of India And Nepal (PHOTOS)

The enigmatic world of sadhus, the vividly decorated or completely nude ascetics of

Hinduism, is explored in "Body Language: The Yogis of India and Nepal" at the Rubin Museum of

Art. Striking color photographs by Thomas L. Kelly capture extraordinary-looking male sadhus (as well as a female sadhvi), famously known as ascetics and yogis of South Asia.

Sadhus renounce worldly life, earthly possessions and social obligations to devote their lives entirely to religious practice and the quest for spiritual enlightenment, the ultimate goal in the Hindu religion. Sadhus embody this search for religious illumination, serving as living representations of spiritual and ascetic ideals. Though an important part of Hindu cultures, sadhus' commitment to attaining non-attachment and transcendence of the physical body leaves them on the fringes of society.

Thomas L. Kelly made his first trip to Nepal in 1978 as a Peace Corps volunteer, and has since

worked as a photo-activist, documenting the struggles of marginalized people and disappearing

cultural traditions all over the world.

Learn more about the "Body Language" exhibit at the Rubin Museum website.

Aside from a life of simplicity and religious focus, many sadhus engage in a diverse array of practices, both internal and external, in order to attain higher states of awareness and consciousness. This sadhu has chosen Hatha yoga and shows off the results -- a well-disciplined, strong body -- by holding the kukkuta asana, or "cock pose." Although Hatha yoga is partially physical in nature, there are many internal, mental practices that accompany the outer, physical postures. Through the united control of body and mind, the sadhu prepares for deeper, more advanced meditation.

Hatha yoga also helps the ascetic with sexual discipline and sublimation. Through yogic techniques that manipulate and control the body's physical processes and energetic principles, a sadhu's semen may be retained and converted into shakti, the divine female power that is the basis of all creation.