WEARING THE SACRED THREAD 



Photo by Johnston and Hoffman 



All Brahmins, the members of the highest caste in Hinduism, wear a knotted thread of 

 twisted cotton over the left shoulder and under the right arm. A great number of Sadhus 

 discard all clothing but the scantiest of rags. The one in the picture certainly cannot be 

 accused of displaying any wordly passion for fine raiment. Those who adopt this extreme 

 simplicity of attire protect their skin from the sun's rays and insect pests by a liberal coating 

 of ashes. 



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