Photo by Mazumdar 



A SAGE OF INDIA SWAMI BHASKARANAND SARASWATi 



This Swami was a learned Sanskrit scholar, well known and venerated throughout India. 

 Married at the age of 12, a son was born to him when he was 18, after which he felt that 

 he was freed from any further social obligation, and he decided to renounce the world. At 

 the age of 27 he entered the order of Sannyasis (an order of contemplative ascetics), and. 

 according to the custom of the sect which he joined, he discontinued wearing the sacred 

 thread — emblem of his brahmanhood. For 13 years he traveled over India, practicing tapas 

 (penance), and then, feeling that he had obtained the ineffable knowledge which he had 

 desired, he settled down for the remainder of his life in the sacred city of Benares. Here 

 he enjoyed the greatest consideration and distinction until his death. Miracles of healing 

 were ascribed to him and temples were built in his honor. 



1309 



