540 
FAKIRS. 
cation of the deity’s aid, and, though equally insignificant, was not 
more irrational, than the superstitious practices of some who called 
themselves Christians, of wearing various things in the hope of their 
operating by sympathy. 
Fakirs. 
These are Indian monks, or friars. They outdo the severity and mor- 
tification of the ancient Anchorets. Some of them make a vow of con- 
tinuing all their life in one posture, and keep it effectually. Others 
never lie down, but continue in a standing posture all their lives, 
supported only by a stick, or rope under their arm-pits. Some man- 
gle their bodies with scourges and knives. They pretend to have 
conquered every passion, and triumphed over the world ; and accord- 
ingly scruple not, as if in a state of innocence, to appear entirely 
naked in public. The people of the East are persuaded of the 
virtue of the Fakirs ; notwithstanding which, they are accused of 
committing the most enormous crimes in private. 
There is also another kind of Fakirs, who do not practise such 
severities ; these flock together, and go from village to village, pro- 
phesying and telling fortunes. They are wicked villains, and it is 
dangerous to meet them in a solitary place ; nevertheless, the Indian 
idolaters have them in the utmost veneration. They make use of 
drums, trumpets, and other musical instruments, to work themselves 
up to an artificial ecstasy, the better to publish their pretended prophe- 
cies. The most sober Indians consult them in the most preposterous 
attitude ; and their female votaries converse with them a considerable 
time with the most indecent freedom. The fire they burn is made of 
cow’s dung dried in the sun. When they are disposed to sleep, they 
repose themselves on the same material, and sometimes on ordure 
itself. They are so indulgent towards every living creature, that they 
suffer themselves to be over-run with vermin, or stung by insects, 
without the least reluctancy or complaint. It is more than probable 
' these Indian friars have some secret art to lull their senses asleep, in 
order to render themselves in a great measure insensible of the exces- 
sive torments they seem voluntarily to undergo. 
Ovington assures us, that ‘*as he was one day in an assembly of 
Fakirs, he observed that they drank opiates infused in water ; the 
intoxicating virtue whereof was enough to turn their brain.” The 
garment of the chief Fakirs consists of three or four yards of orange- 
coloured linen, which they tie round them, and a tiger’s skin, which 
hangs over their shoulders. Their hair is w oven in tresses, and forms 
a kind of turban. The superior of the FaUirs is distinguished from 
the rest by having a greater number of pieces in his garment, and by 
a chain of iron two yards long lied to his leg. When he designs to 
rest in any place, a garment is spread upon the ground, on which he 
sits and gives audience, whilst his disciples publish his virtue. Some 
persons of quality in India have become Fakirs ; among others five great 
lords belonging to the court of Chagehan, the Mogul of the Indies. 
It is said by some writers, that there are about two millions of Fakirs 
in the East Indies. 
