[Y-Indology] nudity in ascetism in early India

[Guest guest]

One book that comes to mind is "Nagnatva aur Digambar Jain" in

Hindi. It is an old book but was republished a few years ago.

 

The six tirthikas, who were contemporaty to Gautam Buddha, all

practiced nudity, except for Ajita Kesha-kambali. One of them was

Niggantha Nataputta (Mahavira, the 24th Jina of Jainism), and

another was Makkhali Gosal.

 

Makkhali Gosal became the leader of the Ajivikas, who survived for

several centuries (See Basham's book: History and Doctrines of the

Ajivikas). The naked monk often shown in Buddhist sculptures,

represent an Ajivika.

 

A later sect, the Nagas, also practice nudity. They are well known

from Kumbh Mela photographs.

 

I believe that Kamasutra does not say anything about nudity in

ascetism.

 

Yashwant

 

 

 

INDOLOGY, RPJ <mlbd@v...> wrote:

>

> Following books could be of some help :

>

> 1) Sexual Life Ancient India

>

> 2) Kamasutras - different editions. etc.

>

> 3) Likewise, there are many scriptures in Sanskrit on NUDITY; for

further

> help you either need to browse thru our bookstores & access

websites. But

> you will further need some specialist on the subject who could be

of some

> help.

>

> In the mail you have not specified your full name, your address &

other

> contacts ?

>

> RP Jain

>

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> "docupchai" <docupchai>

> <INDOLOGY>

> Sunday, October 30, 2005 8:08 PM

> [Y-Indology] nudity in early India

>

>

> > Hello,

> >

> > I'd like to read about nudity in ascetism in early India from

primary and

> secondary sources.

> >

> > Could someone please share their resources?

> >

> > Thank you

> >

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> > Links

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