The Sakhis And more Foreigner sadhus Sadhus belong to many different sects or orders. He dies from his former, earthly life and is reborn into the divine life. The visible symbol of this rebirth is the shaven head of the novice, bald as a baby's. The bond with the guru is now all important. He is the 'dispeller of darkness', the guide for piercing the Veil of Illusion.
Most sects are rather moderate in their practices, but some can be quite extreme.
The Naga sadhus or 'warrior-ascertics' 2136 Saraswati Giri is a real master at the damaru. He rattles two different-sized drums simultaneously, each at a different speed, creating a specific rhythm. It is an active form of meditation and performing it for any length of time requires great concentration and physical strength. Though sadhus in general can de characterized as peace-loving, the Nagas used to be extremely militant, fighting with rivalling sects, the Muslims and later even the British. They were excellent fighters for they had no fear of death.