A wandering baba or mendicant. I don't know why the glasses seemed a bit incongruous, but he was a gentle fellow whose life was spent on the road, asking for handouts in return for blessings. Sadhus smear ash on their face to symbolize the fact that we are not long for this earth and the cremation of our worldly form, and hence not to waste time on frivolous pursuits. Taken near Dhalpur, Northern India.
I also would like to know if you asked his permission. Not being disrespectful . Just wondering if it it the proper thing to do with people like this.
I never want to offend anyone because of my "western ignorance".
Dan
keepclicking wrote:
Great image 👍🏻looks like he was looking right at u! did u ask him if it was ok to photograph?
Hi. Yes, I always do ask. But they never seem to mind. They don't care about such things. They have left all worldly pursuits, and their bodies are just considered vessels which have no real or permanent existence. I am trying to say that I don't really need to ask, but do anyways due to my Western conditioning regarding privacy and personal boundaries.
Danpbphoto wrote:
I really like your photography Charles!
I also would like to know if you asked his permission. Not being disrespectful . Just wondering if it it the proper thing to do with people like this.
I never want to offend anyone because of my "western ignorance".
Dan
Thanks Dan. I am glad you asked that question. My response above was:
I always do ask. But they never seem to mind. They don't care about such things. They have left all worldly pursuits, and their bodies are just considered vessels which have no real or permanent existence. I am trying to say that I don't really need to ask, but do anyways due to my Western conditioning regarding privacy and personal boundaries.
Danpbphoto wrote:
Yeah we "westerners'" can screw up a foreign relationship pretty quick through ignorance! Customs are to be respected IMHO.
Thanks Charles!
Dan
Dan, I think that's easier said than done. Sometimes a culture is so foreign that the nuances easily escape us. I have been here 3 years and I am still only scratching the surface. But I find a smile will go a long way. That's a pretty universal language.
charley5 wrote:
Dan, I think that's easier said than done. Sometimes a culture is so foreign that the nuances easily escape us. I have been here 3 years and I am still only scratching the surface. But I find a smile will go a long way. That's a pretty universal language.
-Charles
Oh I KNOW it IS easier said than done! I was a "fed" for 40 years!
Thanks for another lesson in "cultural diversity".
Dan
