Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis c7.1

c7.1

Yogīs vow not to engage in trade and not to take employment. So they are supposed to beg for their food. But this is by no means the universal practice. It is estimated that but one in one hundred begs; and at monasteries and at shrines where offerings and income are sufficient, the inmates do not have to go out to beg at all. Very often all that a Yogī may ask for is brought at once by willing devotees. Most of those who bring gifts are not immediate followers of the Yogīs. Certain Yogīs, called Darṣanīs, do not beg but remain in definite places, in the forest, at temples, in caves or at monasteries, where they are visited and worshipped.¹ While away on pilgrimage, it may be necessary for a Yogī to beg. If food is not available, they eat fruit and roots; and in some instances, if food is not given them they mix ashes from the dhūnī with water and drink it as a substitute.