Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis c7.16

c7.16

One of the marks of the sect is the practice of charity. This is followed in Nepāl, in the United Provinces, in the Panjab and at Dhinodhar and in other places in the west. It is said that Dharamnāth began the practice at Dhinodhar in reaction to the neglect with which he was treated in Kacch.⁷ Begging was undertaken to secure means for feeding the sick and the suffering of every caste. Then, grants of land were made to the monasteries with this purpose in view.⁸ At present their income is used in entertaining strangers of all castes and creeds. At Dhinodhar two meals a day are served to all who come. High caste visitors receive their food uncooked; but low caste persons are served in the large dining hall, and Musalmāns and degraded castes in the garden.⁹ Special caldrons are provided for preparing the food. At Gorakhmandi, in Kāṭhiāwār, when the meals are ready, a servant of the abbot goes out and calls twice in a low voice: ‘Whoever is hungry, come. The abbot’s table is spread.¹ The ordinary food served is millet and red pulse. On special days, in August, *Gokal Atham*, and at *Nāurātri*, in October, rice and *lapsi* (wheat flour and molasses cooked in butter), and opium are distributed.² Oman³ reported that the throngs of men, women and children going to Ṭilla to the great festivals, are supplied with accommodation, food and coverings there. At Ṭilla they pride themselves on their practice of charity.