321 Difficult Yoga Poses Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images

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Holy Sadhu man attracts a crowd on the Maidan in central Calcutta, India. Near some ballustrades built by the British during the last years of the Raj, the man is leaning forward on his knees and his head is buried in gravel. Practicing Tapas or Niyamas, is one form of Austerity that holy men like this perform to cleanse themselves of bad thoughts. It is a conservation of energy; an increase of power in the system by sense control; a process of positive-thought, self-imposed hardships and inner-strength - all to gain a higher being for oneself. They might stand in cold water in winter, stand on or bury their heads in earth. Niyamas also breeds non-violence, truthfullness, non-stealing, moderation, non-possessiveness, purity, contentment, discipline, study and surrender. Get premium, high resolution news photos at getty