Indian monks or friars. They outdo the severity and mortification of the ancient Anchores or Solitaries. Some of them make a vow of continuing all their lifetime in one posture, and keep it effectually. Others never lie down; but continue in a standing posture all their lives, supported only by a stick, or rope under their arm-pits. Some mangle their bodies with scourges and knives. They look upon themselves to have conquered every passion, and triumphed over the world; and accordingly scruple not, as if in a state of innocence, to appear entirely naked in public.
The common people of East India are thoroughly persuaded of the virtue and innocence of the fakirs; notwithstanding which, they are accused of committing the most enormous crimes in private.
They have also another kind of fakirs, who do not practice such severities; these flock together in companies, and go from village to village, prophesying, and telling fortunes. They are wicked villains, and it is dangerous for a man to meet them in a lone place: nevertheless the Indian idolaters have them in the utmost veneration. They make use of drums, trumpets, and other musical instruments, to rouse their souls, and work themselves up to an artificial ecstacy, the better to publish their pretended prophecies.
Some of the votaries of these fakirs most devoutly kiss their privy parts; and they receive this monstrous declaration of respect with a kind of ecstatic pleasure. The most sober and discreet Indians consult them in this preposterous attitude; and their female votaries converse with them a considerable time with the most indecent freedom.
The fire they burn is made of cow's dung, dried in the sun. When they are disposed to sleep, they repose themselves on cow's dung, and sometimes on ordure itself. They are so indulgent towards every living creature, that they suffer themselves to be overrun with vermin, or flung by insects, without the least reluctance or complaint.
It is more than probable, these Indian friars have some secret art to lull their senses asleep, in order to render themselves in a great measure insensible of the excessive torments they voluntarily undergo. Ovington assures us, that "as he was one day in an assembly of fakirs, he observed, that they drank opiates infused in water; the intoxicating virtue whereof was enough to turn their brain."
The garment of the chief fakirs consists of three or four yards of orange-coloured linen, which they tie round them, and a tiger's skin, which hangs over their shoulders. Their hair is woven in tresses, and forms a kind of turban. The superior of the fakirs is distinguished from the rest by having a greater number of pieces in his garment, and by a chain of iron, two yards long, tied to his leg. When he deigns to rest in any place, a garment is spread upon the ground; on which he sits and gives audience, whilst his disciples publish his virtues.
Some persons of quality in India have become fakirs: among others, five great lords belonging to the court of Cha-gehan, Mogul of the Indies. It is said, there are about two millions of fakirs in the East Indies.