an appellation bestowed by the Greeks on the Indian philosophers in ancient times, because, according to tradition, they went naked, or nearly so. They were also called Bhojaparai, that is, Brachmans or Brahmins. (See BRAHMINS, vol. v., p. 271.) They were of two parties, Indian and Ethiopian. The former dwelt in the woods, where they lived on the wild products of the earth. The Ethiopian Gymnosophists are said to have discharged the sacred functions in the manner of the Egyptian priests, and had colleges and disciples of different classes. The Gymnosophists were remarkable for their contempt of death, and are said to have practised suicide in the most deliberate manner, by casting themselves into the flames. It is probable, however, that this was an act of devotion with a view to merit immortality. In this way did Calanus sacrifice himself in the presence of Alexander the Great; and likewise did Xerimarus at Athens when Augustus was there. The little acquaintance of the ancients with the Indies gave rise to many wonderful stories respecting the Gymnosophists. They appear in general to have been wise and learned men, to judge from their maxims and discourses as recorded by historians. They kept up the dignity of their character to such a degree that they maintained an independent position even in the courts of their princes. They maintained the immortality and transmigration of the soul, and placed the chief happiness of man in a contempt of the gifts of fortune and of the pleasures of sense.