Relinquishing worldly possessions and pursuing a life of spirituality and meditation is a fascinating concept. We’ve all heard of sadhus, spiritual leaders and gurus leading lives wholly devoid of everything we today think are indispensable. New York based photographer Joey L. however was so taken by this idea that he travelled around the world to document the lives of monks and sadhus. He recently documented some mesmerizing aspects of the sadhus in Varanasi in his journey. It came out in the form of stunning portraits & a captivating film called ‘Beyond’ which filmmaker Cale Glendening shot during his visit. Have a look. It’ll definitely urge you to take a look within and think beyond the material life.You can find Joey L’s work right here
Aghori sadhus cover themselves with human ash, which is the last rite of the material body.
Ascetic priest Baba Vijay Nund rows a boat along the Ganges River. Varanasi, India.
Baba Mooni conducting Aghori Puja in Varanasi.
Baba Vijay Nund on the steps of Chet Singh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges River.
Batuk Student.
Batuk Student.
Batuk Students.
Lal Baba has dreadlocks (jatas) several meters long, which have been growing for over 40 years. To sadhus, dreadlocks are a sign of renunciation and a life dedicated to spirituality.
Lal Baba’s life is to travel. Even at 85 years old, he will continue to travel from holy place to holy place in India and Nepal.
Magesh left a well paid job as an IT computer consultant to pursue to path of Aghora. After years of practice, he finds no temptation to return to his old life.
The sunken temple.
The Aghori have a profound connection with the dead. Death is not a fearsome concept, but a passing from the world of illusion.
Sadhu, Varanasi, India.
Vijay Nund performing morning rituals in the Ganges River, the most sacred river in Hinduism. Varanasi, India.
When he was young, Lal Baba’s parents arranged a marriage for him. Uncertain about his future, he ran away from home in Bihar Siwan and took up the lifelong task of becoming a sadhu.”BEYOND” is an exclusive documentary featuring photographer Joey L. Set in Varanasi, India. The documentary by filmmaker Cale Glendening follows Joey and his assistant Ryan as they complete their latest photo series- “Holy Men.”