The Yogi: Bava Lachman Dass
The ancient art of yoga as shown by The Yogi Bava Lachman Dass.
Brahmin Yogi (priests), train to form their bodies into various positions.
Many years ago they sat on street corners and portrayed their art. It was so incredible that they were given money and gifts. They became idols. Bava Lachman Dass was one of the most famous. He was sold by his starving parents to priests of the Black Caves of Central India. From the age of four he was taught the art of YOGA.
He could perform the most incredible positions, not one of his bones were broken in order to achieve this.
The Yogi in position on the street corner, this was the customary position they adopted. His arms are in the position of calling for blessings.
Being of the Brahmin order he did not need to pray, he was an idol to, his food came from worshipers. It was not regarded as giving to a beggar, but as offerings to a god.
Bava Lachman Dass was found by a merchant in the Holy City of Benares and in exchange for his keep, and the thought that he was going to share his religion, he was transported to England and went on show at the Westminster Aquarium. He went through his routine of forty eight postures.
He could walk miles on his knees. Once he realised he was a show piece for the entertainment of others and not portraying his religion, he was saddened and refused to perform.
He was a Punjabi and a high caste Brahmin, and a large sum of money was paid to ensure he was taken back into the caste on his return to his home land.
He had a follower, one who would learn from the Yoga, they trained and read their holy books together.
For forty years Bava lived on a light diet of goat’s milk and dried fruit.
Many others ate very little at all, their calling so strong that they stayed in one position, statue like idols. Consequently their limbs and muscles suffered and their bodies wasted away. It is believed that to achieve the positions, many could temporarily dislocate their joints.
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An interesting timeline of Yoga
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Great work!..that was very interesting and well presented article about yoga..must read..thnx for sharing this great stuff
An interesting article Glynis
A very good article. He must have been made of elastic.
Christine
Yoga is good for health. Great write, thanks.
Excellent article.
Wonderful article Glynis! I have done a little yoga but nothing like this!
A great article and great pictures.I cant even sit indian style on the floor and this man can do these amazing things.
I’ve never attempted yoga, very interesting article Glynis.
Very interesting article.
Another interesting article like your Voodoo woman.
I enjoyed the video clips, however I don’t think I am that plyable. I like meditating sometimes which helps me to relax and get thoughts for my writing.
Well done Glynis.
Tim
A great, well researched article, Glynis.
Silly me, I always thought that yoga was that creamy stuff that you buy in pots!
Gosh don’t you all do this before you write? I do LOL LOL
Thanks for the comments.
Ouch! I’ve seen someone do this on the street corner for money. Ouch is all I can say.
Interesting well researched article. I love to do yoga but I could never get into these postions.
Really unusual article – I really enjoy it when you do these!
Blogegd at webphemera (of course!)
and dugg at http://digg.com/arts_culture/The_Yogi_Bava_Lachman_Dass#
Another great article, Glynis. Hehe, I’ve been practicing yoga formally since the 90’s, though, and still am not as pliable/bendable or trim ; ).
I loved this, so interesting! I do yoga and have gotten to near intermediate level, buut that takes some skill to stay like that!
great info
Intereseting article! Love those pictures! Amazing positions….I can barely touch my toes…can’t imagine being able to do what he is doing in those pics!!! 
Enjoyed this AND learned something…my favorite kind of article!!
Okay…maybe I should learn how to spell interesting!!
