SIX WEEKS' FAST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 299, 18 December 1935, Page 8

SIX WEEKS' FAST.

HINDU YOGI'S FEAT.

Amazing Sufferings for Old

Penance.

BURIAL IN STONE TOMB,

United Press Association. —Copyright.

(Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 17

"The Times" Delhi correspondent reports that a remarkable instance is reported of a Hindu Yogi meditating without food or water for 43 days in order to carry out the philosophical doctrine of Samachi, the highest form of penance practised by the ancient Hindu sages.

Tlie Yogi liacl himself immured in a stone tomb 10 feet square by four, at Rishikesb, a noted place of pilgrimage in the United Provinces, having previously fasted for several days.

He ordered that between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the 45th day, when he uttered the sacred word "Om!" lie should be taken out and given fruit juice, while his body should be rubbed with oil.

Crowds of worshippers continually watched outside the tomb, the door of which was cemented and guarded. The Yogi was duly heard at the appointed time to utter in a low voice, "Om!" Pale and thin in body, but still living, lie was carried out amid the prayers of thousands. When the Yogi was previously in a similar trance, white ants partly ate one of his hands.