We spent new year's day with the Bishnoi tribe in their desert home.
These pictures are of the tribal elder whose lined face shows the price that his hard life has taken.
The word Bishnoi is derived from bis (twenty) and nai (nine)
It is used to designate the followers of 29 principles given by Guru Jambheshwar who spread a very early eco frindly message to protect trees and wildlife around 540 years ago.
The tribes people adopt a very simple life, living in mud huts amongst their chickens, extended family and goats.
The 29 Principles of Guru Jambheshwar
- Observe 30 days state of untouchability after child's birth
- Observe five days segregation while a woman is in her menses
- Bath early morning
- Obey the ideal rules of life: Modesty
- Obey the ideal rules of life: Patience or satisfactions
- Obey the ideal rules of life: Purifications
- Perform Sandhya two times a day (a religious ritual)
- Eulogise God, The Lord Vishnu in evening hours
- Perform Yajna every morning ( a ritual offering into a consecrated fire)
- Filter the water, milk and firewood
- Speak pure words in all sincerity
- Adopt the rule of forgiveness and pity
- Do not steal
- Do not condemn or criticise
- Do not lie
- Do not waste the time on argument
- Fasting on Amavashya and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu
- Have pity on all living beings and love them
- Do not cut the green trees, save environment
- Crush lust, anger, greed and attachment
- Accept food and water from our purified people only
- To provide a common shelter for male goat/sheep to avoid them being slaughtered in abattoirs
- Don't sterilise the ox
- Don't use opium (which our tribal elder must have forgotten!)
- Don't smoke
- Don't take bhang or hemp
- Don't take wine or any type of liquor
- Don't eat meat, remain always pure vegetarian
- Never use blue clothes
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