Part of my ongoing studies includes the comparative religions. I study them for understanding. I can't evaluate what I do not understand. Here's a nice piece - for understanding - on Hinduism in the nytimes.
Worshiping at Kumbh Mela
The Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. At the center of it is the sadhu, a holy man who is smeared in ashes and sometimes naked.
