(Sādhu) A Sanskrit word meaning, among many other things, “holy man” (from the root sadh, go straight to the goal, succeed, accomplish, etc.). It is the title given to Hindu as well as Jain saints. In JAINISM, it is the fourth stage of the ascetic order. Such Jain saints observe rigid codes of conduct, including extreme non-violence (ahimsa); they do not mix with others and are entirely concentrated on spiritual practices which are designed to release them from the cycle of rebirth (called in Jainism apavarga, literally “completion”).

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