It is hard to understand why someone would give up all their possessions and live in reclusion, especially today when everyone is obsessed with technology. New York-based photographer Joey L delves into the world of religious ascetics who devoted their lives to find spiritual liberation. Joey has taken vivid portraits of monks and spiritualists starting in Northern Ethiopia all the way to Varanasi, India. His portraits are mainly of Aghoris, who live on burial grounds in India and are known to engage in postmortem rituals such as smearing human ashes on their bodies and crafting skull bowls from actual corpses. “The Aghori have a profound connection with the dead. Death is not a fearsome concept, but a passing from the world of illusion,” says filmaker Cale Glendening who travelled with Joey L and captured behind-the-scenes moments that eventually turned into a fascinating documentary called "Beyond". You can watch it below below. |
Morning rituals in the Ganges River, the most sacred river in Hinduism. Varanasi, India |
Aghori sadhus smear themselves with human ash, which is the last rite of the material body. Varanasi, India |
Left: The Aghori worship the dead. Death is the next step after the illusion of life . Varanasi, India Right: Lal Baba ran away from home in Bihar Siwan to avoid a fixed marriage . Uncertain about his future, he r took up the lifelong task of becoming a sadhu. Varanasi, India
|
Lal Baba has grown his deadlocks for 40 years. Dreadlocks are a sign of spirituality and renunciation. |
Baba Mooni conducting an Aghori Prayer (Puja) in Varanasi, India |
Right: Magesh used to be an IT computer consultant. He left to devote himself to Aghora. He's been practicing for many years and does not miss his old life. Varanasi, India |
Ram Das standing next to a wrecked boat in Varanasi, India. |
Right: Baba Mooni conducting Aghori Puja in Varanasi, India |
Right: “Perhaps I will live even longer than 101, maybe 101 years more. I know a monk who is 80 years old, but he acts very old. He is not like me.” |
Baba Vijay Nund n the banks of the Ganges River |
Sunken temple in Varanasi, India |
Batuk Students, Varanasi, India |
Batuk Students, Varanasi, India |
”I came from my village, from the countryside to learn. I didn’t go home. I preferred to stay here. I’ve been here for 43 years.” Aba Yohannis monastery – 74 years old |
Baba Vijay Nund rows a boat along the Ganges River. Varanasi, India |
Cale Glendening's documentary, "Beyond": |
These Photos Prove the Past Was a Funny Place...
These photos prove the past was just as bizarre as today!
These Photos Will Make You Rub Your Eyes in Puzzlement
These photos are all very puzzling at first look, maybe even at the second as well...
Wild and Whimsical Art That Jumps Off the Page!
Browse through a number of AJ Fosik's works and be transported to a world of colorful and enchanting beasts and spirits!
Nostalgic Collection: Click to See the Historical Photos!
Click on any of the photos to be taken to a post full of some of our most fascinating historical photographs.
In Pictures - Black & White Photography Awards 2023!
Check out the astonishing winning images from the 2023 Black & White Photo Contest.
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
15 Captivating Photos of Impressive Artwork and Designs
We stumbled upon some really unique photos of intentional and accidental art.
There's Nothing Quite Like These Perfectly-Timed Photos!
Take a look at these 20 incredible perfectly-timed photos, some of which are outrageously hilarious. Enjoy!
15 Gripping Images Reflecting the Duality of Life on Earth
A look at a collection of digital collages that show how some people from different regions have completely opposite lives from one another.
These Portraits Combine People With Their Young Selves
In certain instances, it's uncanny how much people remain looking like their younger selves well into adulthood. Take a look at this composite portraiture.
24 Photos Highlight the Beauty of Buildings in the World
This fascinating photo contest celebrates some of the most outstanding architectural marvels worldwide, both ancient and modern...
23 Incredible Photographs Taken at Just the Right Moment
These scarcely believable pictures have NOT been doctored. They were just taken at the perfect time.
Fascinating Doors of London! The Beauty is Remarkable
This photographer has a curious eye for the remarkable doors of London.
A Tiny Bit of Kindness Can Go an Awful Long Way in Life!
A small act of kindness, as these photos prove, can go an awful long way.
These Photos Show How Our World Is Just Full of Surprises!
We are blessed to inhabit this Earth - think of all the beautiful things that you've seen! Here are 21 photos to prove that the world is full of surprises.
15 Incredible Photos of the World Underwater
Thousands of talented photographers registered for the British competition of the underwater photographer of the year!
16 Stunning Photos That are Worth 1000 Words
They say that a picture can paint a thousand words, but we feel that the following pictures can paint 10,000 words.
This Unique Dune House is Like a Hobbit Home, But Better
This astonishing and unique Florida home built into a sand dune facing the beach is sure to impress you!
These Famous Clock Towers are a Sight to Behold!
These famous clocks do more than just tell time. They are an architectural highlight, drawing in throngs of tourists. Let's take a look.
These Photos Are REAL? Yep, They Sure Are!
No images will bend and bamboozle your mind as much as these 19, completely real photos. Can you work out what was going on here?
View the Winning Photographs From the Siena Photo Awards
The Siena International Photo Awards is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies anywhere in the world. View the incredible winning entries here.
20 Previously Unseen 20th-Century Celebrity Portraits
Enjoy this beautiful collection of unseen 20th-century celebrity portraits by the famous American photographer Philippe Halsman.
Who Knew Stairs Could Be Such Works of Art?
Here are some of what I consider the most dazzling staircases the world has to offer.
Learn About Photography's History Through These Old Photos
In celebration of the incredible history of photography, here are 12 outstanding photographic 'firsts' that span the last couple of centuries.
Some Mishaps Are More Expensive Than Others...
These photos bring you the most expensive mishaps you ever saw.
Macro Photography: The Majestic World of Tiny Creatures
Tri Setyo Widodo is a talented macro photographer who specializes in taking photos of insects and other tiny creatures. Here are some of his stunning photographs!.
Feel the Solitude: These Photos of the Arctic are Breathtaking!
Step inside one of the most solitude places on Earth. Finnish Photographer Tiina Törmänen captures the vast, icy beauty of this most remarkable and breathtaking place.
These Crazy Statues Will Really Mess with Your Head...
Check out these 15 bombastic sculptures that simply appear to defy the laws of physics. Take a look for yourself!
See Just How Much Women's Fashion Changed In 200 Years
Fashion changes all the time, but how much it does change is even more remarkable when viewed from the perspective of centuries. Take a look.
I Can't Believe People Go to Such Lengths For a Photo!
Get ready to see some of the most epic and creative photos ever snapped!
50 Years This Man Built and Built.. And Here's the Result!
This cathedral is slowly being built by an amazing 90 year old man, using discarded waste. Read on to here this inspiring story, and see a glorious church.
Are These Weirdest Houses Ever Built?
n this video, we're taking you on a journey to meet the weirdest houses in the world, looking very different to the ones we're used to.
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
15 Rare Photos That'll Change the Way You See the World!
These photos spread light on our surroundings, reminding us that even simple things can be extraordinary. Take a look!
22 Celebrities Who Make Getting Older Look So Cool
These celebrities are ageless!
15 Interior Design Elements That Never Go Out of Style
If you follow these rules, your home will never run out of style!
The Great Wall of China as You’ve Never Seen It Before
High definition drone capture of the Great Wall of China
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
This Common Waterhole Attracts a Huge Variety of Wildlife
When this photographer set up a camera trap near a watering hole in Kenya, he had no idea he'd be able to capture all these rare animals!
These Amazing Shots Show the American West In a New Light
The American West has been photographed many times, but never quite like this. Enjoy Niaz Uddin's stunning aerial shots of this stunning region.
These Pics Were Taken On a 40000 Km Journey Through Europe
This Belgian photographer traveled no less than 40,000 kilometers to photograph the peaks of Europe. Take a look at his amazing photos right here.
16 Pics That Reveal the Rarely-Seen Side of Things
These pictures show us the rarely seen side of things that might surprise you.
These Pictures Will Put the Awe of the Universe in You
The winners of the Astronomy Photography competition capture the majestic beauty of our skies and what lies beyond them.
Ladies, This Is How You Pose For a Full-Body Photo!
These practical posing tips that will help you look graceful and elegant in every photo.
What Did the Earliest Photographs Look Like?
Nowadays everyone has a camera, but take your mind back the time when photography was just a fantasy and imagine the thrill of seeing the first photos!
Between Dream and Reality: Nocturnal Nature Photography
This Chicago-based photographer inserts artificial light into natural environments to create mystifying, ethereal photographs.
Learn All About the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World...
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World serve as testament to the imagination, ingenuity, and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. Learn more here.