Why Do Saints and Swamis Typically Have Long Hair and Beards?

For many years, the practice of allowing hair and beards to grow long has been associated with saints and swamis, fostering a mystique that often extends beyond religion and into popular culture. This article delves into the deeper reasons behind this custom, exploring both practical and symbolic aspects.

Practical Considerations

The practice of keeping hair and beards long has practical roots as well. Considering historical and contemporary contexts, it can be seen that these individuals often don't engage in manual labor or activities that would require their hair or beards to be cut short. For instance, monks and swamis might lead lifestyles that don't involve the use of machinery or tools that could trap hair or beards, thus making longer hair and beards more convenient.

One common misconception is that long hair and beards are merely markers of a lazy lifestyle. However, this is far from the truth. In fact, many saints and spiritual leaders throughout history have made significant contributions, often engaging in rigorous practices from early morning till late night. The belief that they are merely lazy overlooks the deeply spiritual and diligent nature of their practices.

Symbolic Significance

There is more to this practice than just convenience. Many leading spiritual figures from different traditions believe that long hair and beards have deeper symbolic and spiritual significance. A notable example is the great Indian mystic Paramahansa Yogananda, whose teachings on this subject are particularly insightful.

In his autobiography, The Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda offers an intriguing explanation linking long hair with divine energy:

“The spinal cord is like an upturned tree with man’s hair as its roots and afferent and efferent nerves as branches.”

This has a deeper meaning according to Yogananda:

“Like an upturned plant man similarly absorbs through his hair electric currents helpful to the body.”

The Indian guru, Swami Kriyananda, explains this concept more comprehensively in his book, Raja Yoga:

“Yogis say that long hair draws more energy to the brain. They describe the body as an inverted tree of which the spine is the trunk, the nervous system the branches, and the hair the roots. This is why many yogis let their hair grow long. When I allowed my hair to grow until finally it reached halfway down my back, I discovered with long hair that I was subject to fewer headaches than I had been before.”

Yogic Science and the Hair

Yogananda further elaborates on the relationship between hair and energy in the body:

“The hair is more on the head because that is where the seat of energy is.”

He also provides an intriguing perspective on the Samson story in the Bible. The strength of Samson was attributed to his long hair, which could be transformed into sensitive antennae to draw cosmic energy from the ether. Yogananda intriguingly notes:

“Some yogis do not cut their hair but keep it long to draw from the ether a greater quantity of cosmic rays. The reason for Samson’s having lost his superhuman strength when his hair was shorn by Delilah may well be that he had practiced certain yogic exercises that transform one’s hair into sensitive antennae to draw cosmic energy from the ether.”

Modern Relevance

While some might suggest that long hair and beards are outdated trends, there is mounting evidence that supports the health benefits associated with these practices. According to The Autobiography of a Yogi, women are seen by some as having greater strength due to the longer hair. This might prompt a fresh outlook on why more men should consider longer hair and beards.

Conclusion

The custom of saints and swamis to grow long hair and beards is rooted in both historical and spiritual contexts. While practical considerations contribute to this practice, the deeper significance lies in the symbolic representation of spiritual energy and connection to the divine. The insights provided by these spiritual masters offer contemporary relevance and can inspire individuals to embrace this practice for their own well-being.

It is evident that long hair and beards hold a profound meaning in the context of saints and swamis. They are not merely a fashion statement but a reflection of a deeper spiritual journey.