Om-Om-Om-Om

Yogis are, by definition, above earthly concerns, but last week 500 of them convened in Delhi in a "spiritual parliament" to further world peace. In the tented meeting ground by the Jumna River, teams of holy men in two-hour shifts chanted the names of peaceable deities, and sang hymns interspersed by frequent repetitions of the sacred word "om"--that "mystic sound," according to one swami, "which vibrates and makes luminous and radiant the inner and outer atmospheres." The vibrations, the holy men hoped, would counteract war preparations the world over. The holy men were generally optimistic, except gloomy Swami Puroshottamanand. "I am sorry I ever left my cave," said the swami, who had not ventured out in 26 years. "War is inevitable."

Most arresting of the peace conferees were 50 naked, ash-covered monks of the Naga sect. At a great parade during which thousands of enthusiastic Indians showered the holy men with petals and rose water, the Nagas at first wore loincloths, obeying police orders against nudity, but many soon discarded them. Explained Shivan Chidanand Gir, leader of the Nagas, a college graduate and ex-army officer: "For us, even the smallest shred of clothing hinders concentration and meditation."

Gir had a specific suggestion for world peace: President Truman and Generalissimo Stalin, he said, should meet in the nude to talk things over--in a cave, or a holy city like Benares. The conference, said Gir, should be held in an atmosphere of "I have nothing to hide from you." Added Gir: "If the gentlemen have the vigor to accompany me, I will gladly lead them to an excellent cave."

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