Gymnosophists

Gymnosophy: A philosophy and lifestyle based around the idea that nudity is a natural condition and should be widely acceptable in society, formed the basis for what is now called naturism or nudism. ⁸⁾ Gymnosophy was originally the doctrine of a sect of philosophers who practiced nudity, asceticism and meditation. These original gymnosophists were eschewed clothing in living an ascetic life.

Alexander the Great learned of the practice during his conquest of India It is believed that he encountered  the naked monks he called gymnosophists or naked philosophers during  his stay in Taxila. There he saw Sadhus of India, religious figures who practiced their faith and philosophy of religion “sky clad”.  Alexander was fascinated by the teaching and practice of the naked philosophers (gymnophists). It is believed he spent time learning from a naked wiseman who taught about gymnosophy which later found its way back to Greece. ¹How Some Naked Monks of India Fascinated Alexander the Great

Alexander inspired the ancient Greeks to adopt aspects of gymnosophy he  encountered among the India sages they called gymnophists and incorporate the practice of social and spiritual nudity back to Greek society.² Goodson Aileen, Therapy, Nudity & Joy: The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages from Ancient Ritual to Modern Psychology, ch 6 pg 155 In ancient Greece, the Olympian participants wore no clothes. There was no shame about that, as the Olympic Games were a tribute to the human body as well as a celebration to Zeus, their main God. In ancient Greece the Olympian athletes participated in the nude as a tribute to the human body. ³Olympia Greece

References

• 1
  How Some Naked Monks of India Fascinated Alexander the Great
• 2
  Goodson Aileen, Therapy, Nudity & Joy: The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages from Ancient Ritual to Modern Psychology, ch 6 pg 155
• 3
  Olympia Greece