Nandinatha Sampradaya

The Nandinatha Sampradaya is well known as a highly organized and “orthodox” Hindu spiritual order. The past Guru, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, did a lot to promote this Sampradaya and bring it to a form of relative prominence inside of Hinduism and internationally. The lineage is ancient and in particularly good condition due to the work of Subramuniyaswami. I think the Nandinatha Sampradaya deserves a lot of respect by anyone interested in Nath Sampradayas and Hindu spiritual orders.

Of course they are highly restrictive in many areas, but these are clear features of their sect. The INO is much less restrictive, and far from Hindu in any way, but at the moment we have no Hawaiian ashram for people to drop by and poke around. Work is being done in other quarters however to give the curious a place to “drop into” and get a first hand view of what is going on.

So, I think the Nandinathas are a completely legitimate Nath Sampradaya which is worthy of respect by any spiritually inclined individual. I would have to say that their outward success in perpetuating their trip is worthy of note. I am also sure that there is deep spiritual purpose and sincerity in their approach to the Divine. These two qualities are worthy of respect, in my opinion, in any spiritual order.

While the Nandinatha Sampradaya is a valid Nath Sampradaya worthy of respect, not all of its teaching are fit for everyone or anyone in particular. There are different Nath Sampradayas because different patterns are required or for the benefit of different people.

The INO is also a valid Nath Sampradaya. It does not feature the restrictions of sexual abstinence as required by the renunciate initiates of the Nandinatha Sampradaya.

Individuals attain Siddhi in different ways. Yoga Siddhi remains independent of any sect or creed and is an individual accomplishment. It is hopeful that any individual finds the ways and means inside the tradition they have carefully chosen to be a part of and follow.

There are definite patterns in regards to sexual energy and yoga siddhi. These patterns must be determined through experimentation and documentation. I continue to believe that it is incorrect to instruct people that sexual expression is “wrong” or “bad”. At the same time, being “unconscious” about sexual expression or sexual energy is not likely to make us more conscious about much of anything either.

Different people require different patterns. I don’t think this should come as any surprise. One makes decisions on restrictions and observances inside the conditions of the current patterns of life and seeing what works and what doesn’t in any given direction and time. Conditions and results often change in time and we change. Of course a universal and fixed teaching on sexual expression would be highly desirable, but in most cases, this would be likely be a fairy tale teaching fitting few or none. The THINK process could provide the answers as long as it was engaged and not required to become a reality which never changed from time to time or from person to person…

Regards,
Kapilnath