The Avadhut
We might do well to look at some attempts to define what an Avadhut may be. The definition over at the Nath Order site might serve as a backdrop or lighting effect. Avadhut…One who has cast off the fetters, returned and gone back. Back to the Spirit. Cosmic Spirit, Shiva, OM or Divine. It has nothing to do with dress or behavior, it is the manifestation of a human being who has moved back into the Source from which they came and of which we are all a part. This is the principal indicator. The individual agenda, though not completely eradicated, is completely deprecated.
Avadhut is not a common pursuit, nor is it something at which many people succeed. Shri Mahendranath made repeated reference that spiritual life is a return and deeper interaction with the Cosmic Spirit. The individual aspects become subsumed in this process of Yoga. What occurs in this singular approach is a radical and novel point of reference. It is the Spirit and a cosmic process that is no longer exclusively associated with a particular human life stream, rather the Spirit is now moving through the vehicle of a human incarnation or agency.
I was and remain in good harmony with the human agency which once was called Shri Mahendranath. This harmony was my gateway to the experience of the Avadhut. I could regale the curious with countless stories of my experiences in his presence and many peculiar powers he exhibited, but these were small things. What was utterly shocking, though hard to explain, was an individual manifesting more as Spirit than human.
It seemed he was only working out a few remaining karmas keeping him in the body and the main attention was his transition to the infinite and passage from this plane of existence. This wasn’t a rap or a shtick. It was a vibe which was highly visceral and could make the processes of mind and its identifications seemingly disappear in his presence. As I mentioned, it was a freak out. He could share his state at a distance of thousands of miles also. Garudanath recently wrote such a testimony and many whom he “worked with” would relate a similar report.
For me it was a view of human potential. Revealed by ancient texts or rumors and realized in human form and witnessed by others. A rich legacy.
As for comparing him to other teachers, I’m not comfortable in naming names. I’ve had the karmas to meet and receive initiations and transmissions from many gifted souls who wanted to share. These include many Tibetan Buddhists, Shaivite Yogis, Nath Gurus from other lines and a Chinese magician to name a few. Many of these people had huge followings. This may have been what lessened them. Working the great “public” has only the advantage of creating a doorway through which suitable aspirants with the appropriate karmas may find their Way and enter. Otherwise, it is all a waste of time and heavy overhead. Collecting people/devotees or money has nothing to do with a valid spiritual path.
It is about people. People with the appropriate and pre-existing karmas which fit to the nature of the particular path. Avadhuts are not entertainers and are likely to give the insincere the boot, ba-bye. Usually this isn’t necessary as the faint-hearted often end up running in the opposite direction as if they had seen a dragon. Sincere exertion towards the Divine is usually difficult for most people. Modern society does not really encourage such things except in the most superficial of forms. Each individual has a path that is appropriate for them in their current lifespan. This varies from person to person and for good reason…
