Celebrating Shri Gurudev Mahendranath: A Life of Wisdom and Awakening
April 29 marks a sacred day for the International Nath Order as we celebrate the birthday of our beloved founder, Shri Gurudev Mahendranath (1911–1991). Born Lawrence Miles in London, Mahendranath’s journey from a curious seeker to an Avadhut and tantric master continues to inspire spiritual aspirants worldwide. His teachings, rooted in the Adinath and Uttara Kaula traditions, offer a path to liberation through meditation, yoga, and fearless self-inquiry. Today, we honor his legacy by reflecting on his life, embracing his wisdom, and recommitting to the Nath way. Join us in this celebration of a guiding light whose vision still illuminates our path.
A Life Devoted to the Divine
Shri Gurudev Mahendranath’s story is one of transformation. As a young man in London, he explored mysticism, crossing paths with luminaries like Aleister Crowley. Drawn to the East, he traveled to India, where he received initiation into the Adinath Sampradaya and Uttara Kaula tantric lineage. There, he became a sadhu, renouncing worldly attachments to embody the Nath ideal of liberation in this lifetime. His experiences in India’s sacred landscapes shaped his unique synthesis of tantra, yoga, and meditation, tailored for Western householders seeking spiritual depth without dogma.
Mahendranath’s writings, known as The Scrolls of Mahendranath, are a treasure trove of insight. Works like the Twilight Yoga Trilogy and Levogyrate Tantra guide practitioners through meditative practices, yantra visualization, and the dissolution of the five Kleshas—ignorance, ego, repulsion, attachment, and clinging to life. His poetry and prose, infused with humor and clarity, demystify esoteric traditions, making them accessible yet profound. Through the International Nath Order, he shared this wisdom, fostering a global community dedicated to awakening.
Timeless Teachings for Today
At the heart of Mahendranath’s philosophy is the call to transcend the Kleshas, the mental obstacles that bind us to suffering. He taught that true freedom comes from questioning societal conditioning, cultivating tranquility, and building a personal spiritual practice grounded in reason. His emphasis on meditation—whether through rhythmic breathing, mantra, or yantra—offers a practical path to inner peace. In a world often marked by chaos and distraction, Mahendranath’s teachings feel more relevant than ever.
His vision of a new social order, rooted in pagan wisdom, challenges us to live mindfully. By overcoming attachment and ego, we can create lives of purpose and connection, immune to the “madness of the modern world,” as he put it. Whether you’re a seasoned Nath practitioner or a curious seeker, Mahendranath’s words invite you to pause, reflect, and awaken to your divine potential.
The International Nath Order’s Mission
The INO carries forward Shri Gurudev Mahendranath’s legacy through events, retreats, and the preservation of his writings. Our annual INO Mela gathers the community to share practices and insights, while Twilight Yoga retreats offer immersive experiences in Nath meditation. By making The Scrolls of Mahendranath freely available on our website, we ensure his teachings reach all who seek them. The INO remains a vibrant space for householders and renunciates alike to explore tantra, yoga, and the Nath way.
We invite you to join us in upcoming events or explore our resources at www.internationalnathorder.org. Whether through attending a retreat or studying Mahendranath’s scrolls, you can deepen your connection to this timeless tradition.
Honor His Legacy Today
As Mahendranath wrote, “By Nath meditation, rhythmic breathing and tranquility we are relaxed while the rest of the world goes by.” May his words guide us today and always.
🕉️ Om Namah Shivaya 🕉️