INO Glossary: Avadhut
Avadhut, a Sanskrit term rooted in India’s ancient spiritual traditions, represents a human ideal and living example of non-dual awakening. Also called a Great Yogi or Mahasiddha, the Avadhut embodies the ultimate goal of all Naths.
The Avadhut, a mystic risen above body-consciousness, duality, and worldly concerns, transcends attachment to mind, body, ego, and emotions, as one text describes. The Avadhut roams freely across the earth, embodying pure consciousness in human form.
A vivid metaphor depicts the Avadhut as one who has cast off the fetters, unbound in this awakened reality. Thus, nothing binds the Avadhut.
The Avadhut Gita explores the nature of the Avadhut as its sole subject. Scholars attribute this work to Dattatreya.
Recommended Reading
- The Avadhut by Sri Kapilnath in The Open Door
- The Pathless Path to Immortality by Shri Gurudev Mahendranath
- Sanatana Dharma Gita by Shri Gurudev Mahendranath
- The Ashes of the Book by Shri Gurudev Mahendranath
- Dust and Bones by Shri Gurudev Mahendranath
