INO Glossary: Cosmic Spirit

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In the International Nath Order, the term Cosmic Spirit—or Purusha in Sanskrit—refers to the universal essence from which the human spirit originates and to which it ultimately returns. Unlike paternalistic monotheistic doctrines, INO Tantriks embrace a non-dogmatic understanding of the Cosmic Spirit. This concept encompasses a vast array of qualities and manifestations, reflected in the diverse names of gods and goddesses within the tradition.

Symbolism in Tantra

Shri Gurudev Mahendranath writes:

“To assist lesser minds, this Great Cosmic Spirit was symbolized and made more tangible as Gods and Goddesses, male and female, positive and negative, and aggressive and receptive aspects. In Tantra, the Lord Shiva and his Shakti Parvati dominated. These deities also symbolized the love, tenderness, affection, and enduring partnership which permeated the Tantrik way of life.”

Path to Enlightenment

“Tantra lore maintains that only enlightenment, attained by meditation and breath control, culminating in Self-Realization, could end rebirth and bring about reunion of the Spirit with the Supreme Spirit of the Cosmos—the Purusha (Cosmic Spirit).”

Personal Connection

“I realized the essential code words to understanding and attainment were based on Insight, Intuition, and Imagination. In the train to Hardwar, I wrote the detail in the form of an invocation and puja to the Cosmic Spirit—the Purusha—which is both time and self. That scroll is called The Puja of the Three Super Faculties, and can be found in The Scrolls of Mahendranath.”

Individuals are encouraged to choose their own term to describe their personal connection to the Cosmic Spirit, fostering a direct and unique spiritual relationship.

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