International Nath Order FAQ

The International Nath Order unites individuals dedicated to meditation, spiritual growth, and the Nath tradition’s precepts. Participation varies by commitment level—less about “membership” and more about readiness for experimental Yoga. This involves harnessing intuition and imagination for personal and collective spiritual goals. Success hinges on active involvement in solo and group work, harmonizing Nath principles with community efforts. The rewards transcend typical membership, as the whole exceeds its parts. Are you ready to join the Greater Work?

The INO isn’t about exploitation or materialism—our focus is spiritual growth, not golden palaces. Support, however, is vital, whether through time, materials, or financial contributions. This reciprocity links individuals to the collective work. While the Order itself does not require any fees for membership or initiation, some individual teachers may choose to charge for their personal time and guidance during the process leading to initiation, viewing it as a fair energy exchange for their dedicated support. Such arrangements are between the aspirant and the teacher and are not mandated by the INO. Donations to the Order are always welcome, their size a personal choice, not an obligation, but a meaningful connection akin to your spiritual efforts.

Reach out via our Contact page to ask questions or express interest in the Nath path. Explore The Open Door blog for insights into our teachings, or connect with initiates through the Zonule page to join a community of seekers.

Begin by studying The Scrolls of Mahendranath, a foundational text for understanding the Nath path. If its teachings resonate with you, submit the INO Petition for Membership to express your interest. From there, you’ll connect with a guide to explore your fit with the INO, a process tailored to your journey.

Our teachings blend ancient oral traditions with modern writings. While written guidelines exist, the Nath path values direct experience over words alone. Participation reveals truths that texts can’t fully capture, merging timeless wisdom with contemporary magickal exploration.

Liberation from rebirth is one goal among many. Shri Gurudev Mahendranath writes, “Our aims in life are to enjoy peace, freedom, and happiness in this life but also to avoid rebirth onto this earth plane. All this depends not on divine benevolence but on the way we ourselves think and act.” This involves erasing the Five Kleshas (ego, ignorance, repulsion, attachment, clinging to life) for clarity and tranquility now.

Shri Gurudev Mahendranath’s The Magick Path of Tantra states: “The Nath Tantriks value the development of the three super-psychic faculties of Insight, Intuition, and Imagination… These three super-faculties or master powers also enable them to create their own texts, mantras, and rituals, all having utility and being in harmony with Cosmic Law. The faculties of Insight, Intuition, and Imagination are primary building blocks on which we build our occult world and magick way of life.

Of course, our way of life has many physical aspects, but our minds still determine the success or pleasure of an act. Our life should have a plan and purpose, since most people blunder their way through life and generate misery for themselves and for others too. Our aims in life are to enjoy peace, freedom, and happiness in this life, but also to avoid rebirth onto this Earth plane. All this depends not on divine benevolence, but on the way we ourselves think and act.”

Tantra refers to both occult treatises and a pagan science of spiritual connection between the Microcosm (individual) and Macrocosm (divine). Beyond sexuality—though it’s a sacred offering—Tantra uses meditation and diverse practices to awaken spiritual energy. It’s a pragmatic, amoral path to break illusion, As Shri Gurudev Mahendranath notes:

“Tantra develops in the three aspects of higher thinking—Insight, Intuition, Imagination. By these developed in meditation, the mind awakens to understanding and union with the Cosmic Purusha and rebirth on the Earth Dimension is no more.”

The INO rejects dogma, embracing the Cosmic Spirit—a concept encompassing countless divine qualities, from gods to goddesses. You’re free to define your personal link to it.

Initiation (Diksha) is a sacred transmission where a qualified INO Initiator imparts a spark of their consciousness to the initiate—a spiritual seed to cultivate. Performed in a formal ceremony, it includes sacred ash, a new Cryptonym, and a timeless link to Nath Sages, as Shri Gurudev Mahendranath notes in The Phantastikos:

“The passage of wisdom and knowledge through the generations required the mystic magick phenomenon of initiation, which is valid to this day in the initiation transmission from naked guru to naked novice by touch, mark, and mantra. In this simple rite, the initiator passes something of himself to the one initiated. This initiation is the start of the transformation of the new Natha. It must not be overlooked that this initiation has been passed on in one unbroken line for thousands of years. Once you receive the Nath initiation, it is yours throughout life. No one can take it from you, and you yourself can never renounce it. This is the most permanent thing in an impermanent life.”

To prepare for this transformative rite, aspirants engage in prior study and build a relationship with the Order, culminating in an in-person ceremony. Each person approaches the INO at a unique level of development, receiving tailored guidance and insights from foundational manuscripts. You may choose group association or personal mentorship, with the depth of your involvement shaping your path. This initiation is an opportunity that flourishes with effort, remaining dormant if left untended.

Only Naths or Devis with a MAGIKOS-issued Charter to Initiate can initiate new candidates into the INO.

No oaths are required during INO initiation. Personal oaths are encouraged as self-chosen commitments, but never imposed, honoring individual freedom.

Per The Magick Path of Tantra, “The Nath Order has no rules, superstitions or dogmas. Even after receiving initiation into the Nath Order people are not bound to accept anything they wish to disbelieve and cannot harmonize with their own thinking. Teachings in the Nath Order are only guidelines to assist you to develop your own thinking, the transmutation of “think” on to a higher level.” – Shri Gurudev Mahendranath.

Freedom comes with responsibility—ignoring wise counsel may lead to repeated lessons, as growth depends on applying insight. You’re free to stumble and learn from the outcomes, with progress tied to your willingness to listen critically and act thoughtfully.

Austerities are optional, tailored to individuals to reduce ego without overemphasis. The Nath tradition favors alternative methods over extreme practices, avoiding new attachments.

MAGIKOS: (Magick and Gramarye Initiate Knights of Shambhala) comprises INO initiates who’ve achieved advanced spiritual and magickal mastery. Their membership and activities remain private. Any INO initiate may petition to join, with progress monitored for potential inclusion.

Naths/Devis pursue personal work and may maintain contact with guides or groups. After initiation, the Nath or Devi is free to continue their personal spiritual work in any way they find progressive. If the Nath or Devi finds by personal experience that they wish to continue contact with their guide and others in the International Nath Order, they are encouraged to do so.

Yes, the INO hosts a yearly INO Mela—a vibrant gathering of Naths—and other retreats detailed on our Events page. Join our monthly Virtual Kula Discourse to connect with aspirants, initiates, and seekers worldwide, fostering group exploration of the Nath tradition.

Explore The Scrolls of Mahendranath, for foundational Nath teachings and The Open Door blog for ongoing insights. Explore key essays like Master Pattern of the International Nath Order, The Scroll of Esoteric Nath Wisdom, The Supreme Reality, Ashes of the Book, and Awakening the Nath Dhuni across this site to uncover the INO’s wisdom, practices, and spiritual depth.