Shri Sadguru Lokanath: Nath Avadhut
Introduction
Shri Sadguru Lokanath, a Nath guru and avadhut from Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India. As the first Indian guru of Shri Gurudev Mahendranath, Lokanath’s teachings and initiations laid a foundational stone for the International Nath Order, inspiring seekers to pursue liberation through focused practice.
Lokanath’s Life and Teachings
Hailing from the Himalayan region of Uttarkashi, Shri Sadguru Lokanath lived as an avadhut, free from worldly attachments. He taught the science of the divine to carefully chosen disciples, emphasizing solitary practice in remote, distraction-free environments. Lokanath believed that true spiritual progress required immersion in stillness until the ultimate goal—self-realization—was attained. Shunning fame, he wrote no books, left no treatises, and avoided public attention, leaving behind no known photograph.
Initiation of Shri Mahendranath
In 1953, Shri Lokanath initiated Shri Gurudev Mahendranath into the Adinath Sampradaya, ordaining him as a sannyasin. This pivotal moment marked Mahendranath’s formal entry into the Nath tradition. Through this initiation, Lokanath passed on the core principles of the Nath path, shaping Mahendranath’s journey and, ultimately, the formation of the International Nath Order.
Legacy in the INO
Shri Sadguru Lokanath’s influence endures within the International Nath Order through his emphasis on disciplined, solitary practice and direct experience of the divine. His teachings resonate with the INO’s commitment to authentic spiritual exploration, honoring the lineage of the Adinath Sampradaya while encouraging modern seekers to find truth in simplicity and focus.
