Belief and Practice of the Nathpanthis Siddhas and Yogis
The Nathpanthis Siddhas and Yogis are part of a religious and spiritual tradition known as Nath Sampradaya. They follow a set of beliefs and practices that are rooted in Hinduism and Tantric philosophy. Here are the details of their belief and practice:
Beliefs:
- The Nathpanthis Siddhas and Yogis believe in the concept of a supreme reality known as Brahman. They believe that Brahman is the ultimate source of all existence and that all beings are interconnected and part of this divine reality.
- They also believe in the existence of deities and worship them as manifestations of Brahman. Some of the deities commonly revered by the Nathpanthis include Lord Shiva, Goddess Kali, and Lord Dattatreya.
- The Nathpanthis believe in the power of yoga and meditation to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation. They believe that by practicing various yogic techniques, one can unite their individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.
- They also believe in the concept of Kundalini, a dormant spiritual energy that resides at the base of the spine. Through specific yogic practices, they aim to awaken and raise this Kundalini energy to achieve higher states of consciousness.
- The Nathpanthis Siddhas and Yogis also believe in the importance of a guru or spiritual teacher. They consider the guidance and teachings of a guru essential for spiritual growth and realization.
Practices:
- The primary practice of the Nathpanthis Siddhas and Yogis is the practice of yoga. They engage in various yogic techniques, including asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and dhyana (meditation), to purify their bodies and minds and cultivate spiritual awareness.
- They also practice specific forms of yoga, such as Kundalini yoga and Hatha yoga, to awaken the dormant spiritual energy and channel it towards spiritual growth.
- The Nathpanthis Siddhas and Yogis follow a disciplined lifestyle, which includes practices like celibacy, vegetarianism, and regular fasting. These practices are believed to purify the body and mind, making them more receptive to spiritual experiences.
- They often live in solitude or in small communities called ashrams, where they can focus on their spiritual practices and live a simple and austere life.
- The Nathpanthis Siddhas and Yogis also engage in the study and contemplation of sacred texts, such as the Natha Upanishad, Goraksha Samhita, and Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati.
Overall, the belief and practice of the Nathpanthis Siddhas and Yogis revolve around the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through yogic practices, devotion to deities, and guidance from a guru. They seek to attain union with the divine and realize their true nature as part of the supreme reality, Brahman.