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The Nine Masters
The Nath-sect occupies an important position in the religions history of medieval India. It is a popular all-India religious movement that strives for immortality by transforming the human body into an imperishable divine body.
The aim of a yogi is to become a Nath, meaning ‘Master’. He must undergo a systematic course of moral, physical, intellectual and spiritual discipline with a view to the attainment of perfect mastery over body and the Trinity Nature. A Yogi must rise above all bondages, sorrows and limitations and all the weaknesses of his physical and psychic nature. He should conquer death. He must acquire ‘Darshan’, a true vision that is to say, perfect insight into the ultimate character of reading.
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The Nath Yogis are Nine traditional Masters - all have transformed their bodies through yogic discipline who reside in Himalayas. Adinath as Lord Siva is their Guru and Matsyendranath is considered the first of the human gurus (spiritual guides). The credit of placing Nath-tradition on a firm foundation is given to Sri Gorakfhnath who had combined the philosophy of Siva with the Hathayoga of Patanjali on the practical side. The Nath Yogies achieve a state of natural harmony through cultivation of the culture of body (Kaya - Sadhana) by the control of semen, breath and thought. Guidance of an accomplished Guru (teacher) is considered essential.
Sri Gagangiri is a Nath Yogi in this tradition. |
