02.12.08
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 2:21 am by Shri Kapilnath
The short story is that the Naths and Hatha Yoga as propounded by Yogi Swatmarama only overlap on certain points. Certainly asana and removing obstruction from the nadis is important, but this is only a comfortable sitting posture for most Naths.
The focus on a Nath adept, male or female or devotion and concentration on a particular Siddha being or Guru was and is an approach by which one is seeking transference of the Shakti and knowledge of that being into oneself and life stream. This is a feature of many of the Siddha traditions.
The 64 Yoginis are Shaktis. Some people worship them in the same manner as above. In a yoga to absorb their potency.
With respect to the physical immortality story, Kaya Siddhi, while many yogis lived an extended span, most do not and did not. There is no evidence of human physical immortality and never has been. It is a myth. The real idea behind the concept is related to That which does not decay, the Spirit aspect of the human being. The concept of immortality in the Nath sect has always been a spiritual concept. A true Nath or Siddha is indeed immortal, though they may no longer inhabit a body, having cast it off at death.
It is this spirit continuum of the living and departed which is engaged as a part of the Nath yoga and tradition.
Warm Regards,
Kapilnath
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06.09.07
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 3:12 am by Shri Kapilnath
We might do well to look at some attempts to define what an Avadhut may be. The definition over at the Nath Order site might serve as a backdrop or lighting effect. Avadhut…One who has cast off the fetters, returned and gone back. Back to the Spirit. Cosmic Spirit, Shiva, OM or Divine. It has nothing to do with dress or behavior, it is the manifestation of a human being who has moved back into the Source from which they came and of which we are all a part. This is the principal indicator. The individual agenda, though not completely eradicated, is completely deprecated.
Avadhut is not a common pursuit, nor is it something at which many people succeed. Shri Mahendranath made repeated reference that spiritual life is a return and deeper interaction with the Cosmic Spirit. The individual aspects become subsumed in this process of Yoga. What occurs in this singular approach is a radical and novel point of reference. It is the Spirit and a cosmic process that is no longer exclusively associated with a particular human lifestream, rather the Spirit is now moving through the vehicle of a human incarnation or agency.
I was and remain in good harmony with the human agency which once was called Shri Mahendranath. This harmony was my gateway to the experience of the Avadhut. I could regale the curious with countless stories of my experiences in his presence and many peculiar powers he exhibited, but these were small things. What was utterly shocking, though hard to explain, was an individual manifesting more as Spirit than human.
It seemed he was only working out a few remaining karmas keeping him in the body and the main attention was his transition to the infinite and passage from this plane of existence. This wasn’t a rap or a schtick. It was a vibe which was highly visceral and could make the processes of mind and its identifications seemingly disappear in his presence. As I mentioned, it was a freak out. He could share his state at a distance of thousands of miles also. Garudanath recently wrote such a testimony and many whom he “worked with” would relate a similiar report.
For me it was a view of human potential. Revealed by ancient texts or rumors and realized in human form and witnessed by others. A rich legacy.
As for comparing him to other teachers, I’m not comfortable in naming names. I’ve had the karmas to meet and receive initiations and transmissions from many gifted souls who wanted to share. These include many Tibetan Buddhists, Shaivite Yogis, Nath Gurus from other lines and a Chinese magician to name a few. Many of these people had huge followings. This may have been what lessened them. Working the great “public” has only the advantage of creating a doorway through which suitable aspirants with the appropriate karmas may find their Way and enter. Otherwise, it is all a waste of time and heavy overhead. Collecting people/devotees or money has nothing to do with a valid spiritual path.
It is about people. People with the appropriate and pre-existing karmas which fit to the nature of the particular path. Avadhuts are not entertainers and are likely to give the insincere the boot, ba-bye. Usually this isn’t necessary as the faint hearted often end up running in the opposite direction as if they had seen a dragon. Sincere exertion towards the Divine is usually difficult for most people. Modern society does not really encourage such things except in the most superficial of forms. Each individual has a path that is appropriate for them in their current lifespan. This varies from person to person and for good reason…
Kapilnath
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05.04.07
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 3:07 am by Shri Kapilnath
Greetings,
I was reflecting on the short missive of the poster who wished to find an Indian disciple of Shri Mahendranath to bend their ear. Why some private person would want to discuss their relationship or experience of a holy man with a stranger is obscure, if not invasive, but it set me to thinking…
I remembered my first visit to Shambhala Tapowan. I was in Gujarat State and boarded the train from Ahmedabad to Shambhala Tapowan. It was early evening and the sun had set. The train car I found a space in was filled with village people and a collection of chickens, bundled clothing, pots and pans and much dust. I found and staked out my spot on a bench. Across from me was the only other “gentleman”, a bespectacled Indian person wearing a rather tattered coat and tie, protectively guarding his traveling case which was wedged between his knees.
After being underway for some period and the chickens having been subdued and placed in bags, the man looked at me from behind his coke bottle glasses and suddenly spoke in perfect English. “And what brings you to India my good man?” Somewhat surprised by his British accent, I replied, “I have come to meet my Guru”. “And who is your Guru?” he prodded. I said the name “Mahendranath”.
Suddenly, the car exploded with the yelps of the villagers, “Mahendranath Babaji!” - “Mahendranath Babaji!” The resting chickens entered the fray with excited cackling while the villagers pressed in to form a circle around us. It seemed that everyone in the car had met Shri Mahendranath with the exception of myself and the “well dressed” Indian fellow. A flurry of Hindi ensued from the villagers to “Mr. Spectacles”.
“It seems our traveling companions know your Guruji and speak highly of him. Will you be staying with him?” he asked. “Yes,” I replied. “Mr. Spectacles” merely nodded and the villagers moved away to give greater distance. I went from being the odd white man in the car to an alien presence…
So, if one wants to meet someone who met Shri Mahendranath, board an east bound train out of Ahmedabad and keep mumbling “Mahendranath Babaji”… Since this was over twenty years ago, your mileage may vary…
Kapilnath
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12.17.06
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 11:14 pm by Shri Kapilnath
Greetings All,
While it is slightly off topic for this newsletter, I wish to draw attention to two articles posted at the website of Dr. Robert Svoboda. Dr. Svoboda is a well-published author on many themes which are dear to most INO members. He is also a close friend of the INO.
The articles are entitled, Fate or Free Will (quite long) and Knowing the Elephant. Fine considerations on a couple of very slippery concepts. I think someone may benefit by reading the articles, hence this post drawing attention to their whereabouts.
Om Namah Shivaaya,
Kapilnath
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10.23.06
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 2:03 am by Shri Kapilnath
The stories of the Suras, Asuras, Rishis and Yogis are largely detailed in the Puranas. This includes the many “divine” antics of both Venus (Shukra) and Jupiter (Brihispati). Following the storyline, Shukra was the Guru of the Asuras and Brihispati was the Guru of the Suras. The distinction between the two camps was explained in various ways, but the canonical division portrays the Suras holding the goals of Artha, Kama, Dharma and Moksha, while the Asuras hold only the goals of Artha, Kama and Dharma.
It was the quest for Moksha which separated the Suras from the Asuras and gave them their distinct identities as opposing camps. The import of this distinction was intended to indicate a lack of spiritual inclination among the Asuras. Artha, Kama and Dharma are almost exclusively related to the body and lifespan. Moksha refers to release or liberation from the karmic cycle of death and rebirth on the earth plane. It is considered the highest of the four aims of life.
The battles between the Suras and Asuras remain ancient stories intended to convey material/spiritual values. If they strike a chord in the curious, I would recommend a study of the source texts available at most established academic libraries. Not much of a peep or PR on the topic of Moksha found in most quarters, though it remains the goal of spiritual yoga by definition.
Kapilnath
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09.29.06
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 2:12 pm by Shri Kapilnath
The idea of “magick” runs through most of the traditions associated with the path of mind/spirit development. This includes Tantrika and the vertical yogic paths which insist that with proper development, an individual spirit may manifest previously latent abilities (siddhi or occult power). As a manifestation of our spiritual development along Nath lines, these siddhis occur in course. They are a natural manifestation of a deeper connection between our individual spirit and the Cosmic Spirit.
The warnings of so many Saints and Sages regarding the siddhis should be considered carefully. This is not to say that siddhis are bad in themselves, it is more due to the fact that most “magick” as people talk about it, relates mostly to the mundane world of People, Things and Ideas.
Due to the nature of the mind and desire nature, there is no end to the possibilites. Once any mundane possibility or objective is reached, there is always a new goal to be reached or improvement to be made. In this way, an otherwise sincere sadhak or aspirant may fall into a new maze and preoccupation with the mundane aspects of life. This preoccupation may lead to a circular path. This is not really the final goal of spiritual development, which is actually based on the Spirit and our Return.
Wisely used, the siddhis can assist us in the spiritual work. The important thing seems to be how we choose to use them once developed. It may be useful in this regard to think about the karmas involved in any action whether by thought, word or deed. This includes any action taken in a normal context of action and of course includes any exercise of siddhi or occult power if so developed.
The mystery of Karma- “free will” and “fate”, whether assisted by magick, siddhi or occult power remains highly mysterious. It is said that even the Gods have a difficult time understanding all the subtle connections and values. If this is true, then it may be correct that mere mortals are well advised to consider carefully the intention behind their actions, mundane or “magickal”.
Best Wishes,
Kapilnath
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07.20.06
Posted in Gems from Mahendranath, Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 11:20 pm by Shri Kapilnath
On the topic of Gems from the Scrolls of Mahendranath, I was inspired to offer the following excerpt and a brief comment.
Guru guidance can only take two forms -
First to clear the mind of its delusions,
Thus to overcome past conditioning
And second, to teach the practical steps.
—Shri Gurudev Mahendranath , The Ashes of the Book
There are two forms of delusion. One type of delusion is the relative form related to the inaccurate apprehension of People, Things and Ideas. This aspect of delusion can give rise to all manner of misunderstandings regarding the true nature of all things and their relative meaning. It is also responsible in large part for possible errors in the development of sane and well-grounded personal values. Finely honed personal values are important to help us successfully negotiate the trials of a lifespan and support our ongoing spiritual development.
The development of fine-grained personal values is not spontaneous and requires that the THINK process be engaged and based on solid fact and clear understanding. These values and attendant concepts must be tested throughout the course of our entire lifespan. If experience and test suggest that our values and understanding need to be re-calibrated, it is important to take action and do so. This aspect of personal and higher mind development is important until our final breath.
The other type of delusion is the absolute form which separates the Macrocosm from the Microcosm and gives rise to the notion and experience of duality and separateness. This form of absolute delusion is the field which the processes of Yoga and Tantrika were intended to overcome, leading to our Awakening.
Neither form of delusion is desirable in life or on the spiritual path. Both are defects in our path to the Cosmic Awakening. Most of the practical steps and practice are intended to overcome these defects and two forms of delusion.
Practical Guru guidance is intended to help people see and overcome these obstacles. The processes to overcome delusions must be engaged by the student, chela or disciple. If not engaged, little will be achieved. Guru guidance is not intended as a form of entertainment or merely social involvement. It is only for the sincere and its engagement is a process which begins when one begins and lasts until the final breath. No one will try and convince you. You must engage the appropriate processes and refine the relative values until you succeed. This is the nature of the Nath Path in a nutshell.
Kapilnath
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07.10.06
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter, Articles and Essays at 12:19 am by Shri Kapilnath
On July 3rd, 2006 we inaugurated Rudra Dhuni. The location of this fine site can be found in the city of Lacey, Washington in the domain of Shri Garudanath. It is situated on a tree clad bluff above the entrance to Fishtrap Cove. The view from our birds-eye vantage place is delightful.
Rudra Dhuni was excavated and its base lined with rocks from the beach. As sunset fell upon the scene, it was time to begin. A lovely glow ensued as the ritual got under way. From left to right: Kapilnath, Rose Devi, Timiosnath and Dhruvanath.
The Dreamtime vibrations spread as the Twilight Yoga rite at Rudra Dhuni proceeds with increasing intensity. Rose Devi and Timiosnath are pictured below.
Timiosnath and Dhruvanath at Rudra Dhuni are pictured here.
A brief video of the ritual can be found at the following link. The .wmv file is just over 3mb, so take this into consideration when downloading the Rudra Dhuni video. The explosions in the background are some kind of fireworks which seem to fit right into our ritual.
The evening exertions were a beautiful rite and inauguration on a high spiritual level. A fine time was had by all. The next day we dropped by for another visit, “Good-bye for now Rudra Dhuni…”
For more information on the Dhuni, see Awakening the Nath Dhuni.
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05.08.06
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 10:33 pm by Shri Kapilnath
The Nandinatha Sampradaya is well known as a highly organised and “orthodox” Hindu spiritual order. The past Guru, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, did a lot to promote this Sampradaya and bring it to a form of relative prominence inside of Hinduism and internationally. The lineage is ancient and in particularly good condition due to the work of Subramuniyaswami. I think the Nandinatha Sampradaya deserves a lot of respect by anyone interested in Nath Sampradayas and Hindu spiritual orders.
Of course they are highly restrictive in many areas, but these are clear features of their sect. The INO is much less restrictive, and far from Hindu in any way, but at the moment we have no Hawaiian ashram for people to drop by and poke around. Work is being done in other quarters however to give the curious a place to “drop into” and get a first hand view of what is going on.
So, I think the Nandinathas are a completely legitimate Nath Sampradaya which is worthy of respect by any spiritually inclined individual. I would have to say that their outward success in perpetuating their trip is worthy of note. I am also sure that there is deep spiritual purpose and sincerity in their approach to the Divine. These two qualities are worthy of respect, in my opinion, in any spiritual order.
While the Nandinatha Sampradaya is a valid Nath Sampradaya worthy of respect, not all of its teaching are fit for everyone or anyone in particular. There are different Nath Sampradayas because different patterns are required or for the benefit of different people.
The INO is also a valid Nath Sampradaya. It does not feature the restrictions of sexual abstainence as required by the renunciate initiates of the Nandinatha Sampradaya.
Individuals attain Siddhi in different ways. Yoga Siddhi remains independent of any sect or creed and is an individual accomplishment. It is hopeful that any individual finds the ways and means inside the tradition they have carefully chosen to be a part of and follow.
There are definite patterns in regards to sexual energy and yoga siddhi. These patterns must be determined through experimentation and documentation. I continue to believe that it is incorrect to instruct people that sexual expression is “wrong” or “bad”. At the same time, being “unconscious” about sexual expression or sexual energy is not likely to make us more conscious about much of anything either.
Different people require different patterns. I don’t think this should come as any surprise. One makes decisions on restrictions and observances inside the conditions of the current patterns of life and seeing what works and what doesn’t in any given direction and time. Conditions and results often change in time and we change. Of course a universal and fixed teaching on sexual expression would be highly desirable, but in most cases, this would be likely be a fairy tale teaching fitting few to none. The THINK process could provide the answers as long as it was engaged and not required to become a reality which never changed from time to time or from person to person…
Regards,
Kapilnath
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08.21.05
Posted in Kapilji's Skull Chatter at 4:22 am by Shri Kapilnath
Someone asked:
I have been reading Aghora II: Kundalini and it has brought up a few questions. I am hoping someone can shed some light on some of these for me. First, I was wondering if INO teaches the proper methods of performing agni homa… I am interested in learning to perform agni homa as part of my sadhana…
Shri Kapilnath replied:
Dr. Svoboda, the author of Aghora II, was just here last week. He usually stays with me here at the house several times a year and is a close friend of mine. He also visited Shri Mahendranath several times in India. Dr. Svoboda’s Guru spoke about things differently than my Guru did, which is natural. In any case, the two traditions (Aghora and Nath) have much in common on functional levels.
I cannot and will not speak for Vimilananda, however your questions bring up a few good points so I can say a few general words. There is a functional aspect to external worship and those dualistic expressions are solely intended to create the conditions so that we can experience and Awaken to new levels of being on a finer grained and self experiential basis.
There remain a number of “schools” of thought related to the pathless path and spontaneous awakening. These teaching are quite valid, but are exclusively the reflection of highly advanced souls who already have the necessary mind impressions and karmas. In this sense, the pathless path remains the most conditional of all approaches. This approach or teaching is actually only for the highly advanced souls who have the appropriately earned karmas. One does not become an Avadhoot my making claims or indulging in mere fantasy…
I wish I had a nickel for all the folks who have told me, “I have Awakened, All is One”. This is usually a valid concept as far as talking goes, however the difficulty remains that those who are not properly prepared and have not tread a valid vehicle of Awakening or Process of some duration are highly likely to fall asleep again and indulge in all manner of delusion. At this strange juncture there is no teaching, no path, nothing to do and nothing to attain. Most people live in this condition.
This is fine with me, but has little to do with the approach outlined by the Nath tradition which insists that the transformation of a man or woman into a God or Goddess is a process which requires a living root to unfold from and is the Work of a lifetime.
The process of Yoga or Kula Shakti unfolds over time and in individualistic ways, yet has a number of stations which need to be experienced in the early levels and only then can the these experiences and Attainments of the individual be shared with others. The Nath Path is less about theory and more about the inoculation of suitable people to a new vibration.
The INO is a tradition and lineage of the Primal Vibration or Shakti. The Divine Shakti, sometimes called Kundalini by those outside the INO, is its basis and this Vibration remains the sole basis of all Tantrik teachings. Most all of the basics have been outlined in the writings of Shri Mahendranath and a deeper experiential understanding of the basics is all anyone really needs as far as the INO is concerned.
The INO remains a rich legacy of Shri Gurudev Mahendranath which includes the Nath Kula Kaula of antiquity which has been the vehicle for many Naths of great spiritual and historical significance. It’s enough for me in any case.
Love and Blessings,
Kapilnath
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