[averkif]

Now about the linkages and proof of the common thoughts between the Nath/Siddha/Avadhuta tradition and Tamil Siddhars.

1. Non belief or non-adherence to the caste system. Most of the well known Naths as well as Tamil Siddhars were not Brahmins. Of course there were many Brahmins especially in the later Avadhuta tradition.

2. Yoga was the basis of both. Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga.

3. Both of them laid great stress on Ashtama Siddhi and Samadhi.

4. The basic concept of the Nath/Siddha/Avadhuta tradition as well as the Tamil Siddhars is non-adherence to the rules of the society. This trait is exhibited by almost all the Nath/Siddhas and the Tamil Siddhars.

We can not forget how many of our Avadhutas were stoned by the people for going around nude. How they got them arrested by the British police. The Tamil Siddhars were called mad Men.

Do as it please you is the golden rule. The individual and his spiritual attainment is the most important thing. Of course some of the gurus did preach and write books.

We can see this even today in Pune where you find a Nath guru sitting in a cowshed attached to a Siva temple with his Dhuni (Homa) and a number of Shishyas.

5. The Nath/Siddhas were always associated and closely linked to temples. Many temples in the north and east like Vaishno Devi, Jwalamukhi, Kalighat to mention a few are associated with Naths. Even today the temple in Jwalamukhi is under their control. They also control the Thryambhakeswar temple near Nasik.

This is similar to the history of the Tamil Siddhars many of whom were associated and founded temples.

6. The time period is the same. The earliest being about 700 A.D.

Now we will take the questions one by one.

1. When did they live?

It is now generally agreed that the earliest period is around 700 A.D. There have been a continuous stream of Siddhars after that date.

2. Why did they want to live for ever?

It a a very long time to attain Siddhis. The idea is that you spent almost one life time in the practice of Yoga and attaining Siddhis. Then you seek Spirituality. The Siddhars search for Kayakalpa and para kaya pravesa were all based on this concept. Attain perfect control over your body as it is the instrument for seeking Spiritual attainments.

Again this has a lot of relevance to their philosophy. We will discus that later.

3.What was the propose of their research into Siddha Vaidya?

Siddhars went through esoteric religious practices like Kundalini Yoga which put a lot of strain on the physical body. Mantra yoga in general and Kundalini Yoga in particular puts a tremendous strain on the body. And the Siddhars wandered alone mostly in uninhabited regions. They got diseases like every human being. So they had to know how to survive in forests and also keep their body healthy. Their main motivation for herbs was to stay healthy and strengthen the body.

There are books in Hindi and Marathi written by Nath/Siddhas about herbs and Vaidya. But in those regions they have formed part of Ayur Veda.

Many people talk about Mantra Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. Many people have problems with Mantras. I have seen people coming to my Guru asking to be relieved of the problems and in fact asking for de-initiation of Mantras. Raising of Kundalini has so many problems that there are support groups. Gopi Krishna's books detail some of the problems.

You can go into a Samadhi state and never come back. You have permanent headaches, lose the ability to sleep, have hallucinations, and go mad in general. Sadhus do travel in groups of two or three members so that one can watch over the other.

Any questions?