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Followers of Natha-sampradaya are subdivided on three
categories:
I. Аvalambi or Sathi (disciples and followers of Natha
cult). Sometimes they are called Jigyasu, who wants to study the tradition
and adhere to it. These are those who have accepted the Guru of the Natha line
and receive upadeshas (instructions) to yoga practice. Guru gives diksha
with guru-mantra to such followers. Such sadhakas get in touch with
variety of phenomenal reality and follow a purnata principle (fullness
or kula) most strongly.
II. Аughara is another category of sadhakas belonging to Nathas.
These Nathas receive during the initiation certain symbols of Natha-sampradaya
which they use in ritual practices. Aughara's symbols are nadi (whistle),
representative of Shabda Brahman, and Janeu (string), representative of
nadis (such channels as Ida, Pingala, Sushumna and 72,000 channels of an inner
body). During nada-anusandhana practice Nath yogi hears a Nada sound
in his anahata-cakra and contemplates the Guru and Ishtadevata in the same place
of his heart. As a rule at this stage of initiation the chela (disciple)
chooses the main Guru, who represents him to all Sampradaya.
Аughara can be compared with murti which during carving out of stone and cutting
off of all unnecessary gets features of the Deity. Awakening of the Deity
within murti are correlated with the spiritual birth of Siddha or Natha-yogi
which then becomes Darshani.
III. Кanphata
or Darshani is the highest initiation of
Natha tradition. At the time of initiation with this diksha Guru neatly cuts a
hole in the center of ears of his disciple and inserts there the kundalas or
darshanas (earrings). They are linked with two energy channels which
assist to direct sexual energy to sahasrara-cakra. These channels in the center
of the ear help to control amrita (nectar of immortality) which descends
from sahasrara-cakra. Finally the absorption of it by jathar-agni (digestive
fire) and animal instincts, which yogi learns to control, is prevented. The
person who has received such kind of initiation is considered as purnasannyasi
in Natha sampradaya and is more respected then Aughara. Only Darshani
can be considered as Guru and shall be able to represent the Natha
tradition completely.
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