Amritsar, October 18, 2013(Neeraj Bagga)-In this era
of globalisation when old customs and traditions are gradually fading into
oblivion from public memory, there are some families continuing the age old
tradition of donating children at Nath Yogi sect, which originated in ancient
India, at Ram Tirath Temple.At present there are three children with the sect
which is headed by religious leader Mahant Malkiat Nath. Youngest of these is
two-year old Bhandari Nath. He was offered by his parents Ravinder Singh and
Lakhwinder Kaur when he was one and a half month old. His family hails from
Khankot village near Verka, on the outskirts of Amritsar. Oldest among these
donated children is Satnam Nath, 15. He is studying at an English medium
private school situated nearby. He is also learning to play harmonium. Another
offered child is Masya Nath. He dropped out of the school after finishing class
seventh and is now learning the Yog Riti, a code of conduct of the Nath Yogi
sect.
After the wishes of parents are fulfilled they offer
their son at Nath Yogi sect. Once initiated into the sect the child is given a
new name and ‘Nath’ is added as suffix to the name.
Mahant Malkiat Nath said since these children were
offered to the Nath tradition (which is a lineage of spiritual masters)
connected with infinite consciousness through the greatest Yogi, Gorakhnath.
These ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is
intimately linked with breath mastery. The life force, which is ordinarily used
for bodily functions, can be channeled for higher activities by a method of
calming and stilling the ceaseless demands of the breath.
The yoga system of philosophy, as established by
Patanjali, taught the means whereby the human soul might attain complete union
with the Supreme Being.
The followers of Gorakshnath are also known as
“Kanphatas” as their ears are pierced and rings are worn in these. Similarly,
Mahant Malkiat Nath has his ears pierced and big rings dangled from these.
A Natha yogi is one who strives by severe restraint
and discipline of the body, to secure union with God and they have to adhere to
vow of celibacy throughout their life.
He said the Natha Yogi were found everywhere in
India but they were associated with Matha (monastry) situated in Rajasthan.
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