In Dvapara Yuga, people possessed intelligence and discrimination. Scriptures state that this Yuga lasted 864,000 years, and the average human height was 8 hand-lengths. The present age, Kali Yuga, lasts 432,000 years, and humans are symbolically described as 4 hand-lengths tall, reflecting reduced strength and virtue. Scriptures portray Kali Yuga as dominated by selfishness, dishonesty, laziness, sleep, violence, sorrow, attachment, fear and poverty. Brahma created the Yuga-cycle, which cannot be altered, but compared to earlier ages, Kali Yuga appeared especially unstable.
To protect humanity, Lord Vishnu Himself created the Nath Sampradaya, a powerful spiritual lineage capable of guiding mankind through this harsh age. The Nath path studies the sun, stars, planets, the five elements, and the development of human consciousness, and its mission is universal welfare. Its central teaching is understanding how to remain virtuous, noble and pure while living in Kali Yuga, and how to pursue Atmonnati (inner elevation). This is also the purpose behind Sadguru Narendranath Maharaj’s Atmonnati Sadhana.
“Brahma creates, Vishnu sustains, and Mahesh dissolves.” Atmonnati Sadhana explains these three cosmic principles so humans may align their lives accordingly. A key teaching is: “One who worships the Sun leads a happy life.” The Sun is the life-force of the universe, symbol of the cosmic soul, and scriptures state that those who offer daily salutations to the Sun are never touched by poverty for thousands of births. Health must be sought from Bhaskara, and as the Sadhana teaches, *“Planets, stars, and the five elements all function under the Sun.”* Therefore Sadguru Narendranath Maharaj declares: Worship the Sun; it reduces suffering accumulated across many lives.
“Even if suffering seems absent, seek its root.” Our actions, thoughts and attitudes are the true source of suffering or joy; these three form the foundation of all karmic results. Prosperity and comfort are the fruits of past merit, and during such times one must remain careful, pure in character, and clean in intention. Atmonnati Sadhana warns: “If you make no effort toward Atmonnati, accumulated merit begins to decay.” Pleasure that is indulged in excessively diminishes merit, inviting future suffering.
Does this mean enjoyment must be rejected? Sadguru teaches: Enjoy happiness without attachment. Remain in Guru’s service. Keep the senses engaged in devotion. Keep your character bright and pure. Through this, merit increases rather than decreases.
“Animals have no spiritual progress; therefore, human birth alone leads to liberation.” Humans alone possess viveka, moral choice, spiritual capacity and the ability to transcend instinct. Human birth is therefore a divine gift — a rare opportunity for Atmonnati. But discrimination does not awaken automatically; for this, Sadguru is essential. In the divine order, God does not interfere in stored karma or destiny; He has entrusted inner transformation to the Sadguru Principle. The Sadguru purifies the mind, redirects tendencies toward devotion, and leads the seeker to noble action and clarity. Yet He never takes credit — He increases only God’s glory. Ultimately: Virtuous action alone lifts the soul from the whirlpool of rebirth. One must choose one’s direction.
“Even great wealth, prosperity and fame remain only in this world.” Human birth, earned after countless lifetimes, must not be wasted. Atmonnati Sadhana reminds us that we spend life accumulating wealth, chasing status and fighting worldly battles, yet at life’s end we realise: Everything stays here — wealth, possessions, fame, even the body. The COVID pandemic displayed this truth starkly; people departed alone, without family or possessions. Therefore: Purify the body, elevate the soul, and seek refuge in the Sadguru. Only then does true welfare occur.
“You were born for upliftment — with body, mind, and intellect. If you make no effort, lifetimes will go in vain.” Human life is given for liberation, not indulgence. Opportunities do not return; the senses are powerful and the mind follows them unless trained. Dnyaneshwar teaches that the mind follows wherever the senses pull it; if they drown, the person drowns. Desire leads to thought, thought to craving, craving to anger, anger to delusion, delusion to loss of discrimination, and loss of discrimination to ruin. The antidote: Make God the ultimate object of desire.
“Control the six enemies; otherwise they destroy the seeker.” The six are lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy. To elevate the soul, the body must be purified — a central principle of the Nath tradition and of Atmonnati Sadhana. The body is the vessel of the soul and must be kept clean, pure and disciplined. If such care is taken for ordinary water, how pure must the body be if it is the vessel through which we attain Brahmandanayaka? Therefore one must make the intellect firm and truth-aligned, avoid corrupting company and keep the mind steady at the Guru’s feet. As Saint Tukaram says: “Let the mind run to the feet of Vitthala.” A mind ruled by the six enemies cannot surrender to the Divine. First purify the mind until it becomes clear like crystal — only then does true Atmonnati begin.