Introduction: This chapter explains why the Nath tradition is not merely a spiritual path, but a cosmic design—a system created by Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh to maintain balance across all four ages (yugas). *Guru Charitra* contains stories of God Dattatreya and the Guru principle, and both Datta and Nath traditions worship Dattatreya as their supreme deity. To understand the Nath path deeply, we must see its role in creation itself.
After creating the universe, Brahma summoned the rulers of the four yugas to describe their nature. It became clear that Kali Yuga would be full of spiritual weakness, ignorance, and suffering. Since the structure of creation could not be altered, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh attempted to balance Kali Yuga using the divine strength of the Nava Narayana, who were already travelling through the cosmos.
Yet, even with their combined power, the fundamental nature of Kali Yuga could not be changed.
From this we understand a profound truth: The Nath tradition was created as an essential part of cosmic design to provide balance and spiritual strength across all yugas.
Thus:
The distinguishing feature of the Nath path is that it was:
Therefore, the Nath Sampradaya is not an ordinary lineage— it is a pillar of the universe.
The Nath Masters:
Their authority extends over:
Nath Yogis hold mastery over the Panchamahabhutas:
This gives them the ability to:
They can also resolve:
If a seeker performs the right acts under Guru guidance, the Nath path can fulfil every essential need for a prosperous and harmonious life.
Navnath literature shows that:
Their mission was always social upliftment and universal welfare, not escape from the world.
Other spiritual paths were founded by human saints or communities. They represent:
But none of them were created as part of cosmic architecture.
Only the Nath tradition:
Other paths may uplift their followers; the Nath path uplifts all of humanity.
The Nath tradition concerns itself with:
It addresses:
Through japa, tapa, anushthan, and havan, the Nath path elevates the soul to higher states of purity and strength.
The Nath path does *not* involve politics, but when rulers act unjustly, Nath Masters intervene to restore dharma.
In Nath tradition:
A Guru passes the lineage only according to the command of Dattatreya.
From all this we understand:
Thus the Nath tradition is not just a spiritual path— it is a cosmic framework for universal welfare.