Naga Sadhu - The Naked Warrior Monks of Hinduism
For those interested in how Yoga intersects with spirituality, the roots obviously connect with (but are not exclusive to) Hinduism. In Hinduism there are multiple sects dedicated to various forms of a ubiquitous creator sometimes called Shiva, Shakti, and/or Vishnu. The Shiva denomination, called Shaivism with practitioners called Shaivites, is a wellspring of tradition focused on Shiva that gives birth to the Naga Sadhu, the Naked Warrior Monks. These are male, warrior monks who train in martial arts (Kalaripayattu) and yoga, going through life completely without the material constraint of clothing in mountainous ashrams away from the temptations of modern society. Notably, Shiva, who is primarily adored by these monks, is said to have taught the original Yogis the yogas (including Hatha Yoga) we know today, and is often described as the male aspect within Tantra (the female being Kalí, who emerged from Shiva). The monks live away from the public eye (except one day a year when they bathe in the Ganges as one, nude fraternal spectacle) and much about their daily lives is mysterious because of their secrecy. Not many are able to capture these monks in their daily lives, but the few pictures that do exist tend to portray ecstatic joy in the faces of the naked monks instead of the solemn seriousness often associated with asceticism… Oh, well they are known to smoke heaps of marijuana to assist them in their spiritual journey, maybe that has something to do with it (just kidding).
I was reminded of this on Sunday as I climbed the stairs from the busy Santa Monica Blvd to the naked “ashram” above the material world, where I was to unfold myself into a higher state through the practice of yoga. Anyway, I just thought I would share an another interesting way that ancient tradition connects to our own practice.
By the way Utsaha Sundays with Daniele and Christopher was a 10/10 for those looking to push themselves and build that internal fire. Pause with Victor was a great counter weight bringing that fire to a simmering peace. I highly recommend both.
