Natha

Nath, also called as Natha, are a Shaivism sub-tradition within Hinduism. It emerged as a Yoga movement in India, integrated philosophy from Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism traditions. It was founded by Matsyendranath and further developed by Gorakshanath. Nath tradition strives to use Yoga, particularly Hatha Yoga, to transform one's body into a sahaja siddha state of awakened self’s identity with absolute reality. An accomplished guru, that is yoga and spiritual guide, is considered essential, and they have historically been known for their esoteric and heterodox practices.

The Sanskrit word नाथ literally means "lord, protector, refuge". The related Sanskrit term Adi Natha means first or original Lord, and is therefore a synonym for Shiva, the founder of the Nāthas. Initiation into the Nātha sampradaya includes receiving a name ending in -nath.

The Nath tradition has many sub-sects, but all honor Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath as the founders of the tradition.

The Natha Sampradaya (Devanagari:नाथ संप्रदाय), is a development of the earlier Siddha or Avadhuta Sampradaya, an ancient lineage of spiritual masters.

Its founding is traditionally ascribed as an ideal reflected by the life and spiritual attainments of the guru Dattatreya, the avatar of Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva all in one and born as the son of Rishi Atri and Anusuya Mata.

The Navnath are the nine saints, Masters or Naths on whom the Navnath Sampradaya, the lineage of the nine gurus is based. They are worshipped collectively as well as individually.

The nine teachers, collectively known as Navnaths, are considered representative of great teachers in this tradition or parampara:

The lineage starts with Rishi Dattatreya, mythological deity-founder.

The establishment of the Naths as a distinct historical sect purportedly began around the 8th or 9th century with a simple fisherman, Matsyendranath (sometimes called Minanath, who may be identified with or called the father of Matsyendranath in some sources).

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