An Avadutha (also spelled Avadhoota) is a mystic or sage in the Indian spiritual tradition who has transcended worldly attachments and societal norms to attain a state of self-realization. They often live in simplicity, free of material possessions, and their actions can seem unconventional or enigmatic to others. Many stories of Avaduthas illustrate their wisdom, deep spiritual insight, and the profound lessons they impart, often in subtle or mysterious ways.
Some stories.
The Avadutha and the King
Once, in a small kingdom, there lived a king who was renowned for his wealth and power. However, he was also curious about spiritual matters and longed to understand the mysteries of life and liberation. He heard of an Avadutha living in the forest, a mystic said to have attained the highest state of wisdom. Intrigued, the king decided to visit him.
Dressed in simple robes to avoid being recognized, the king ventured deep into the forest. After a long search, he found the Avadutha sitting under a tree, meditating. The sage looked ragged, with matted hair, but his face glowed with a serene radiance.
The king approached him and said, “O revered one, I am a seeker of truth. I have come to learn from you the secret of happiness and liberation.”
The Avadutha opened his eyes, smiled, and said nothing. Instead, he stood up and began walking away. Confused but determined, the king followed him.
The Avadutha led the king to a riverbank. Without a word, he walked into the water until he was submerged up to his shoulders. He gestured for the king to join him. The king hesitated but eventually waded into the river.
Suddenly, the Avadutha grabbed the king by his shoulders and dunked his head underwater, holding him there. The king struggled, flailing his arms in panic. Just as he felt he was about to drown, the Avadutha released him.
The king emerged, gasping for air, and shouted, “What are you doing? Are you trying to kill me?”
The Avadutha calmly replied, “When I held your head underwater, what did you desire most?”
“Air! I only wanted air,” the king replied angrily.
The Avadutha smiled and said, “When your desire for liberation becomes as intense as your desire for air was, you will find it. Until then, your search will remain a mere curiosity.”
This story illustrates the intensity and single-minded focus required for spiritual awakening. The Avadutha’s unconventional method teaches the king that true wisdom cannot be grasped through half-hearted efforts or intellectual curiosity; it requires complete dedication and longing.
The Avadutha and His 24 Gurus
This story comes from the Bhagavata Purana, where the Avadutha Dattatreya shares wisdom he gained from observing nature and his surroundings.
One day, a king approached Dattatreya and asked, “O great sage, how have you acquired such profound wisdom?”
Dattatreya replied, “I have learned from 24 teachers in my life, each one offering me a unique lesson.”
The king, surprised, asked, “Who are these teachers?”
Dattatreya explained:
1. Earth
The earth endures being dug, trampled, and exploited, yet it continues to support life and provide resources.
Lesson: Learn patience, tolerance, and selfless service.
2. Water
Water cleanses and nourishes everything, giving life without seeking anything in return. It flows around obstacles, adapting to its surroundings.
Lesson: Be pure, selfless, and adaptable.
3. Air
Air moves freely, touching everyone and everything but remaining untouched and unaffected itself.
Lesson: Practice detachment and impartiality.
4. Fire
Fire burns away impurities and remains unaffected by whatever it consumes. It also provides light and warmth selflessly.
Lesson: Be pure, transformative, and self-reliant.
5. Sky (Ether)
The sky is vast, unchanging, and infinite, holding everything yet being untouched by anything.
Lesson: Remain expansive, neutral, and unaffected by material concerns.
6. Moon
The moon appears to wax and wane, but its essence remains unchanged. This reflects the permanence of the Self amidst the changes of the body and mind.
Lesson: The true Self is eternal and unaffected by external changes.
7. Sun.
The sun absorbs water from the earth, only to return it as rain. It shines equally on all, without discrimination.
Lesson: Be selfless and unbiased in giving to others.
8. Pigeon
A pigeon, overly attached to its family, was caught in a hunter’s net along with its offspring. Its attachment led to its downfall.
Lesson: Avoid excessive attachment, as it leads to suffering.
9. Python
The python waits patiently for its food to come to it, content with whatever is available.
Lesson: Be patient and content with what life provides.
10. Ocean
The ocean remains steady and unaffected by the rivers that constantly flow into it.
Lesson: Be calm, steady, and content, regardless of external circumstances.
11. Moth
A moth, attracted to fire, is consumed by it.
Lesson: Avoid being enslaved by sensory attractions, as they can lead to destruction.
12. Honeybee
The honeybee collects nectar without harming the flowers, taking only what it needs.
Lesson: Live without greed and avoid hoarding.
13. Elephant
A male elephant is often captured by exploiting its desire for a mate.
Lesson: Beware of the traps of lust and desire.
14. Honey Gatherer
A honey gatherer collects honey painstakingly stored by bees, illustrating the futility of hoarding wealth that others may enjoy.
Lesson: Do not waste your life in accumulating possessions you cannot keep.
15. Deer
A deer, lured by sweet music, is captured by hunters.
Lesson: Be mindful of distractions and sensory indulgences that can trap you.
16. Fish
A fish, unable to resist bait, is caught on a hook.
Lesson: Uncontrolled desire, especially for food, can lead to harm.
17. Courtesan (Pingala)
Pingala, a courtesan, became frustrated while waiting for a customer one evening. She eventually surrendered her desires and found peace in renouncing her expectations.
Lesson: True happiness comes from letting go of desires and expectations.
18. Raven (Bird of Prey)
A raven carrying a piece of meat was attacked by other birds until it dropped the meat. Only then did it find peace.
Lesson: Let go of possessions to attain peace.
19. Child
A child lives in the moment, free from worries about the past or future.
Lesson: Embrace simplicity and live in the present.
20. Maiden
A maiden, grinding grains for guests, removed her bangles to avoid making noise, realizing that simplicity brings peace.
Lesson: Solitude and simplicity are essential for spiritual growth.
21. Snake.
A snake lives in solitude, making no permanent home and adapting to its surroundings.
Lesson: Avoid attachment to material things and learn to live simply.
22. Spider.
A spider spins its web from its own body and eventually consumes it, symbolizing creation and dissolution.
Lesson: The universe originates from and dissolves into the Divine.
23. Insect (Beetle)
An insect, trapped in a cocoon by a wasp, becomes so absorbed in thinking about the wasp that it transforms into one.
Lesson: You become what you focus on; align your thoughts with the Divine.
24. Arrow Maker
An arrow maker was so focused on his craft that he didn’t notice a king’s procession passing by.
Lesson: Focus and single-minded attention are crucial for spiritual progress.
Summary of Dattatreya’s Teachings
Dattatreya’s 24 teachers teach us that wisdom and spiritual lessons are everywhere—in nature, daily life, and even mistakes—if we observe carefully and reflect deeply.
The Avadutha and the Beggar
An Avadutha once wandered into a village and saw a beggar sitting on the roadside. The beggar, noticing the sage, mocked him, saying, “You call yourself wise, but you look more wretched than I am!”
The Avadutha smiled and sat beside the beggar. After a while, he asked, “What do you own?”
The beggar replied, “Nothing! I have only these tattered clothes and this bowl for food.”
The Avadutha said, “Then why do you feel superior to me? I, too, have nothing. The difference is that I am happy with nothing, while you are unhappy with nothing.”
The beggar, struck by the truth of these words, became the Avadutha’s disciple and learned to embrace contentment.
The Avadutha and the Serpent
A wandering Avadutha once watched a snake slithering across the forest floor. Inspired, he shared a profound teaching:
“Look at the serpent—it does not build a nest or a burrow. It makes its home wherever it finds shelter, living without attachment. It eats only when it is hungry and harms no one unless provoked. From the serpent, I learned simplicity and adaptability in life.”
This story highlights the Avadutha’s practice of learning from nature and living with minimal needs.
The Avadutha and the Wealthy Merchant
A wealthy merchant once invited an Avadutha to his home for a feast. The sage accepted and arrived wearing rags. Seeing this, the merchant was disappointed and thought, This sage is unworthy of my hospitality.
Realizing the merchant’s thoughts, the Avadutha asked, “May I borrow some fine clothes before I eat?”
Pleased, the merchant gave him rich garments. The Avadutha then sat at the feast, but instead of eating, he began feeding the food to his clothes.
The merchant, puzzled, asked, “Why are you feeding the clothes?”
The Avadutha replied, “You invited me, but it seems you only respected my clothes, not my being. Since they earned me this meal, they should eat it!”
The merchant, ashamed, bowed before the sage and learned a lesson on valuing people for their inner worth, not their outward appearance.
The Avadutha and the Broken Pot
An Avadutha once carried a small clay pot to fetch water from a river. One day, the pot cracked and leaked water all the way back to his hut.
When someone offered to replace it, the Avadutha laughed and said, “This pot is my teacher. It reminds me of the transient nature of all things. Like the pot, my body too is fragile and will one day break. Why replace it? I will use it as long as it serves me.”
This story reflects the Avadutha’s ability to accept life’s imperfections with equanimity and gratitude.
The Avadutha and the Stone
A wealthy prince once approached an Avadutha, hoping to receive spiritual guidance. The Avadutha handed the prince a simple stone and said, “This is the secret of happiness.”
The prince, confused, asked, “How can a stone bring happiness?”
The Avadutha replied, “Happiness comes not from the stone but from the meaning you give to it. If you value the stone as sacred, it will bring peace. If you dismiss it as useless, it will bring no joy. Life is the same—it reflects your perception.”
This story teaches the power of perspective in finding joy and meaning in life.
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