LOHARIPA, a Gorakhpanthi yogi, whose name occurs in Guru Nanak`s Sidh Gosti in the Guru Granth Sahib. The Sidh Gosti is a versified account of the Guru`s discourse with a group of Natha ascetics. Among them is mentioned Loharipa which is taken to be the Punjabi form of Luipa, Tibetan name for Matsyendranath who flourished in the 10th century AD. Loharipa in Guru Nanak`s Sidh Gosti may be the name given a contemporary Natha yogi.
In the verses in the text, he says that the yogis live in the woods away from the world, eat roots and fruit and bathe at the pilgrim centres, thus attaining peace and tranquillity. Guru Nanak said that without cherishing the Lord`s Name, the mind will not be stilled. Whether in the family or outside, one should not even for a wink be oblivious of Him.
References :
1. Bhalla, Samp Das, Maliimd Prakash. Patiala, 1971
2. Bharali, Dharam Vir, Siddlia Sahityn. Allahabad, 1968
3. Dwivedi, Hazari Prasad, N(ith Samprndfiyn. Varanasi, 1966
4. Jodh Singh, The Religious Philo.mp/if (if Guru Nannk. Varanasi, 1983
Loharipa and the Nath Tradition
Loharipa is believed to be part of the Nath tradition, a significant yogic movement rooted in India that emphasizes spiritual liberation through ascetic practices, yogic discipline, and inner enlightenment. The Nath tradition traces its origins to Matsyendranath and his disciple Gorakhnath, who are considered the founders and pioneers of this school of thought.
In the Nath tradition, ascetics often practice renunciation of worldly pleasures, choosing to live in isolation or pilgrimage to sacred sites, dedicating their lives to meditation and spiritual growth. Loharipa, in this context, emerges as a figure who embodies these practices and philosophies.
The Nath sect typically focuses on the Hatha Yoga discipline, emphasizing control over the body and mind to attain union with the divine. Symbols of the Nath tradition include ear piercings (indicative of their renunciation), austerity, and devotion to their spiritual path.
Guru Nanak and the Sidh Gosti
Loharipa is mentioned in the Sidh Gosti, a dialogue between Guru Nanak and the ascetics of the Nath sect. This philosophical exchange is documented in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism. The dialogue takes the form of poetic verses, where the Nath yogis put forward their perspectives on spiritual life, and Guru Nanak responds with profound insights rooted in the Sikh ethos.
Loharipa, along with other Nath yogis, extols the virtues of an ascetic life, advocating for living in forests, surviving on minimal food such as roots and fruits, and undertaking rigorous spiritual disciplines. According to their belief, these practices bring one closer to liberation and enlightenment.
Guru Nanak’s Perspective
Guru Nanak counters Loharipa’s approach with a powerful and practical philosophy. While acknowledging the discipline in ascetic practices, Guru Nanak emphasizes that true spiritual enlightenment does not necessitate renunciation of the world. Instead, he proposes that one can achieve liberation and divine union while living a worldly life, provided they live righteously and remain constantly connected to the divine through remembrance and devotion.
Here are some of Guru Nanak’s key responses to the Nath philosophy:
- Meditation on the Divine Name (Naam Simran):
Guru Nanak teaches that constant remembrance of the divine through reciting and meditating on the Naam (Name of God) is the most effective way to connect with the divine. He asserts that an internal, heartfelt connection with God holds more spiritual value than external rituals or renunciation. - Living a Householder’s Life:
Contrary to the Nath ideal of abandoning worldly responsibilities, Guru Nanak emphasizes the importance of living a householder’s life, fulfilling one’s duties to family and society. He believes spiritual growth is achievable within the context of everyday life, without the need to retreat into isolation. - Rejection of Ego and False Pride:
Guru Nanak stresses the elimination of ego (haumai), which, according to him, is the greatest obstacle on the spiritual path. He critiques the Nath yogis for often displaying pride in their ascetic practices, reminding them that humility and selflessness are the true hallmarks of spiritual progress. - Balance Between Spiritual and Material Life:
Guru Nanak advocates for a balanced approach, wherein one works honestly (kirat karni), shares with others (vand chakna), and remains attuned to the divine. This balanced philosophy provides a middle path that avoids extremes of asceticism or material indulgence. Symbolic Significance of the Dialogue
The Sidh Gosti, including Guru Nanak’s exchanges with figures like Loharipa, reflects the philosophical differences between Sikhism and the Nath tradition. While the Nath yogis emphasize renunciation and asceticism as paths to liberation, Guru Nanak proposes a more inclusive and accessible spiritual path.
The dialogue showcases Guru Nanak’s vision of a divine-centered life that transcends ritualism and external displays of piety. His teachings resonate with ordinary individuals by making spirituality a practical and integral part of daily life.
Legacy
Figures like Loharipa and the Nath tradition contributed immensely to India’s spiritual and philosophical landscape. However, Guru Nanak’s teachings introduced a paradigm shift, emphasizing spirituality within the framework of social responsibility and active engagement with the world.
The dialogue between Loharipa and Guru Nanak serves as a timeless reminder of the diverse paths to spirituality and the profound wisdom that emerges from respectful philosophical exchanges.
