Avadhut is a Sanskrit word emanating from one of India’s most ancient spiritual traditions. The Avadhut is described as a human spiritual ideal and living example of the non-dual Awakening. The Avadhut is also referred to as Great Yogi or Mahasiddha and exemplifies the goal of all Naths.
The Avadhut is a mystic who has risen above body-consciousness, duality, and worldly concerns. The term is described in one text as one who has transcended the exclusive identification with the mind, body, ego, and emotions. Such a person roams free over the face of the earth and is said to be pure consciousness in human form.
A further illustrative metaphor for Avadhut is found in the description: “one who has cast off the fetters”. In this Awakened reality there is nothing left to bind. Such is the Avadhut.
The nature of the Avadhut is described in, and forms the sole subject of, the Avadhut Gita. That Work is ascribed by some to Dattatreya.
Within the International Nath Order, Avadhut names the ideal, not a grade. Dattatreya is honored as Adiguru and Avadhut. Shri Sadguru Lokanath, who gave Mahendranath the Adinath diksha, was an Avadhut of the Himalayas. Shri Gurudev Mahendranath himself is named an Avadhut. Initiation as a Nath or Devi does not confer the word. The Order is a householder path; it does not require the wandering naked life of the old sadhu. Sri Kapilnath writes that Avadhut has nothing to do with dress or behavior. It is a return to the Cosmic Spirit. Few succeed. Do not read Avadhut as another word for Initiate.