‘Question faith, don’t just follow’

Science and spirituality have to coexist, says ISHAPUTRA, head of the Kullu-based Kaulantak Peeth, to RAHUL NANDAN and SEETHALAKSHMI SAdorned in a scarlet robe with a golden pendant hanging from a heavy bead necklace, Himalayan yogi Ishaputra evoked deep curiosity in us when we recently met him in Bengaluru. The young yogi, who left home with his master when he was just seven, has spent most of his life in the higher Himalayan ranges, discovering the true meaning of life and beyond.The 35-year-old yoga grandmaster and head of the ancient Kaulantak Peeth in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu was on a rare fortnight-long descent from the mountains for an intensive Hatha Yoga training session at Akshar Yoga in Bengaluru recently. Although not many know Ishaputra, and little is known about Kaulantak Peeth, he says it finds mention in many ancient texts.“Our peeth is yet not much known.While we had three peeths — Kashmir, Kaulantak Peeth, Kullu and Kamakhya, Assam — our first peeth was in Kanyakumari, which later lost its existence,” says Ishaputra. Revealing more about the peeth and how its traditional and austere ways have been at the centre of criticism by other prominent traditions including Vaishanavism, he says that bhairavas, men, and bhairavis, women, undergo exactly the same training in Kaulantak Peeth.“We consider a woman equal to a man in every sense, and so no leniency is shown to bhairavis, who are also trained in armed warfare. Also, unlike in other traditions, women need not seek permission from their family to take diksha and join our peeth,” he says.“The primary goal of our bhairavas and bhairavis is to master the 64 kalas, the ancient art skills which existed in Vedic times, following which they can choose the way they want to go. Our tradition does not tell if there is God or not or in what way he can be seen or realised because there is no single and certain way to realise God and no two persons have the same experience,” he says with absolute clarity. People of all religions can become disciples at Kaulantak Peeth, for which it has been criticised. “A Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Sikh can join the peeth and follow their respective religions. There is no provision for conversion — to Hinduism — in our tradition.There are many Muslim and Christian bhairavas and bhairavis at our peeth,” says Ishaputra. “We have been condemned by other traditions for our ways. Poet saint Tulsidas has criticised our tradition in Ramacharitmanas. But,we have valid and scientific reasons for what we do and follow,” says Ishaputra, adding that we must understand that religion and religious principles are not universal and differ with place, time and tradition.Stressing on the need to keep pace with changing times, the tall and lean yogi says smilingly:“I consistently play two different roles. My opinions and what I say as Himalayan yogi Ishaputra are not the same as that of the head of Kaulantak Peeth. My views as Ishaputra are my personal views but as Kaulantak Nath,my views are those of my tradition. Sometimes, I have to say certain things even if I disagree with them. I would like to change a few things if our guru mandala approves of them. I understand when people sometimes say that my statements are contradictory.” Expressing his views on the present breed of religious gurus and selfproclaimed godmen and godwomen, Ishaputra says: “In this age, religious leaders are scared of answering scientists, atheists and rationalists because they lack enough religious or spiritual experience and knowledge. Most of them have become motivational speakers.They need to come out of their fear of logic and intellect. But, genuine spiritual leaders should not feel dejected because change is taking place, albeit slowly. “At the same time, people must also question religious principles and practices, and should not follow them blindly.But to question, they need to be informed and aware, which many are not. I appreciate atheists for their courage and intellect to ask questions,” says the Himalayan yogi.A prolific poet and painter, Ishaputra says he believes that science and spirituality have to coexist and learn from each other. “Science and spirituality have a common purpose — to know the cause of this universe and life.And, whenever science contradicts spirituality, I make it a point to listen to it and understand it, and also accept if it is logical and valid,” he says. On yoga becoming a fashionable term and an international rage, the young Himalayan guru, who is believed to have mastery over all forms of yogic practices and techniques, says that people need to delve deep into the science of yoga and go beyond the usual exercises. “Nothing in yoga is without reasoning. It’s not a miracle. With regular practice and focus, one is certain to become a highly evolved and healthy person,” says Ishaputra.■ Post your comments at speakingtree.in