How a wandering sage found 24 masters in the wild—and what they taught him about life, freedom, and the mind.
King Yadu once encountered a wandering mystic—an Avadhuta—who possessed nothing yet radiated profound joy. Intrigued, the King asked, "You have no family, no wealth, and no home. What is the secret of your happiness? Who is your Guru?"
"I do not have one Guru," the Avadhuta replied with a smile. "I have twenty-four. I wander the world observing nature, and from the elements, animals, and people, I have learned the art of living."
From the Earth, I learned patience. People plow, dig, and trample the ground, yet the Earth remains steady and continues to provide food and shelter. A wise person must remain unshaken by the aggressions of others.
From the Wind, I learned detachment. The breeze carries the scent of roses or the stench of decay, but it never holds onto them. It moves on. Similarly, the soul moves through the world but should not get stuck in it.
The Sky is everywhere, permeating everything, yet it is never stained by the clouds or dust within it. I learned that the Soul is infinite and untouched by the nature of the body.
Water is naturally pure, soft, and sweet. It cleanses everyone it touches. I learned that a sage must be transparent and soothing, purifying the hearts of those who come near.
Fire devours everything fed to it—wood, ghee, or refuse—yet remains pure energy. I learned that a person of wisdom burns up the impurities of karma and remains bright with knowledge.
The Moon appears to wax and wane, but it is actually always whole; only the shadows change. I learned that birth, youth, and old age happen to the body, not to the eternal Soul.
The Python lies still and eats only what comes to it by chance. I learned to surrender the endless anxiety of 'hunting' for success and trust that life will provide what is needed.
I watched a Moth rush into a flame, blinded by the beauty of the light. It taught me that allowing the sense of sight to rule your judgment leads to destruction.
The Honeybee takes nectar from many different flowers without harming them. I learned to take the essence of truth from all scriptures and traditions, rather than fighting over a single dogma.
However, the Honey-Gatherer steals the hive the bees worked so hard to hoard. This taught me that hoarding wealth or knowledge only invites misery. Give, do not hoard.
I saw a Pigeon fly into a hunter's net because he could not bear to be separated from his trapped family. Excessive attachment, even in love, leads to sorrow. Love freely, but do not cling.
A Fish is caught because it cannot resist the taste of the bait. An Elephant is trapped by the touch of the female. A Deer is captured while mesmerized by music. The senses are powerful traps; one must master them.
A courtesan named Pingala waited all night for a lover. When he never came, she fell into despair—until she realized her expectations were the source of her pain. Giving up hope for external validation, she slept in peace.
A young maiden was beating rice. Her many bangles jingled and made noise, so she removed them one by one until only one remained. Silence returned. To find peace, one must learn to be comfortable in solitude.
An Arrow-maker was so absorbed in sharpening his blade that he didn't even notice the King's loud procession passing by. This is Samadhi—total, single-pointed focus on the task at hand.
The Spider spins a web from its own body, plays in it, and then withdraws it back into itself. This taught me how the Divine creates the universe, sustains it, and eventually dissolves it back into the Source.
A worm trapped by a wasp meditates on the wasp in fear until it transforms into a wasp. I learned that you become whatever you constantly think about—so fill your mind with the divine.
"Finally," the Avadhuta said, "My own body is my Guru. It teaches me that everything is temporary. It is a machine for learning, but it is not who I am."
King Yadu bowed, realizing that wisdom is not hidden in secret caves. It is open to anyone with the eyes to see. Look around you—your next Guru is right in front of you.
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