The Thirty-Six Qualities of the Natha Path
The Natha tradition, one of the most ancient streams of spiritual practice within the Hindu religious belief, lays out thirty-six essential qualities that every aspirant must cultivate before initiation. Far more than mere rituals or external observances, these qualities form the bedrock of inner transformation. They guide the disciple from the first spark of aspiration all the way to the steady flame of self-realization.
The Thirty-Six Qualities
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Jnana (Knowledge) – A clear understanding of spiritual teachings and the nature of reality.
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Viveka (Discernment) – The ability to distinguish the eternal from the transient.
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Vairagya (Dispassion) – Freedom from attachment to sensory pleasures.
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Santosha (Contentment) – Steadiness of mind in all circumstances.
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Shila (Moral Conduct) – Integrity in thought, word and deed.
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Shama (Inner Calm) – Mastery over distracting emotions.
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Dama (Self-Restraint) – Control of the senses and impulses.
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Uparati (Withdrawal) – Turning away from non-essential activities.
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Titiksha (Forbearance) – Endurance of hardships without complaint.
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Sraddha (Faith) – Deep trust in the lineage and its teachings.
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Samadhana (Concentration) – One-pointed focus of the mind.
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Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) – Letting go of ego and will in favor of the Divine.
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Tapas (Austerity) – Willingness to undergo discipline for growth.
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Abhyasa (Practice) – Regular and sincere spiritual exercise.
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Vrata (Vow Keeping) – Upholding sacred commitments.
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Atma Vichara (Self-Inquiry) – Continuous reflection on the True Self.
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Dhi (Intellect) – Sharpness of mind to absorb and apply teachings.
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Dhriti (Steadfastness) – Unwavering resolve in the face of obstacles.
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Smriti (Memory) – Retention of both scriptures and personal insights.
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Vichara (Reflection) – Thoughtful contemplation on experience and teaching.
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Ananya Bhakti (Undivided Devotion) – Single-minded love for the Guru or Divine.
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Bhakti (Devotion) – A heart oriented toward love and service.
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Sattva (Purity of Mind) – Clarity and lightness of thought.
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Ahimsa (Non-Violence) – Respect for all living beings.
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Satya (Truthfulness) – Honesty inwardly and outwardly.
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Asteya (Non-Stealing) – Respecting others’ time, energy, and property.
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Brahmacharya (Continence) – Conservation of vital energy.
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Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness) – Letting go of greed and hoarding.
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Saucha (Cleanliness) – Purity in body, surroundings, and mind.
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Karuna (Compassion) – Empathy and kindness toward suffering beings.
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Maitri (Friendliness) – Goodwill and warmth in relationship.
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Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) – Rejoicing in others’ success.
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Upeksha (Equanimity) – Remaining balanced amid praise or blame.
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Santulan (Balance) – Harmonizing work, rest, and practice.
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Utsaha (Zeal) – Energetic enthusiasm in service and sadhana.
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Srama (Diligent Effort) – Consistent exertion toward one’s goals.
The Importance of Each Quality
Each quality plays a unique role in the aspirant’s journey. Jnana and Viveka form the intellectual foundation, ensuring that practice is guided by wisdom rather than blind faith. Without Vairagya and Santosha, attachment and discontent could derail even the most diligent efforts. Ethical virtues such as Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha create fertile moral ground—purified and stable—for deeper meditative states like Samadhana. Inner strengths—Shraddha, Dhriti, Titiksha, Utsaha, and Srama—sustain the aspirant through inevitable challenges. Bhakti, Ananya Bhakti, Ishvara Pranidhana and Karuna open and soften the heart, while qualities of mind—Shama, Sattva, Smriti, Dhi, and Vichara—ensure clarity and focus. Finally, communal and relational virtues—Maitri, Mudita, Upeksha—remind the seeker that spiritual growth thrives in harmony with all beings.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s fast-paced world, these thirty-six qualities are more relevant than ever. Constant digital distraction calls for Shama, Dama, and Abhyasa to develop healthy boundaries with technology. Rising stress highlights the need for Titiksha and Santosha to maintain resilience and well-being. Ethical lapses in business and personal life underscore the timeless value of Satya, Ahimsa, and Aparigraha. In an era of information overload, Viveka, Smriti, and Vichara equip us to process knowledge wisely and avoid misinformation. Compassion fatigue in social discourse shows why Karuna, Maitri, and Mudita are essential for genuine connection. Even the modern phenomena of burnout and anxiety can be balanced through Santulan, Tapas, and Vrata, which encourage discipline without extremism.
Cultivating the Qualities
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Daily Reflection: Spend a few moments each morning evaluating which qualities you embodied yesterday and which need attention today.
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Gradual Practice: Focus on one or two qualities per week—perhaps Shama and Dama in week one, Sraddha and Tapas in week two.
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Peer Support: Join or form a study group to share insights on Jnana, Vichara, and Bhakti, fostering accountability.
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Practical Exercises: Volunteer in community service to exercise Karuna and Maitri. Practice mindful breathing to strengthen Samadhana.
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Vow Keeping: Choose a simple vow—such as digital detox one evening a week—to honor Vrata and Aparigraha.
The thirty-six qualities of the Natha path form an integrated map for inner growth. They reach beyond any single tradition, offering universal guidance for self-inquiry, ethics, devotion, and resilience. By steadily cultivating these virtues, the modern aspirant not only honors an ancient lineage but also builds a life of clarity, compassion, and unwavering purpose.