The Hidden Wisdom: Matsyendranatha's Teaching on Those Who Know the Three Times
Matsyendranatha stands as one of the most revered figures in Hindu spiritual tradition, particularly within the Nath sampradaya and tantric lineages. Known as the founder of Hatha Yoga and a master of esoteric wisdom, his teachings continue to guide spiritual seekers thousands of years later. Among his profound instructions, one of the most intriguing concerns those rare souls who possess Trikala Jnana - the knowledge of three times.
Understanding Trikala Jnana: The Knowledge of Three Times
Trikala literally means "three times" - referring to the past, present, and future. When we say someone has Trikala Jnana, we mean they can see and understand events across all three periods of time. Imagine if you could not only remember everything that happened yesterday, but also see clearly what is happening right now everywhere in the world, and know what will happen tomorrow. This is the extraordinary ability that Trikala Jnana represents.
In simpler terms, think of time like a long river. Most people can only see the small section of water right in front of them - that's the present moment. But someone with Trikala Jnana can see the entire river - where it came from (the past), where they are standing (the present), and where it flows to (the future). This divine knowledge comes only to those who have reached very high levels of spiritual realization.
The Teaching from Kulapancashika
According to the sacred text Kulapancashika attributed to Matsyendranatha, there exists a remarkable teaching about such enlightened beings. The text states: "Even though they know the three times and are capable of attracting the three worlds, they conceal their practice and guard the teaching that has come from their Kula. Seeing one who does not have manifest outer signs of his attainment and practice, the rays of the deity converge upon him. O beloved, they are most hidden and so do not approach one who bears outer signs."
This passage reveals a profound spiritual principle that might seem surprising at first - the most powerful spiritual masters often appear completely ordinary on the outside.
The Power Beyond Imagination
The text mentions that these masters are "capable of attracting the three worlds." In Hindu cosmology, the three worlds (Triloka) refer to:
- Bhuloka - the earthly realm where we live
- Bhuvarloka - the atmospheric realm of subtle beings
- Svarloka - the celestial realm of gods and higher beings
To have the power to attract all three worlds means these masters possess influence over physical reality, the spirit world, and even the divine realms. Yet despite having such incredible abilities, they choose to hide their powers completely.
The Wisdom of Concealment
But why would someone with such amazing abilities choose to hide them? Matsyendranatha's teaching reveals several profound reasons:
Protection of Sacred Knowledge
Just as a treasure is kept hidden from thieves, the highest spiritual teachings must be protected from those who might misuse them. The Bhagavad Gita supports this principle when Krishna tells Arjuna in Chapter 18, Verse 67: "This knowledge should never be spoken by you to one who is without austerities, without devotion, or to one who does not desire to listen, or to one who finds fault with Me."
Avoiding Spiritual Pride
When people gain supernatural powers, there's a great danger of becoming proud and losing their spiritual progress. The Yoga Vashishtha warns about this, explaining how even advanced seekers can fall from grace due to pride in their abilities. By remaining hidden, these masters avoid the trap of ego that comes with recognition and praise.
Divine Grace Flows to the Humble
The teaching states that "the rays of the deity converge upon him" who shows no outer signs of attainment. This means divine grace naturally flows toward those who remain humble and hidden. Like water that flows downward to the lowest places, divine blessings seek out those who make themselves spiritually "low" through humility.
The Symbolism of Hiddenness
In Hindu tradition, the most sacred things are often hidden from plain view. Consider these examples:
- The heart of a temple, where the main deity resides, is kept in the innermost chamber
- Seeds remain hidden underground before sprouting into beautiful plants
- Gold and precious gems are found deep within the earth
- The soul, our most precious possession, remains invisible within the body
Similarly, the greatest spiritual masters keep their true nature hidden, appearing as ordinary people while carrying extraordinary wisdom within.
Practical Wisdom for Spiritual Seekers
This teaching offers important guidance for anyone on a spiritual path:
Don't Judge by Appearances
Just as we cannot judge a book by its cover, we cannot identify true spiritual masters by their external appearance. The person sitting quietly in the corner, showing no signs of being special, might be far more advanced than someone displaying miraculous powers or wearing impressive robes.
Value Humility Over Display
The teaching suggests that genuine spiritual progress is marked by increasing humility rather than increasing display of powers. As the Tulsidas writes in the Ramacharitmanas: "The tree laden with fruit bows down, while the fruitless tree stands straight and tall."
Seek Inner Transformation
Rather than pursuing supernatural abilities or recognition for our spiritual practices, we should focus on inner purification and genuine realization. The Katha Upanishad (1.2.23) teaches: "This Self cannot be attained through study of scriptures, nor through intelligence, nor through much learning. It can be attained only by one whom It chooses."
The Guardian Tradition
Matsyendranatha's teaching also emphasizes that these hidden masters "guard the teaching that has come from their Kula." The word "Kula" refers to the spiritual family or lineage. This means they protect not just knowledge, but an entire tradition of wisdom that has been passed down through generations of masters.
This guardianship is not about keeping secrets for the sake of secrecy, but about ensuring that profound teachings reach only those who are truly ready to receive and properly use them. Like a doctor who carefully prescribes medicine based on a patient's condition, spiritual masters share knowledge according to each seeker's capacity and readiness.
The Warning Against Outer Signs
The final part of the teaching contains a warning: "do not approach one who bears outer signs." This doesn't mean all outer religious practices are wrong, but rather warns against those who use spiritual symbols and displays primarily to attract attention and followers.
Throughout Hindu scriptures, we find similar warnings. The Bhagavad Gita (16.17-18) describes people who are "self-conceited, stubborn, filled with pride and intoxication of wealth" and who "perform sacrifices in name only, without following proper rules." Such people may appear very religious on the outside but lack genuine spiritual development.
The Eternal Relevance
Matsyendranatha's teaching remains remarkably relevant in our modern world. Today, with social media and constant connectivity, there's tremendous pressure to display our achievements and gain recognition for everything we do. Yet this ancient wisdom reminds us that the most valuable spiritual progress often happens in silence and hiddenness.
The masters who have truly realized the knowledge of three times - past, present, and future - choose to remain invisible among us. They may be the quiet shopkeeper, the humble farmer, or the simple householder who never speaks about spiritual matters but radiates peace and wisdom through their very presence.
The Path of the Hidden Masters
The teaching of Matsyendranatha about those with Trikala Jnana offers us a beautiful paradox - the most powerful are the most humble, the most knowledgeable are the most hidden, and the most accomplished are the most ordinary in appearance. This wisdom invites us to look beyond surface appearances, both in recognizing genuine masters and in developing our own spiritual lives.
As we walk our own spiritual paths, we can remember this teaching and ask ourselves: Are we seeking genuine inner transformation, or are we more interested in appearing spiritual to others? Are we developing real wisdom and compassion, or are we collecting experiences and abilities like trophies?
The hidden masters with knowledge of the three times remind us that true spiritual achievement lies not in what others can see of our practice, but in the quiet transformation of our hearts and the depth of our realization. In their hiddenness, they teach us the greatest lesson of all - that the most profound spiritual truths are often found not in grand displays of power, but in the simple, humble, and loving service of life itself.