Avadhuta Gita: The Sayings of Dattatreya - Paperback

by Bart Marshall (Translator)

The Avadhuta Gita is a Hindu text expounding on the non-dual philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Authorship is attributed to Dattatreya, who some say was the teacher of Patanjali, but no historical data exists about when or where he was born or how long he lived.

The word Avadhuta means a liberated soul, one who has "shaken off" all worldly attachments and cares, and has attained a state of God-realization. An Avadhuta feels no need of observing any rules, either secular or religious. He seeks nothing, avoids nothing, and claims neither knowledge nor ignorance. The Avadhuta has done away with worldly concerns and standard social etiquette, at least in his or her heart. As such, they are said to be "free to roam the earth as a child." According to Dattatreya, the free man, the Avadhuta, need not have any particular appearance, lifestyle, religion or social role. He may walk about naked or be dressed as a prince. He may appear pious or blasphemous, ascetic or hedonistic. Swami Vivekananda, a great Advaita teacher, often quoted from the Avadhuta Gita. He once said, "Men like the one who wrote this Song have deeply realized. They care for nothing, feel nothing done to the body, care not for heat, cold, danger, or anything. They sit still, enjoying the bliss of Atman, and though red-hot coals burn the body, they feel them not."