Avadhuta

/ˌɑː.vɑːˈduː.tə/ noun

Definition

In Hindu and Buddhist tradition, a wandering holy person or ascetic who has renounced worldly life and possessions.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'avadhuta,' derived from 'ava-' (off, away) and 'dhuta' (shaken), literally meaning 'one who is shaken off' or detached from worldly concerns. The term appears in Hindu philosophical texts dating back centuries.

Kelly Says

The Avadhuta Gita, attributed to the sage Dattatreya, is one of Advaita Vedanta's most profound texts—it describes ultimate liberation through the story of a wanderer who learns wisdom from 24 different teachers including the earth, water, and wind.

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