Description
This landmark scholarly work by George Weston Briggs remains the most comprehensive English-language study of Gorakhnath and the Kanphata (ear-split) Yogis, the mysterious ascetic order that has shaped Indian spirituality for centuries. Based on extensive fieldwork and rare Sanskrit sources, Briggs meticulously documents the history, beliefs, rituals, and social organization of the Nath tradition—from Gorakhnath’s legendary origins to the practices of modern-day practitioners across India and Nepal.
What makes this book invaluable is its ethnographic depth: Briggs doesn’t just theorize, he observes. You’ll discover the initiation ceremonies, the significance of the ear-piercing ritual, the role of hatha yoga in Nath philosophy, and the sect’s influence on Kabir, the Sants, and even Sikhism. Whether you’re a scholar of Indian religions, a yoga practitioner curious about hatha yoga’s medieval roots, or a spiritual seeker exploring India’s tantric traditions, this authoritative text offers insights unavailable elsewhere. Published by Motilal Banarsidass, this eighth edition preserves a classic that continues to inform contemporary understanding of the Nath sampradaya.
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass; 8th edition (1 January 2016)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 392 pages
- ISBN-10 : 812080564X
- ISBN-13 : 978-8120805644
- Item Weight : 295 g
- Dimensions : 12.07 x 2.54 x 17.15 cm
- Country of Origin : India
- Importer : Motilal Banarsidass
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gorakhnath and why is he important in Indian yoga tradition?
Gorakhnath (also Gorakshanath) was a medieval saint and the founder of the Nath Yogi tradition, credited with systematizing hatha yoga practices. This book by George Weston Briggs provides the most detailed English study of his life, teachings, and the monastic order he established, which profoundly influenced Indian spirituality, tantra, and devotional movements.
What are Kanphata Yogis and what does the name mean?
Kanphata means ‘split-eared’ in Hindi, referring to the initiation ritual where yogis pierce their ear cartilage and insert large earrings (mudras). Briggs’ book extensively documents this practice, explaining its symbolic significance and the broader beliefs, rituals, and social structure of this ascetic order founded by Gorakhnath.
Is this book suitable for beginners interested in yoga philosophy?
While accessible, this is primarily a scholarly ethnographic and historical study rather than a beginner’s guide. It’s ideal for serious students of Indian religions, yoga history, or tantric traditions who want in-depth knowledge about the Nath sampradaya. Readers interested in hatha yoga’s medieval origins will find it especially valuable.
Where can I buy Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis book in India?
You can buy this Motilal Banarsidass edition online in India at The Bookish Owl for ₹495 with home delivery. The 392-page paperback (8th edition, ISBN 978-8120805644) is currently in stock and ready to ship across India.
What makes George Weston Briggs’ book the definitive work on Nath Yogis?
Briggs conducted extensive fieldwork in early 20th-century India, interviewing practitioners and studying Sanskrit texts unavailable to most scholars. His comprehensive approach covers history, philosophy, rituals, social organization, and the Nath tradition’s influence on other Indian spiritual movements, making it an unmatched resource that remains authoritative nearly a century later.
