What Is the Datta Path?
Datta is consciousness. Datta is energy. Datta is nature. The path of Datta is simply our own unique individual process of becoming re-established in our natural state. Nature does not create anything as an imitation of something else. If we look in minute detail, then we’ll see that no flower is the same, no tree is the same, and, certainly, no person is the same as another. To walk the Datta path means to connect to that totally unique and organic flow of creation that has brought us into this world and will also take us out of it.
The Unity Of Essence & Expression
On the Datta path, consciousness is not looked upon as an abstract concept. If we are truly connected to our essence, then that essence must act and express itself in the world. The expression of someone who is living from the very depths of existence is always original, fearless and unique. This is one of the paradoxes of creation: everything is one yet appears differentiated. The Datta tradition has always embraced this paradox by encouraging people to realise the shared inner unity of everything whilst living their specific destiny in the world gracefully and perfectly.
There are no external doctrines to follow on the Datta path. External doctrines and dogmas are easy because they allow us to point to another source of wisdom and authority outside of ourselves. The Datta path says that we ourselves must become our primary source of wisdom, guidance and authority. This will not look the same way for two different people, but, of course, there are commonalities.
True adepts of the Datta path have dissolved their individual personality and live as the consciousness that arises and expresses itself as everything. Thus they live for everything and everyone. They are love and non-violence personified. However, each adept of this path will reach this state, and express this state, in their own unique way. Guidance is given on this path only to help beings connect with, and then express, their natural essence.
Beyond Religion & Culture
The Datta tradition is not a religion. In India there are still people who worship Lord Dattatreya and his incarnations in a ritualistic manner. This is a method of worship on the Datta path that is tied in with a certain cultural heritage. However, the Datta path is beyond and completely unbounded by culture. Those who walk the Datta path are encouraged primarily to worship themselves in their true form as the supreme consciousness. If it helps someone to develop a loving, devotional connection to any of the luminaries of this tradition, then this is fine too.
Using What Works & The Path as Life
On this path we are to use what works for us—what suits us. It may suit some people to worship an external form and it may suit some people to seclude themselves and connect to inner silence. What is important is what is happening inside of us when we do any of these things. Are we connecting to ourselves? Are we clearly perceiving all of the obstructions and obscurations that have been preventing us from being fully ourselves?
At the end of all of this, it can’t really be said that the Datta path is any different from the path that any of us walk in life itself. Connecting to a sphere of beings who were and are great avadhutas, who dissolved all of their limitations to return to the simplicity of existence within the very primordial heart of life—this is the main element that distinguishes this path for any other path in life. Alongside this element, the Datta tradition encourages all beings to accept themselves exactly as they are. There is no quicker road to returning home to our source than this. Ultimately, the beauty of the Datta path is that it is only life—but life accelerated, amplified and brought to its highest possible frequency.