Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis c5.5

c5.5

The word Yogī is a general descriptive term, applied to many who do not belong to the Kānphaṭas. It ‘has many shades of meaning, from that of saint to that of sorcerer or charlatan.’² It is also a general term for ascetics, particularly for those who are endeavouring, by restraint and discipline of the body, to secure union with the Brahman. From the generalized point of view, the Gorakhnāthīs constitute the principal group and the better class of Yogīs, although some of the less desirable characters of ascetics bearing the name Yogī, may be found amongst them. They form a distinct order of Yogīs.¹