Is it right for certain spiritual preachers to give up their clothes and appear naked (Avadhuuta)?

Swami replied: It is not correct at all. Giving up clothes while staying in society goes against justice. The term avadhūta does not mean removing the cloth that covers the body, but it means removing the ignorance that covers the soul. Instead of removing ignorance, the mere removal of clothes exposes the body to the extremes of weather leading to illness, which causes disturbance in the spiritual effort. It also makes it inconvenient for the preacher to approach the female devotees who are interested in hearing his valuable spiritual knowledge. The preacher must see the level of the devotees approaching him and behave suitably. He must also give knowledge that is suitable to their level. If the preacher wants to become naked and worship God, he should confine himself to caves and forests, where there are no public visitors. Such a preacher living alone in the forest need not worry about his food and health problems because the omnipotent God will always take care of him, no matter where he lives in the world.

| Shri Dattaswami | Avadhuuta

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