Guide to Ascetics : Bhikshu Upanishad

GuruDev Vishuddhanand Paramhamsa was a saint who was named Paramhamsa by his Guru Bhriguram Paramhamsa when he finished his 12 years Sadhna at Siddhashram or Gyaanganj.in Tibet.

When does a Sadhu become a Paramhamsa ?

Being a Paramhamsa is a long spiritual journey which requires deep tapasya and strong will power and takes many births to accomplish.

There are many saints who dedicate their life to a higher cause.Among the Ancient Texts,the 108 Upanishads beautifully summarize the gist of Life.

Bhikshu Upanishad is a part of Yajurveda.It describes a Saint into four categories:

Kutichaak

Bahudaak

Hamsa

Paramhamsa

They all seek adhyaatma and moksha,but there are some uncommon things amongst them.

 *Kutichaak* are those saints who follow the Ashtaanga Yog maarg & they only seek moksha or liberation. Rishis like Vashishth, Gautam & Bharadwaj are Kutichaak Sadhus.

 *Bahudaak* are those saints who live on alms given by other sadhus.They follow rituals and carry a shikha,kamandalu,tridanda & wear the yagnopavit(sacred threat).