Fri Nov 15 23:28:56 IST 2024: ## Avadhoota Tradition Emphasized at Mangalore University Lecture
**Mangalore, November 15, 2024** – A lecture series at Mangalore University highlighted the Avadhoota tradition, emphasizing its lack of hierarchy and focus on inner spiritual growth. Former Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka Sanskrit University, Mallepuram G. Venkatesh, delivered the keynote address at the “Kanaka tatva prachara upanayas mala” program, focusing on the teachings of the 16th-century Kannada poet Kanakadasa.
Prof. Venkatesh explained that Kanakadasa belonged to the Avadhoota tradition, characterized by a rejection of social hierarchy and a commitment to inner spiritual development. He contrasted this with the Rishi and Muni traditions, highlighting the common goal of overcoming negative human tendencies and fostering divine qualities. He stressed the importance of integrating ancient Indian values of knowledge, art, and spirituality into modern life, cautioning against the pitfalls of technological dependence.
Somanna Hongalli, Chairman of the SVP Institute of Kannada Studies, presided over the event, underscoring the relevance of ancient traditions in shaping contemporary thought. The lecture series is organized by Mangalore University’s Centre for Research on Kanakadasa.
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