Buddhism has the concept of pacceka-buddha, which is derived from the Sanskrit pratyeka-buddha. These are solitary Buddhas who arise in times between the different Buddhisms, when no teachers or monastic institutions exist. Remarkably, they have no teacher and they do not aspire to be teachers. They live solitary lives, and yet inspire people by their presence. They were never part of a teaching establishment and do not wish to be a part of a teaching establishment.

Such a concept is also found in Hindu traditions. For example, Dattatreya, the son of Atryea and Anasuya, is described as having no teachers. He learns from nature itself and never seeks to have students around him. Baba Balak Nath is worshipped in the hills of Himachal. He is venerated as a child sage, but does not want to be associated with the Nath Jogi Path (order of ‘split-ear’ of ascetics). He is visualised as an eternal child who rides a peacock and has all the Siddha powers, but is never listed with the other Siddha Yogis.