Tantric Initiation

[Guest guest]

My two paise:

 

*** How does one get intiated into Shakti Sadhana in the US.***

 

It is possible to get initiated in the U.S., but it will take a while

to find the connections you need. Do not rush it or try to force it.

The old saying is that when the shishya is ready, the guru appears.

For now, pray to your ishta to be your guru in the interim. Develop

your body through hathayoga, your mind through study of Shakta

scriptures, your emotions through immersion in Shakta hymns and

chants, and your spirit through meditation on the Goddess and the

cultivation of intense and total bhakti. Keep it simple and pure. Do

not attempt special rituals you may have heard of on your own. Simply

love and worship Her, and trust Her. This will more than suffice to

get you started, and to set the cosmic wheels in motion. You will be

given all that you need. I speak from experience. She will help you,

and she will see to it that the guru you need will appear. When this

moment arrives, there will be no mistaking it.

 

*** Is there an means of getting electronic diksha? ***

 

I know of organizations that offer this, but I regard such things as

highly suspect. Remember that Shaktism has been the religion of the

masses in India -- the people of the land, the country places and

villages, the tribal communities, the fringe areas. Shaktism has

developed more sophisticated systems, yes -- some of the most

beautiful and elaborate in the world. But they do not change the

essence of the experience, which is total devotion to the Goddess.

They speed things up, focus you more sharply -- but the basics that

you need before you are ready to ascend to those heights are entirely

reachable on your own. It is better to simply practice as best you

can, rather than spend that time trying to find someone to give you

diksha or any particular seal of approval. Just do it. The guru will

come in time. Be patient.

 

*** I am considering just practicing on my own. Is that really not

advisable? ***

 

I think my statements above pretty much summarize my views on the

topic. I am sure that others may feel differently, and I hope they

will add their feelings as well, to help you find your answer. Thank

you for posting and please return often. ;-)

 

Aum Maatangyai Namahe

[Guest guest]

--- "Rudra Joe" wrote:

> The vajrayana path is also a shakta path.

 

I agree.

> To those who think Hindu dharma is all there is I will

> reiterate something you also know - Shakyamuni was the last

> avatar of Vishnu.

 

That is quite a sensitive point of contention amongst various

Buddhists. The (anti-Hindu) Buddhists who completely reject this

statement do so on the grounds that this Buddha-avatar theory is a

pathetic attempt by fundamentalist Vaishnavites to subjugate Buddhism

back into their fold.

 

Other Buddhist traditions like the vajrayanists and tantrists are

indeed discreetly sympathetic to this avatar theory. However, they

have replaced Vishnu with Vairochana - the eternal Buddha of which

Shakyamuni is an avatar. This is probably an exercise in diplomacy;

out of consideration for the feelings of their anti-Vaishnavite

Buddhist associates (who are, indeed, in the majority).

 

Who is to judge which of these Buddhist camps is correct on the

avatar issue? Us hindus? LOL

 

Well, anyway, the 'V' is still there.

 

 

AUM