initiation

[Guest guest]

Hello again List,

 

I am looking for info on initiation- specifically what are the

requirements after Initiation (the original initiation, not as it

seems to have become stained in recent times)? I have searched the

Advaitin list archives (and elsewhere) and haven't been able to find

any information on the lives of initiates.

 

As I understand it, those who were initiated in ancient India lived

extremely disciplined lives. Their character and actions honored

Religion itself. They lived 'true to a further truth', walked an

extremely thin line, etc.

 

I am interested in knowing what followed ancient/orthodox initiation

more than I am in the process of initiation itself but I would be

grateful for any leads on this subject.

 

I hope that this note finds you all well and again, I am grateful for

your interaction and discussions on this site.

 

Blessings,

Jen of Toronto, Canada

[Guest guest]

Namaste,

 

By initiation, I suppose you mean Diksha. Initiation

has not become stained these days. It is still potent

and still given as in the early days. Diksha can be

given by means of a Mantram, by touch , or even by

look. The most common method of initiation is by a

potent mantram. The other two (by touch and look) can

only be bestowed by really great souls like Swami

Vivekananda or Sri Ramana Maharshi.

Some Dikshas like the Gayatri Japam or initiation into

sanyasa have elaborate rituals associated with them.

The Gayatri initiation prepares a child for a

disciplined student life. Initiation into sanyasa is

done with a Viraja Homa wherein you mentally renounce

into the sacrificial fire all your attachments,

relations. These are special initiations. Apart from

these, spiritual initiations are also given.

 

Initiation by Mantram is again of various types.

According to the Tantra or Shakthi way, you are

required to keep the Mantram you receive as a secret.

However according to Vaishanava tradition, the Diksha

Mantras are made known to all.

 

Whatever, the path followed, Diksha must be received

from a competent person and by a competent person.

Swami Vivekananda said, just as it requires a lighted

candle to light another candle, so also a spiritually

illumined person is required to light our hearts with

wisdom.

The person who gives you Diksha must know your past

and future. He must be able to bear your burden.

However, this also implies that the receiver of Diksha

must have intense faith in his/her Guru, must

surrender to Him and must be prepared to repeat the

Mantram a specific number of times everyday.

The mantra usually contains , the pranava, a Bija

Akshara (that is the basis of the Mantram) and words

belonging to a particular deity. Sometimes you are

allowed to choose the deity you want to be initiated

in, but usually it is the Guru who will determine what

sort of an Ishta is suitable for you. Whatever it be,

it is a power that will possess you for the rest of

your life, till you merge in it.

 

Regards,

Anand

 

 

--- jetanoir wrote:

> Hello again List,

>

> I am looking for info on initiation- specifically

> what are the

> requirements after Initiation (the original

> initiation, not as it

> seems to have become stained in recent times)? I

> have searched the

> Advaitin list archives (and elsewhere) and haven't

> been able to find

> any information on the lives of initiates.

>

> As I understand it, those who were initiated in

> ancient India lived

> extremely disciplined lives. Their character and

> actions honored

> Religion itself. They lived 'true to a further

> truth', walked an

> extremely thin line, etc.

>

> I am interested in knowing what followed

> ancient/orthodox initiation

> more than I am in the process of initiation itself

> but I would be

> grateful for any leads on this subject.

>

>

 

 

 

 

Photos - Share your holiday photos online!