definition of the word diksa

[Guest guest]

Dear Ramakanta Prabhu,

PAMHO. AGTSP!

You have given two posts; I’ll deal with the definition of diksa first since,

unless we can agree on this, we will be arguing at cross purposes forever more.

 

Sometimes when talking about initiation Srila Prabhupada is referring to the

formal ceremony, (such as when he says initiation is the beginning of

transcendental activity etc), and other times he is talking about the process

itself, which, although it has a beginning is, whatever its definition, the

real essence of the term diksa.

 

In this debate we have already eliminated the need for the spiritual master to

be physically present (or more than 10 metres from the yugna according to your

definition) at the formal ceremony. It is just a plain, historical fact that

Srila Prabhupada was often in a different country from where a ceremony was

being conducted. So that leaves the actual process of diksa itself. So we just

need to agree on what the process involves as per the correct definition of the

word diksa, and whether that process requires the guru to be physically present

relative to the disciple in order for it to work properly.

 

I shall assume from now on we are discussing the process of diksa, not the

formal initiation ceremony that marks the beginning of that process, since we

have already agreed this is not relevant.

 

With regards the process itself you wrote:

 

“So Srila Prabhupada's statement could also mean "the result of diksa is that

the disciple is initiated with transcendental knowledge".(Ramakanta das)

 

By the word ‘also’ above you concede my understanding of this quote from the

C.c. could ‘also’ be correct. And here is the proof that it is:

 

“Diksa, diksa. Di... Divya. There are two words, divya-jnäna. Divya-jnäna means

transcendental, spiritual knowledge. So divya is di, and jnänam, ksapayati,

explaining, that is ksa, di-ksä. This is called diksä, diksa, the combination.”

(SB 6.1. lectures Feb 22.73.)

 

The above proves that the very definition of the word diksa is 'transcendental

knowledge' and the word 'explaining'. The diksa guru explains, or imparts

transcendental knowledge. That is identical to the definition I gave and which

you are challenging.

 

“The Sanskrit term is called diksa. Diksa means... Di, divya-jïänam,

transcendental knowledge, and kñä, iksa. Iksa means darsana, to see, or

ksapayati, explain.” (SP July 29.68)

 

And above it also proves the definition includes the word ‘explain’. So the

very definition of the word diksa is to impart or explain transcendental

knowledge, just as Srila Prabhupada confirms in the quote I gave. So my

understanding is correct. Below are more occasions where the word diksa is

defined as transcendental knowledge:

 

“So initiation means, the Sanskrit word is diksa. Diksa, divya jnänam ksapayati

iti diksa. Divya-jnäna.” (SPL June 17.76)

 

The Sanskrit name is diksa. Diksa, divya-jnänam ksapayati iti diksa. (SP Aug

22.76)

 

“Diksä. Diksa, initiation, diksa, this Sanskrit word, diksa, means divya-jnanam

ksipayati.” (SP June 11.74)

 

“This is divya-jnana. Diksa. Diksa means from this divya-jnäna. That is di. And

ksa means ksapayati, expands.” (SP July 11.76)

 

“The Sanskrit name is diksa. Diksa, divya-jnänam ksapayati iti diksa.” (SP Aug

22.76)

 

“Diksä means divya-jnänam ksapayati iti diksä.(?) Which explains the

divya-jnäna, transcendental, that is diksä. Di, divya, diksanam. Diksa. So

divya-jnäna, transcendental knowledge...” (SP Jan 27,77).

 

Sanskrit being such an amazing language the word ksapayati also means:

 

ksapayati—annihilates (SB 4.24.61)

 

ksapayati—eradicates (Antya 3.62)

 

So the diksa guru explains transcendental knowledge to the disciple by which

his sinful reactions are annihilated. That is the meaning or very definition of

the word diksa as given by Srila Prabhupada in the quote you tried to

challenge.

 

Since you have already conceded that you can find nothing on folio that

indicates the imparting of transcendental knowledge requires the guru’s

physical presence in relation to the disciple, then point c) remains intact

with regards your current physical presence challenge.

Best wishes

Ys

Yadu