‘Devi! DikshaH VihinsayeH Na Siddhi Na Cha Sadgatim’

Lord Shiva has Himself explained to Goddess Parvati in ‘Shiv Tantra Saar’ about Diksha Sanskar that – “O Devi! A person bereft of Diksha neither gets Siddhi nor obtain Sadgati. So a person should try all endeavors to obtain Diksha initiation from Shree Gurudev.”

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The holy scriptures state that Parashakti resides in every being as Atmashakti, which stays in an inactive dormant stage  due to influence of worldly desires-delusions,  misleading wishes, sins and omissions of various births. The Diksha-initiation by SadGurudev breaks this elusive wrapping-cover and the disciple starts sensing the inherent divine power within self. The realization of this energy within self is called “Shaktipaat” (Kundalini Awakening).

 

The subject of Diksha is the most mysterious, secretive, complex and vast. The divine energy starts expressing within the disciple after Diksha-initiation from SadGurudev, and the process of vanquishing the twin major Sadhana–path obstacles i.e. “Ripu” (enemies) like ignorance (veil over Guru-knowledge) and “Vikshep” (experiencing contrary effects) commences.

The “Diksha” word is made from two letters – “Di” meaning giving and “Ksha” meaning destruction. The

Tantra scriptures explain the Diksha mechanism as –

• First, this provides Divine knowledge, and thereafter destroys all sins.

‘Diyate Gyanmatyarth-Kshiyate Paash Bandhanam’

• A holy connection between the Sadhak and Lord Shiva gets established and He destroys all the faults and deficiencies of the Sadhak.

‘Dadaati Shiv Tadatmyan-Kshinoti Cha Maltrayam’

• One receives Brahmagyaan (Divine knowledge) through Diksha and all the sins get destroyed.

“Diyate Paramgyanan-Kshiyate Paap  PadhwatiH:

Ten Dikshochyate Mantre-Swaagmarth Bala Valaat ||”

• Diksha has scientific basis, quickly yields results, destroys differentiation, and provides liberation.

“Vigyanfalda Saiv-Dwitiya Layakarini

Tritiya Muktidaa Cheiv-Tasmaddiksheti Preeyate”

 

Significance and Necessity of Diksha

The Scriptures proclaim that “Obtaining Diksha-Initiation” and “Granting Diksha-Initiation” are both exceptional processes. There is no better wisdom or austerity. The finest auspicious time-slot is the Diksha Initiation time period. A disciple not only receives Guru Prasad and Blessings of Parashakti, he also becomes eligible to understand Tatva-Gyaan. A disciple can graduate from human state to Divine Shivatava state only after obtaining Diksha.

 

What happens after Shaktipaat, has been elucidated in detail in various scriptures. To quote –

1. “Utpann Shakti Bhodasya… Sahajavastha Swayamev Prajyate”

Multiple Yogic processes get started within the disciple after Shaktipaat initiation. He does not need to do any specific action to generate these.

2. “Supta Guru Prasaden – Yadaa Jaagrati Kundali…”

The Kundalini Shakti lying in Muladhaar in dormant state for many births, get stimulated upon Shaktipaat; and it starts the journey penetrating through the Shat-chakras to merge with its Lord Shiva in Sahastrara.

3. “Dikshagri Karma Dagdhaso… Nirjivastu Shivobhavet”

All past karmas get destroyed in the fiery initiation of Diksha, the bondage with attachments get broken and the disciple achieves “Shivatva”.

4. “Shaktipaaten Sanyukta… Vimuktirnaatra SanshayaH:”

When SadGurudev grants Mantras (Divine sentences) during Shaktipaat initiation to the disciple, then he gets liberated.

5. “Adikshita Ye Kurvanti… Shilaya Mupt Beejwat”

A seed planted in the stone does not get germinate. Similarly, all Sadhanas performed by a non-Dikshit person goes waste.

6. “Devi! Diksha  Vihinasya Na Siddhim Na Cha Sadgatim”

O Parvati! A non-Dikshit person neither obtains Siddhi accomplishment nor obtains Sadgati. So one should endeavor with all means to obtain Diksha initiation from Shree Guru.

 

One obtains Shaktipaat or Diksha only after manifestation of great virtues, Diksha detaches a person from material sinful existence, and turns him towards a fervent everlasting joyful ultimate spiritual state :-

“ Sa Shokam Tarati, Sashokam Tarati, Sa Shokam Tarati”

The commencement of Yoga is  Kundalini awakening and its termination is reaching Sahastrara. This is Shakti Yoga. It is evident that every religion, faith and creed has adopted this basic principle in their doctrine by altering in their own way.

 

Types of Diksha (Modes of obtaining Shaktipaat initiation)

There are multiple methods of Diksha due to variation in adored Deity, interest of worshipping “disciple”, appropriateness of Guru-disciple, differences in worship techniques, the right distinction, variances in Sadhana procedures, and compatibility with place-time circumstances. The name of Diksha-initiation itself gives an idea about the initiation method. Many different Diksha processes have been described in the holy scriptures. Like-

(1) Sparshiki (Touch) Diksha Initiation

(2) Chakshusi (Vision) Diksha Initiation

(3) Vachiki (Verbal) Diksha Initiation

(4) Mansi (Meditation) Diksha Initiation

(5) Aanvi Diksha Initiation.

The Dikshas mentioned additionally are – Mantri Diksha Initiation, Shakti Diksha Initiation, Shambhavi Diksha Initiation, Abhisechika Diksha Initiation, Smarti Diksha and Yoga Diksha. Diksha obtained by any method from SadGurudev by the disciple is helpful in granting him both luxury-salvation.

The Tantra scriptures state that as a mother bird, mother turtle and mother fish raise their progeny, similarly, SadGurudev grants spiritual realization to His disciple by merging His spiritual force into the disciple by touching, viewing and meditating.

Bhagwatpaad Shree Sankaracharya while describing the significance of SadGuru has written in the first verse of his text “Shatshaloki” that –

“Dhristaanto Neivdhrisht… Swiyan Saamyan Vidhatte”

There are no suitable words to describe the greatness of SadGurudev preaching the ultimate metaphor to a disciple by granting Shaktipaat initiation. Guru is at a much higher level than the parasmani alchemy-stone, because an alchemy-stone can turn iron into gold, but not the alchemy-stone; while Shree Gurudev transforms a disciple into His own form – completely identical to Him.

 

(1) Sparsh (Touch) Initiation –

“Yatha Pakshi Svapakshabhyam…TadrasaH Kathit Piye”

Lord Shiva explains to Divine Mother Parvati O Parvati! Touch initiation is similar to the way a mother-bird touches her eggs by incubating them with her wings. She continues to sit on eggs until the chicks hatch out. Even after that, she constantly covers the baby chicks with her feathers until they grow up.

There are many divine examples in our holy scriptures of elevation of the disciple through the means of Touch Diksha-Initiation. The Tenth chapter of Shrimad Bhagwat describes how Lord Dattatreya granted self-realization to King Yadu by embracing him. Sant Eknathji in his treatise “Eknathi Bhagwat” has provided a lovely description of this incident that – “When Lord Shri Dattatreya affectionately embraced the King Yadu, they both merged into each other. The entire attachment instincts and ego of King Yadu got destroyed. He became immersed in the deep divine ocean of love and joy. All his material illusions-wishes vanished.   Thus he got elevated through self-realization simply by the touch of his Guru.

 

(2) Chakshushi (Vision) Initiation –

In this mode of initiation, the Guru prays for the disciple’s spiritual elevation while casting His benevolent divine gaze upon him or her. Guru Shankaracharya describes the glory of this Diksha as:

“Shree Saduruna Atulit Karunaapurna Piyush Dhristya”

“Tadbrahmovaahamasmi… JeevnmuktaH: Sa Ev”

The “I am Brahma” emotional essence develops into the disciple immediately upon receipt of Shree Guru’s benevolent gaze, and he acquires liberation through the illusion-free and fear-free expressions.

 

(3) Vachiki (Verbal) Initiation –

Shree Guru teaches divine knowledge about God, Brahma-Illusion, Universe, Nature, Man and Flora-Fauna to the disciple sitting across Him. The ideal disciple obtains supernatural experiences from listening to the discourse and also from the divine-spiritual waves arising from the energetic form of SadGurudev. This method of Shaktipaat is called the Vachiki Diksha. The disciple becomes aware of his true nature upon listening to this divine voice, and he starts seeing the light of Sadhana path after receipt of this pure knowledge.

 

(4) Mansi (Verbal Initiation and Pledge Initiation) –

Lord Shiva explains to Mother Parvati that  O Parvati! The Dhyaan Diksha occurs through strong resolution in mind, as a mother-fish rears her children only through caring in her mind.

“Yathamatsi Swatanyaan … ManasaH: SayittathavidhiH:”

i.e. the Manasi Dikhsa gets accomplished only when Shree Guru casts a divine gaze upon the disciple while touching him, and the disciple meditates through strong willpower, leading to his own gratification.

 

(5) Anvi Initiation –

In this Diksha mode, the SadGurudev instructs the disciple about the suitable mantra of the deity, the prayer-worship process, asana, mudra, meditation and the chants. The worthy disciple hears, learns, contemplates and practices the Guru-words and Veda-verses to achieve self-realization.

 

Presence under Gurudev’s wings to obtain Diksha

The scriptures mention that a curious person desiring discipleship (Diksha Receipt) should practice and assimilate various spiritual thoughts and feelings, before appearing before Shree Guru. The first verse of Vedant Sootra “Athato Brahma Jigyasa” clearly elucidates that this leads to a curiosity (desire) to understand the divinity of Lord Brahma. The chief emotions, adoption and assimilation of which, generates suitability to understand Brahma are –

(1)       Nityaa-Nitya Vastu Vivek – Understanding of which objects in this universe are Nitya (Immortal) and which are Anitya (Transient/Perishable). Brahma (Soul) is Nitya. Illusion (World) is Anitya.

(2)       Ihaamutra Fal Bhog Viraag – Knowledge that the indulgences and luxuries of not only earth, rather of all universes like heaven (Swarg) are transient and temporary. This leads to a sense of detachment towards them.

(3)       Sham-Damaadi Arjan – Acquiring Wisdom (i.e. Nitya Wealth) by controlling Sham (i.e. Mind) and Dam (i.e. Senses)

(4)       Activation of strong desire to obtain liberation (Awakening of Mumuksh emotion) – Resolve to realize self (attaining salvation) in this rare human birth itself.

 

The tradition of  physical presence with Shree Guru and divine Brahmavidhya spiritual teachings has been constantly continuing since the dawn of the creation. The omniscient Gurus (sage, wise, saint) performed penance and lived in the ashrams in ancient ages. The curious disciples used to solicit Diksha through praying for Brahmavidhya knowledge by humbly seeking shelter of a Kshotriya and Brahmanisht sage with folded hands offering Samidha (Wooden plank for sacrifice havan).

“Sa Guru Mevabhigachchhet, Samitpaani, Kshotriya, BrahmanishthaH:”

Then the Guru started educating the disciple on Brahmavidhya after evaluating his merit and abilities.

Aadi Guru Shankaracharya has directed on this topic that –

“Guru Mewacharya Sham Damaadi Sampann Mabhigachchhet

Shashtragyopi Swatantren-Brahmagyananveshanan Na Kuryaat”

A disciple should go to Gurudev only after development of Sham-Damaadi abilities. A disciple should not do arbitrary searches for Brahmagyaan even after obtaining deep knowledge of the scriptures.

Shree Vasudewanand Saraswati states in his Vedaant treatise on the subject of seeking SadGurudev cover that –

“Visharadan Brahmanishtham-Kshotriyam Guru Maakshreyat”

The disciple must seek refuge under a Guru who understands Shabd-Brahma and is capable of Brahman-realization.

 

Signs of Shaktipaat (Kundalini Activation)

The external and internal signs (qualities) which a disciple develops after Shaktipaat are explained in the scriptures as –

“DehpaataH: Tatha KampaH: – Parmaanand Harshane

Swedo, Romanch Ityet – Shaktipaatsya Lakshanam”

Meaning Shaktipaat leads to disciple’s Dehpaat (Body falling on ground). Multiple vibrations are generated within the body. The disciple starts laughing loudly after obtaining extreme joy. The thrill in the body and excessive sweat is also a sign of Shaktipaat. Additionally, excessive sleep, fainting and turning of mind are also signs of Shaktipaat. The famous treatise “SutSanhita” on this subject has explained various signs in Brahmageeta as –

“PraharsaH: Swaranetrang Vikriyaa Kampanan Tatha

StomaH: Sharirapaatshrach Bhramanam Chodgatistatha

Adarshnan Cha Dehasya … Nigrahaanugrahe ShaktiH:”

The most significant signs among all these is “Getting Dehpaat” i.e. the body of disciple instantly falls on the ground after Shaktipaat and he continues to move around in smooth motion for a long time. The scriptures describe its importance as –

“Shishyasaya Dehe Viprendra-Dharinyaan Patate Sati

PrasaadaH: Shankarstasya-Dwija Sanjaat Ev Hi”

Viz. when the disciple’s body falls to the ground, it should be considered as divine grace of Lord Shiva. Such a disciple gets gratified with blessings from SadGurudev.

“Tasya Prasaad Yuktasya… Tam Suryodayo Yatha”

Thus entire ignorance of a Shaktipaat-receipt-disciple get destroyed in the same way as the darkness vanishes after the sunrise.

When the energy enlightens through divine blessings of SadGurudev then the Sadhak does not need to practice asana, pranayama or mudra. The awakened kundalini starts squirming to reach Brahmarandh above. The different processes which take place during this wriggling are itself asana, mudra, bandh and pranayama. The opening of the energetic path causes all actions to automatically occur and the mind gets extreme stabilization.

Only the action needed by a Sadhak, occur, the other extra acts do not occur.

The sadhak does not undergo any trouble or pain during these yogic processes. There is no reason to fear any unknown.  The illuminated power gets everything done through the sadhak as per his nature. The processes emanating from this energetic Shaktipaat leads to a disease-free body, and even major incurable diseases get cured.

 

But the commencement of this sadhana grants joy. Once this energetic power gets activated, it continues to strive to make the sadhak achieve self-realization. Even if a sadhak crosses multiple births, a once awakened kundalini never becomes dormant again.

The prominent symptoms and signs found within a Shaktipaat accomplished (Kundalini Jagran) sadhak, as described in the Scriptures are –

Vibration in the muladhaar, extreme energy in the body, automatic kumbhak pranayama, vision of stars in the eyes, focus of eye-sight towards third-eye, being in a state of joy all the time, sense of revolution of neck and body upon eye-closure, capability to speak in multiple languages (known or unknown), automatic pronouncement of stotras and kirtan-words, premonition of future events during meditation, understand the essence of Vedas and Upanishads very rapidly, and a joyous state in the body, mind and spirit at the prayer time in morning, afternoon, evening and night.

It is clearly seen that a sadhak automatically develops on the path to divinity from humanity after obtaining Shaktipaat Diksha from SadGurudev.

 

Diksha Time (Appropriate Time for Granting Diksha)

“Na Tithim, Na Vratam, Pooja Na Sandhya Na Jap-Kriya

Yadeivechchha Tada Diksha Guroragya NuroopataH:”

The later scriptures were clear that if a Guru is capable to grant Shaktipaat, then whenever He is pleased to grant Diksha to His disciple, that time itself becomes the most auspicious time-period. Any time period (Day of week, Day of Fortnight, Day of Month, Tithi, Nakshatra, Lagna and Rashi) spontaneously becomes auspicious upon the desire and pleasure of Shree Guru.

Guru Purnima, Akshaya Tritiya, Akshaya Navami, Ganga Dussehra, Cheitra Trayodashi, Falgun Shukla Navami, Basant Panchami and Ashiwan Krishna Chaturdashi have been considered as auspicious dates. Panchami, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdasi and Poornima have also been considered particularly auspicious.

 

Selection of suitable Mantra for Diksha –

If we think about the mantra granted to disciple for regular chanting after accomplishment of Shaktipaat (Kundalini Activation), then we realize that whatever mantra the ever-powerful Brahmanisht Guru grants, that itself becomes the most auspicious and the ultimate excellent. Because He would have obtained that mantra through the Guru-tradition and it would be self siddh.

 

Appropriate location for Diksha

“Goshalaya, Gurorgrehe-Devaagare Cha Kanane

Punyakshetre Tathodhyane-Naditeere Cha Dikshanam”

The scriptures state that there is no consideration of suitable auspicious-time if Diksha is taken in Kaashi, Prayag, Kurukshetra, Shreeparwat, Shaktipeeth (Four major ones) and Twelve Jyotirlings. It is considered auspicious to obtain Diksha on the shores of the sacred rivers, dense forests and mountains. Moreover it is best to obtain Diksha in the Guru’s house, in Goshala (cowshed), God temple, garden and under Bilwa or Dhaatri trees.

 

Responsibilities of the disciple

The relationship between Guru-disciple continues across multiple births after grant of Diksha, whereas a relationship of a son with his father terminates after the death of the father. A disciple has to stay ever-alert and ever-ready with pure mind, words and actions, to continue this unique divine relationship. The Tantra-scriptures clearly state that Guru is akin to Lord Shiva for a disciple. If Lord Shiva gets angry then Guru can protect you, but even Lord Shiva cannot protect you if Guru gets angry.

“Shive Rushte Gurustraata – Guro Rushte Na Kaschana”

 

A disciple should be ever-ready to gratify such a great Guru and –

• Should consider Guru words as Divine mantras and should continue mantra chanting without any confusion or doubt.
• Should not cross Guru’s shadow, Guru’s garments or Guru padukas.

“Guruchchhaya Shaktichchhaya Surachchhaya Na Langhayet”

• Should always respect Shree Guru spouse and their family members.
• Should not walk in front, rather should always walk behind Shree Guru at a respectable distance.
• Should not turn back upon leaving, rather should walk backwards.
• Should always behave politely and humbly towards Gurudev. Should not show off one’s knowledge, wealth-prosperity, prestige or influence. Should not be egoistic about your family, race or position.

“Abhimaano Na Kartavyo – Jaati Vidhya Dhanaadikam”

• Should not sit with feet towards Gurudev and should not engage in wit-humor.
• Should not perform mantra chanting, prayer or worship after reaching Guru-abode, since Guru-abode is akin to “Kailashtirth” for a disciple and nothing else is needed after reaching there.
• The disciple should strive to stay in personal contact with Gurudev after Diksha, and should obtain guidance after appraising Him of  spiritual experiences. The scriptures have described in detail about meeting Gurudev as –

Ek Gram SthitaH: ShishyaH: Trisandhyam Pranamed Gurum…

Atidoor GrihaH: ShishyaH: Yadeichchhasya Tada Vrajet

• Should be always ready to serve Guru and  should obey His each and every instruction. Should offer food, garments, money-wealth etc. from time to time to keep Guru gratified.

The scriptures state for such fortunate Guru-Divine-feet-loving disciples –

“Yasya Deve Parabhakti – Yatha Deve Tatha Guro

Tasyeite Kathita Arthaa – Prakashyante MahatmanaH:”