Diksha - Revision history

Bharat: minor edit

2025-12-30T07:58:43Z

minor edit

WikiDwarf: reorganizing living examples

2023-07-09T14:01:38Z

reorganizing living examples

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 9 July 2023
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	[[File:Satsvaupa das goswami sdg2.jpg\|thumb\|[[Satsvarupa das Goswami]] during [[ISKCON]] ''dīkṣā'' ceremony (1979)]]		[[File:Satsvaupa das goswami sdg2.jpg\|thumb\|[[Satsvarupa das Goswami]] during [[ISKCON]] ''dīkṣā'' ceremony (1979)]]
	'''Diksha''' ([[Sanskrit]]: दीक्षा) also spelled '''diksa''', '''deeksha''' or '''deeksa''' in common usage, translated as a "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony",<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://students.washington.edu/prem/mw/d.html \|title=Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary \|publisher=[[University of Cologne]] \|pages=d \|access-date=2009-04-19 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110100238/http://students.washington.edu/prem/mw/d.html \|archive-date=January 10, 2009 }}</ref> is giving of a mantra or an initiation by the guru (in [[Guru–shishya tradition]]) of [[Indian religions]] such as [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]]. Diksa is given in a one-to-one ceremony, and typically includes the taking on of a serious spiritual discipline.<ref name="Mantra">{{cite book \|last=Coward \|first=Harold G. \|author-link1=Harold Coward \|author2=David J. Goa \|title=Mantra: hearing the divine in India and America\|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]\|year=2004\|isbn=978-0-231-12960-2\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3s1-8SFrrDMC&pg=PA56}}</ref> The word is derived from the Sanskrit root ''dā'' ("to give") plus ''kṣi'' ("to destroy") or alternately from the verb root ''dīkṣ'' ("to consecrate").<ref name="Grimes">{{cite book\|last=Grimes\|first=John A.\|title=A concise dictionary of Indian philosophy\|publisher=SUNY Press\|year=1996\|pages=117\|isbn=978-0-7914-3067-5\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qcoUFYOX0bEC&pg=PA117}}</ref> When the mind of the guru and the disciple become one, then we say that the disciple has been initiated by the guru.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.gurumaa.com/content/deeksha-master-disciple-mind-connection.html \|title=Initiation or Guru Deeksha - when Mind of Disciple Connects to Mind of the Master \| Gurumaa.com \|access-date=2010-11-26 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317080634/http://www.gurumaa.com/content/deeksha-master-disciple-mind-connection.html \|archive-date=2011-03-17 \|url-status=dead }}</ref>		'''Diksha''' ([[Sanskrit]]: दीक्षा) also spelled '''diksa''', '''deeksha''' or '''deeksa''' in common usage, translated as a "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony",<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://students.washington.edu/prem/mw/d.html \|title=Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary \|publisher=[[University of Cologne]] \|pages=d \|access-date=2009-04-19 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110100238/http://students.washington.edu/prem/mw/d.html \|archive-date=January 10, 2009 }}</ref> is giving of a mantra or an initiation by the guru (in [[Guru–shishya tradition]]) of [[Indian religions]] such as [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]]. Diksa is given in a one-to-one ceremony, and typically includes the taking on of a serious spiritual discipline.<ref name="Mantra">{{cite book \|last=Coward \|first=Harold G. \|author-link1=Harold Coward \|author2=David J. Goa \|title=Mantra: hearing the divine in India and America\|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]\|year=2004\|isbn=978-0-231-12960-2\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3s1-8SFrrDMC&pg=PA56}}</ref> The word is derived from the Sanskrit root ''dā'' ("to give") plus ''kṣi'' ("to destroy") or alternately from the verb root ''dīkṣ'' ("to consecrate").<ref name="Grimes">{{cite book\|last=Grimes\|first=John A.\|title=A concise dictionary of Indian philosophy\|publisher=SUNY Press\|year=1996\|pages=117\|isbn=978-0-7914-3067-5\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qcoUFYOX0bEC&pg=PA117}}</ref> When the mind of the guru and the disciple become one, then we say that the disciple has been initiated by the guru.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.gurumaa.com/content/deeksha-master-disciple-mind-connection.html \|title=Initiation or Guru Deeksha - when Mind of Disciple Connects to Mind of the Master \| Gurumaa.com \|access-date=2010-11-26 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317080634/http://www.gurumaa.com/content/deeksha-master-disciple-mind-connection.html \|archive-date=2011-03-17 \|url-status=dead }}</ref>
	Diksa can be of various types, through the teacher's sight, touch, or word, with the purpose of purifying the disciple or student. Initiation by touch is called ''sparśa dīkṣā''. The bestowing of divine grace through diksa is sometimes called [[shaktipat\|''śaktipāt'']].<ref name="Grimes" />		Diksa can be of various types, through the teacher's sight, touch, or word, with the purpose of purifying the disciple or student. Initiation by touch is called ''sparśa dīkṣā''. The bestowing of divine grace through diksa is sometimes called [[shaktipat\|''śaktipāt'']].<ref name="Grimes" /> Another type of diksha, into a [[monastic order]], involves a vow of [[celibacy]], renunciation of all personal possessions and of all worldly duties, including family ties. Diksha has the same meaning in Jainism. Diksha is also called ''Charitra'' or ''Mahanibhiskraman'' in Jainism.
			'''Initiation in Hinduism''' involves performing one of several rituals depending on the person being initiated and the Hindu group involved.

	[[Vishnu]] Yamala ([[tantra]]) says:		[[Vishnu]] Yamala ([[tantra]]) says:
	"The process that bestows divyam jnanam (transcendental, spiritual knowledge) and destroys [[sin]] (pāpa), the seed of sin and ignorance, is called diksha by the spiritual persons who have seen the Truth (desikais tattva-kovidaih)."<ref>{{cite book\|last=Pandey\|first=Vraj Kumar\|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian philosophy\|publisher=Anmol Publications\|year=2007\|isbn=978-81-261-3112-9}}</ref>		"The process that bestows divyam jnanam (transcendental, spiritual knowledge) and destroys [[sin]] (pāpa), the seed of sin and ignorance, is called diksha by the spiritual persons who have seen the Truth (desikais tattva-kovidaih)."<ref>{{cite book\|last=Pandey\|first=Vraj Kumar\|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian philosophy\|publisher=Anmol Publications\|year=2007\|isbn=978-81-261-3112-9}}</ref>

	Different traditions and sects treat diksa in various ways. [[Tantra]] mentions five types of initiation or ''diksa'': initiation by a ritual or ''samaya-diksa''; ''sparsa-diksa'' is an initiation by touch and is done without a ritual; ''vag-diksa'' is done by word or mantra; ''sambhavi-diksa'' is arising from perception of external appearance of the guru; ''mano-diksa'' is when initiation is performed in the mind.<ref>''The madness of the saints'' by June McDaniel, University of Chicago Press, (1989) p. 106 {{ISBN\|0-226-55723-5}}</ref> For [[ISKCON]] members first diksa, or ''harinama-diksa'' initiation, is performed as part of a fire sacrifice where grains, fruit, and ghee are placed on an open fire of the sacrifice.<ref>Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America [Five Volumes]Eugene V. Gallagher, W. Michael Ashcraft (2006) Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 23 {{ISBN\|0-275-98713-2}}</ref> In the tradition of [[Lahiri Mahasaya]], initiation into [[Kriya Yoga school\|Kriya Yoga]] is given as diksa.<ref>{{cite book\|last=Yogananda\|first=Paramhansa\|title=Autobiography of a Yogi\|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd\|year=2003\|pages=102\|isbn=978-81-207-2524-9\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iN6fdZR6rXkC&pg=PA102}}</ref> The Bengali saint [[Anandamayi Ma]] often gave ''sparśa dīkṣā'' (divine touch) or ''drik'' diksa (through her look), in which she would bestow ''śaktipāt'' (divine grace).<ref>{{cite book \|last=Hallstrom\|first=Lisa Lassell\|title=Mother of Bliss: Ānandamayī Mā (1896-1982)\|publisher=Oxford University Press US\|year=1999\|isbn=978-0-19-511647-2\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9WnAXqkzkAC&pg=PA140\|pages=140–144}}</ref>

	Another type of diksha, into a [[monastic order]], involves a vow of [[celibacy]], renunciation of all personal possessions and of all worldly duties, including family ties. Diksha has the same meaning in Jainism. Diksha is also called ''Charitra'' or ''Mahanibhiskraman'' in Jainism.
	~~'''Initiation in Hinduism''' involves performing one of several rituals depending on the person being initiated and the Hindu group involved.~~

	Various tantric works enumerate different types of diksha rituals:<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=bq-LDHAYbzAC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51 Jnana Sankalini Tantra by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda]</ref>		[[Tantra]] mentions five types of initiation or ''diksa'': initiation by a ritual or ''samaya-diksa''; ''sparsa-diksa'' is an initiation by touch and is done without a ritual; ''vag-diksa'' is done by word or mantra; ''sambhavi-diksa'' is arising from perception of external appearance of the guru; ''mano-diksa'' is when initiation is performed in the mind.<ref>''The madness of the saints'' by June McDaniel, University of Chicago Press, (1989) p. 106 {{ISBN\|0-226-55723-5}}</ref> Various tantric works enumerate different types of diksha rituals:<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=bq-LDHAYbzAC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51 Jnana Sankalini Tantra by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda]</ref>
	* [[Kriyavati]]		* [[Kriyavati]]
	* Kalavati		* Kalavati
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	* [[Vedamayi]]		* [[Vedamayi]]

	==Living ~~Examples~~==		==Living examples==
	[[ISKCON]], for example, commonly advise those that want to be initiated into the movement to begin by repeatedly chanting the name of Krishna. This chanting is a sort of unofficial induction. The official initiation as a disciple occurs during an organized ceremony. Additionally, followers are required to wear a string of beads, or kanthi, around their neck.<ref>{{Cite web \| url=http://krishna.org/srila-prabhupada-on-initiation-compilation-of-quotes/ \| title=Srila Prabhupada on Initiation [compilation of quotes] \| date=12 April 2021 }}</ref>		Different traditions and sects treat diksa in various ways.

	[[Transcendental Meditation]] (TM) began initiation under the guidance of [[Maharishi Mahesh Yogi]] in the late 1950s. New members were initiated through a “devotional ritual (puja) whose focus was Brahmananda Saraswati and ~~the Shankarcharya lineage. Initiates were given a specially suited mantra, and taught how to practice meditation.”<ref>Humes, Cynthia. "Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Beyond the TM Technique". In ''Gurus~~ in ~~America'', ed. [[Cynthia Humes]] and [[Thomas Forsthoefel]]. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2005~~.~~</ref>~~

	[[BAPS]] Swaminarayan Sanstha initiates new members via a ritual known as vartman. This ritual involves taking water in the right palm and repeating a mantra that is spoken by the ritual initiator, often a renunciate. After the mantra is repeated, the water is poured away, signifying the acceptance of a lifestyle as established by the movement. A kanthi is adorned and vows are taken. Vows for new initiates include abstaining from meat, alcohol, adultery, stealing, and harmful addictive substances.<ref>Sadhu Mukundcharandas. ''Hindu Rites and Rituals''. 4th edition. Amdavad: Swaminarayan Aksharpith, 2007. Page 237.</ref>		* [[ISKCON]] members first diksa, or ''harinama-diksa'' initiation, is performed as part of a fire sacrifice where grains, fruit, and ghee are placed on an open fire of the sacrifice.<ref>Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America [Five Volumes]Eugene V. Gallagher, W. Michael Ashcraft (2006) Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 23 {{ISBN\|0-275-98713-2}}</ref> In the tradition of [[Lahiri Mahasaya]], initiation into [[Kriya Yoga school\|Kriya Yoga]] is given as diksa.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Yogananda \|first=Paramhansa \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iN6fdZR6rXkC&pg=PA102 \|title=Autobiography of a Yogi \|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd \|year=2003 \|isbn=978-81-207-2524-9 \|pages=102}}</ref>
			* The Bengali saint [[Anandamayi Ma]] often gave ''sparśa dīkṣā'' (divine touch) or ''drik'' diksa (through her look), in which she would bestow ''śaktipāt'' (divine grace).<ref>{{cite book \|last=Hallstrom \|first=Lisa Lassell \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9WnAXqkzkAC&pg=PA140 \|title=Mother of Bliss: Ānandamayī Mā (1896-1982) \|publisher=Oxford University Press US \|year=1999 \|isbn=978-0-19-511647-2 \|pages=140–144}}</ref>
			* [[Transcendental Meditation]] (TM) began initiation under the guidance of [[Maharishi Mahesh Yogi]] in the late 1950s. New members were initiated through a "devotional ritual (puja) whose focus was Brahmananda Saraswati and the Shankarcharya lineage. Initiates were given a specially suited mantra, and taught how to practice meditation."<ref>Humes, Cynthia. "Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Beyond the TM Technique". In ''Gurus in America'', ed. [[Cynthia Humes]] and [[Thomas Forsthoefel]]. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2005.</ref>
			* [[BAPS]] Swaminarayan Sanstha initiates new members via a ritual known as ''vartman''. This ritual involves taking water in the right palm and repeating a mantra that is spoken by the ritual initiator, often a renunciate. After the mantra is repeated, the water is poured away, signifying the acceptance of a lifestyle as established by the movement. A ''kanthi'' is adorned and vows are taken. Vows for new initiates include abstaining from meat, alcohol, adultery, stealing, and harmful addictive substances.<ref>Sadhu Mukundcharandas. ''Hindu Rites and Rituals''. 4th edition. Amdavad: Swaminarayan Aksharpith, 2007. Page 237.</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==
	* [[~~Initiation~~]]		* [[Abhisheka]]
	* [[Brahmin]]		* [[Brahmin]]
	* [[Dvija]]		* [[Dvija]]
			* [[Initiation]]
	* [[Rite of passage]]		* [[Rite of passage]]
	* [[Parampara]]		* [[Parampara]]
			* [[Prana Pratishtha]]
	* [[Ordination]]		* [[Ordination]]
	* [[Shakti]]		* [[Shakti]]
			* [[Shaktipata]]
	* [[Tantra]]		* [[Tantra]]

BellaCH: Diksha

2022-12-09T13:15:06Z

Diksha

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{{Short description|Practice in Hinduism}}
{{Italic title}}
[[File:Satsvaupa das goswami sdg2.jpg|thumb|[[Satsvarupa das Goswami]] during [[ISKCON]] ''dīkṣā'' ceremony (1979)]]
'''Diksha''' ([[Sanskrit]]: दीक्षा) also spelled '''diksa''', '''deeksha''' or '''deeksa''' in common usage, translated as a "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://students.washington.edu/prem/mw/d.html |title=Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary |publisher=[[University of Cologne]] |pages=d |access-date=2009-04-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110100238/http://students.washington.edu/prem/mw/d.html |archive-date=January 10, 2009 }}</ref> is giving of a mantra or an initiation by the guru (in [[Guru–shishya tradition]]) of [[Indian religions]] such as [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]]. Diksa is given in a one-to-one ceremony, and typically includes the taking on of a serious spiritual discipline.<ref name="Mantra">{{cite book |last=Coward |first=Harold G. |author-link1=Harold Coward |author2=David J. Goa |title=Mantra: hearing the divine in India and America|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]|year=2004|isbn=978-0-231-12960-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3s1-8SFrrDMC&pg=PA56}}</ref> The word is derived from the Sanskrit root ''dā'' ("to give") plus ''kṣi'' ("to destroy") or alternately from the verb root ''dīkṣ'' ("to consecrate").<ref name="Grimes">{{cite book|last=Grimes|first=John A.|title=A concise dictionary of Indian philosophy|publisher=SUNY Press|year=1996|pages=117|isbn=978-0-7914-3067-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qcoUFYOX0bEC&pg=PA117}}</ref> When the mind of the guru and the disciple become one, then we say that the disciple has been initiated by the guru.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gurumaa.com/content/deeksha-master-disciple-mind-connection.html |title=Initiation or Guru Deeksha - when Mind of Disciple Connects to Mind of the Master | Gurumaa.com |access-date=2010-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317080634/http://www.gurumaa.com/content/deeksha-master-disciple-mind-connection.html |archive-date=2011-03-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Diksa can be of various types, through the teacher's sight, touch, or word, with the purpose of purifying the disciple or student. Initiation by touch is called ''sparśa dīkṣā''. The bestowing of divine grace through diksa is sometimes called [[shaktipat|''śaktipāt'']].<ref name="Grimes" />

[[Vishnu]] Yamala ([[tantra]]) says:
"The process that bestows divyam jnanam (transcendental, spiritual knowledge) and destroys [[sin]] (pāpa), the seed of sin and ignorance, is called diksha by the spiritual persons who have seen the Truth (desikais tattva-kovidaih)."<ref>{{cite book|last=Pandey|first=Vraj Kumar|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian philosophy|publisher=Anmol Publications|year=2007|isbn=978-81-261-3112-9}}</ref>

Different traditions and sects treat diksa in various ways. [[Tantra]] mentions five types of initiation or ''diksa'': initiation by a ritual or ''samaya-diksa''; ''sparsa-diksa'' is an initiation by touch and is done without a ritual; ''vag-diksa'' is done by word or mantra; ''sambhavi-diksa'' is arising from perception of external appearance of the guru; ''mano-diksa'' is when initiation is performed in the mind.<ref>''The madness of the saints'' by June McDaniel, University of Chicago Press, (1989) p. 106 {{ISBN|0-226-55723-5}}</ref> For [[ISKCON]] members first diksa, or ''harinama-diksa'' initiation, is performed as part of a fire sacrifice where grains, fruit, and ghee are placed on an open fire of the sacrifice.<ref>Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America [Five Volumes]Eugene V. Gallagher, W. Michael Ashcraft (2006) Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 23 {{ISBN|0-275-98713-2}}</ref> In the tradition of [[Lahiri Mahasaya]], initiation into [[Kriya Yoga school|Kriya Yoga]] is given as diksa.<ref>{{cite book|last=Yogananda|first=Paramhansa|title=Autobiography of a Yogi|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|year=2003|pages=102|isbn=978-81-207-2524-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iN6fdZR6rXkC&pg=PA102}}</ref> The Bengali saint [[Anandamayi Ma]] often gave ''sparśa dīkṣā'' (divine touch) or ''drik'' diksa (through her look), in which she would bestow ''śaktipāt'' (divine grace).<ref>{{cite book |last=Hallstrom|first=Lisa Lassell|title=Mother of Bliss: Ānandamayī Mā (1896-1982)|publisher=Oxford University Press US|year=1999|isbn=978-0-19-511647-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9WnAXqkzkAC&pg=PA140|pages=140–144}}</ref>

Another type of diksha, into a [[monastic order]], involves a vow of [[celibacy]], renunciation of all personal possessions and of all worldly duties, including family ties. Diksha has the same meaning in Jainism. Diksha is also called ''Charitra'' or ''Mahanibhiskraman'' in Jainism.
'''Initiation in Hinduism''' involves performing one of several rituals depending on the person being initiated and the Hindu group involved.

Various tantric works enumerate different types of diksha rituals:<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=bq-LDHAYbzAC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51 Jnana Sankalini Tantra by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda]</ref>
* [[Kriyavati]]
* Kalavati
* [[Varnamayi]]
* [[Vedamayi]]

==Living Examples==
[[ISKCON]], for example, commonly advise those that want to be initiated into the movement to begin by repeatedly chanting the name of Krishna. This chanting is a sort of unofficial induction. The official initiation as a disciple occurs during an organized ceremony. Additionally, followers are required to wear a string of beads, or kanthi, around their neck.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://krishna.org/srila-prabhupada-on-initiation-compilation-of-quotes/ | title=Srila Prabhupada on Initiation [compilation of quotes] | date=12 April 2021 }}</ref>

[[Transcendental Meditation]] (TM) began initiation under the guidance of [[Maharishi Mahesh Yogi]] in the late 1950s. New members were initiated through a “devotional ritual (puja) whose focus was Brahmananda Saraswati and the Shankarcharya lineage. Initiates were given a specially suited mantra, and taught how to practice meditation.”<ref>Humes, Cynthia. "Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Beyond the TM Technique". In ''Gurus in America'', ed. [[Cynthia Humes]] and [[Thomas Forsthoefel]]. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2005.</ref>

[[BAPS]] Swaminarayan Sanstha initiates new members via a ritual known as vartman. This ritual involves taking water in the right palm and repeating a mantra that is spoken by the ritual initiator, often a renunciate. After the mantra is repeated, the water is poured away, signifying the acceptance of a lifestyle as established by the movement. A kanthi is adorned and vows are taken. Vows for new initiates include abstaining from meat, alcohol, adultery, stealing, and harmful addictive substances.<ref>Sadhu Mukundcharandas. ''Hindu Rites and Rituals''. 4th edition. Amdavad: Swaminarayan Aksharpith, 2007. Page 237.</ref>

==See also==
* [[Initiation]]
* [[Brahmin]]
* [[Dvija]]
* [[Rite of passage]]
* [[Parampara]]
* [[Ordination]]
* [[Shakti]]
* [[Tantra]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Hindu rituals]]
[[Category:Buddhist rituals]]
[[Category:Rites of passage]]