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Diksha

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Diksha

दीक्षा, dīkṣā

Dedication, initiation; preparation and implementation of certain religious rites; dedication oneself to God.

According to one version, the word dīkṣā comes from two roots: dā – "to give" and kṣi – "to destroy". In "Parakhyatantra" it is said (15.10):

śivatvasya pradānaṃ yat kṣapaṇaṃ pāśasaṃtateḥ |
tena dīkṣā samākhyātā taddānāt kṣapaṇāt sthitā ||

It grants (dā) the state of Shiva and destroys (kṣi) the fetters of the soul – that is why it is called initiation (dīkṣā), and is defined as such because of its giving and destroying function.

There are both basic dikshas, which are an introduction to the Sampradaya or to the line of study of a particular Guru, and various dikshas, through which a connection with a particular deity is transmitted. Often it is combined.

There are five dedications in the Natha-sampradaya, they are associated with those Gurus who transmit them, and this is not accidental, because all initiations are considered sacred. The Guru dedicates in what he himself has achieved a certain realization in spiritual practice. All initiations are applied in nature. The main dikshas in the tradition, in addition to mantra-diksha, are:


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