Why Guru Diksha

Why Guru Diksha?

The word 'Diksha' is formed by combining the letters 'Di' and 'Ksha'. 'Di' means that which is given, and 'Ksha' means one who digests. Diksha is accomplished only when the grace of the bestowing Guru and the ability of the disciple to digest (assimilate) are combined. This means that Diksha is the confluence of these two sacred streams: the Guru's causeless grace and the disciple's pure faith.

It can also be said that Diksha is accomplished only through the union of the Guru's self-giving and the disciple's self-surrender. Due to this union of Guru and disciple, the Guru removes obstacles on the disciple's path of spiritual practice. To be initiated means to become a conscious instrument of the Guru. In other words, this is called adopting the Guru. Adopting means being in constant proximity. Through his spiritual practice, the disciple embodies the Guru, which is the result of Diksha.

Initiation given by chanting mantras is called "mantric initiation," and initiation given through sight is called "Shambhavi initiation." However, initiation given by touching a chakra (power center) of the disciple and awakening his Kundalini is called "sparsh initiation." One thing to understand here is that in order to be grateful for the Guru's grace, it is absolutely essential for the disciple to have compassion for himself. This is the basis of his eligibility.