Essay name: Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra
Author:
Shanta Srinivasan
Affiliation: University of Madras / Department of Sanskrit
This English essay studies Diksha in Pancharatra with reference to important texts. Diksha refers to initiation ceremonies into a particular esoteric tradition which is given, for example, by the teacher (Guru) to the student (Shishya). Pancharatra refers to an ancient school of Vaishnavism based on ancient Tantra-like texts called Agamas which were commonly written in Sanskrit verse.
Chapter 2 - Aspects of Diksa
16 (of 41)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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An Ac膩rya is different from his name sake who is to train his pupils. A S膩dhaka becomes an 膧c膩rya by the potency of the mantras and also by the grace of his Guru. After the abhi峁ka he becomes an 膧c膩rya. He should spend the quarter of the money. He should honour his Guru by doing p奴ja to him and also to God. He should see that his guru is satisfied with devotion and p奴j膩. When the p奴ja is completed all the materials which are left over of the yaga must be offered to Agni. He has to learn all his duties from his Guru and should feel responsile for everything. The doubts of the devotees should be cleared by an Ac膩rya according to the 艣膩stras. He must not be selfish and be greedy. He should not use his influences on others, must do what they request, whoever comes for help and advice in the same manner as he does to others. He must be one who is afraid, or obedient or loving. He must do the y膩ga to all according to 艣膩stras knowing their wants. 73
