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
21 (of 41)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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daily duties in the order it was taught to him by his Guru. He must attend to the five obligatory sacrifices Pit峁泍aj帽a', Devayaj帽a虏, Bh奴tayaj帽a鲁, N峁泍aj帽a. He must possess a tranquill mind and remain unperturbed even on tempting or provoking occasions. He must possess self-control and the qualities like truthfulness, chastity and non-violence (ah墨ms膩). He must always aim perfection and reject trifle things. His thought should be pure so that his presence should make everything pure. He must possess Maitri (friendship), Karu峁嚹� (sympathy) Mudit膩 (happiness), Upek峁Ｄ� (disregard to material enjoyment). He should not have passion for women. He should not utter harsh words. 1. Pit峁� yaj帽a-offering tarpa峁嘺 to one's dead ancestors 2. Devat膩yaj帽a-Performing sacrifices for God. 3. Bh奴tayaj帽a-offering bali or food to spirits to demon gods. 4. N峁泍aj帽a -serving guests with dedication these five are considered as the household duties (Pancayaj帽a.) 78
