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
5 (of 41)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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2
.4 SANKSIPTA It can be said to be the mantra in the sense that mantras are used by themselves. The Sank峁pta kind offers to the aspirant enjoyment which would last for a short period. 2.4 MADHYAM膧 Its kind lasts for a longer time and shall be called Madhyam膩. It offers enjoyment for a longer period. The more elaborate kind (Ati Vistara) offers pleasure which are endless. As a result of homa and p奴ja for an inexhaustible period, but all the three are alike in granting apavarga. There is a d墨k峁Ｄ� of the special kind which are five fold. The first is intended for youngsters who have set their mind on Vi峁ａ箛u and who know the convention (Samayaj帽a). The second is to be administered to devotees, maidens and Putraka. The S膩dhakas are to be given the third kind and leads to mok峁. The fourth kind offers proximity The fifth one is to be given to Desikas and women. 62
