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 4 - The Process of Diksha
37 (of 44)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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nectar. This preparation which is full of honey (soma juice), shall be apportioned among all people. The astra of honey shall be placed in the discus together by uttering the mantra. Placing it there as before it should be filled with water with fruits placed in it. The pupil shall then do the sacrifice in honour of the preceptor鹿鲁 with a pure mind and would do it in honour of god, filled with devotion in words, thought and deed. He shall also wash the feet of the preceptor with water, which he shall sprinkle on his own head and would sip the same虏. All the materials, which were used in the rituals, shall be given to the preceptors. He shall prostrate before the Ac膩rya, and touch his feet with his hand and beg his pardon with all sincerity for anything that went against the wish of preceptor. He shall do the same to all those who know the P膩帽car膩tra, and recluses and pr膩j帽as. With the permission of the Ac膩rya he shall take food with his brothers, i.e who were initiated 1. LT XLI 64 2. JS XVIII 84-85 153
