Dikṣā
By Swami Harshananda
Dikṣā literally means ‘observing a vow’.
Dikṣā is derived from the root ‘dīks’ which means ‘to destroy ignorance by giving knowledge and wisdom’. It's meanings include:
- Observing certain rules for a period of time
- A rite to be performed at the beginning of a holy venture like a Vedic sacrifice
- The sacrament of upanayana
- Receiving a mantra (sacred formula) from a qualified guru
- Shaving the head as a part of a religious vow
Significance of Dikṣā in Somayāga[edit]
Dikṣā is must in all ritualistic acts. Dīkṣā is the consecration of the sacrificer at the beginning of Somayāga. It takes place after preliminary rites like iṣṭi and āhuti.[1] The sacrificer has to wear a particular garment, a girdle of muñja grass and a piece of cloth as head-dress. He should also keep a daṇḍa as staff. His wife should wear a yoktra (a belt of muñja grass). They are expected to follow certain rules during the period of the sacrifice.
Dikṣā in Tantra[edit]
Imparting mantra to a worthy disciple is called ‘dīkṣā’ in tāntrik works. It is of several varieties. The guru can rouse the spiritual potential of the disciple by just a look or touch.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore