Questions relating to ritual of Diksha (initiation) asked by both Acharyas to Shri Hari.
Questions relating to ritual of Diksha (initiation) asked by both Acharyas to Shri Hari.
Qualifications of the preceptor and the disciple.
Suvrat said:-
‘O King’, afterwards, on the fifth day (Samvat 1882, in the month of Vaishakh) when lunch was over and the Lord was sitting comfortably, the two sons approached and bowing, sat near Him. 1.
Having showered them with blessings, O King, Shri Hari said to them, ‘ask now if there is anything to be enquired by you.’ 2.
Asked by Him like this, they were happy and said: ‘O Lord, there is your order for us that, those who are desirous of emancipation initiate them and make your disciples. 3.
So, we would like to hear from you the entire ritual of initiation: Diksha, to be given to the desirous persons, in detail as prescribed; so that we may follow it accordingly. 4.
Suvrat said:-
O ruler of the land! Thus requested humbly by the two sons, having recalled in mind Lord Krishna and the preceptor (Shri Ramanand), Lord Shri Hari said- 5.
Narayan Muni said:-
The Lord who shines in His own abode the Akshara-Dhama (imperishable abode), pervades the universe with attributes: Truth, Knowledge etc. and manifests Himself in the form of Prakriti and Purusha, Maya and the Jivas (Puman) like fire and water, i.e. the God of waters (Pashi-Varun); manifest in different forms in the world; May that Lord Krishna (Shri Hari) who is born in the form of human being, be for our welfare. 6.
May He, the great preceptor, sage Ramananda: incarnated Uddhav Himself on this earth, having the beautiful face like autumnal full moon, with eyes resembling lotus-petals, with a shining and lustrous body, having broad chest, possessed of knee- reaching pair of arms, eyes moist on account of compassion, holding the lotus in hand, wearing white garment and giving pleasure to His beloved, bless us with prosperity in the world. 7.
I shall speak to you O both of you sons, about the ritual of Bhagavati Diksha (initiation) as described to me, by Him (Ramananda muni), who was intent on protecting devotion and the righteous law and whose pleasing behavior was for the good of the people. 8.
The Bhagavati-Diksha (initiation) as prescribed by the preceptors in the lineage of Uddhav is now being told here. It is common as well as special; that is to be given to men. 9.
Meaning of the word ‘Diksha’. It gives (Dadati) spiritually enlightenment on the one hand and eliminates (Kshayam kuryat) the sins on the other. That is why it is called Diksha by teachers and knowers of the (Pancharatra) Tantra or system. 10.
In this Diksha, the principle object of devotion, is Lord Shri Krishna Vasudev, who is indeed the ruler of Goloka. 11.
On account of this relationship with the presiding deity which is worshiped, this Diksha is known as Vasudevi (pertaining to Vasudev) in the Uddhav cult. 12.
Two types of Samanya and Maha Diksha.
This initiation, being beneficial for those desirous of salvation is understood to be twofold: common and higher (special), it certainly releases form worldly bondage. 13.
Those who are initiatiated in the first type of Diksha are called ‘Satsangis’; and the other ones are known to be ‘Atma nivedi’. Now I shall tell you the details of first type of Diksha. 14.
Noble occasion of accepting Samanya Diksha.
Not giving consideration to the body (of Brahmin etc) which is of momentary character, and the propriety of place and time; and difference of qualifications, this initiation is given to all men; so it is called as common initiation.15.
There is neither definite rule of the time nor of the place. The common initiation indeed has also no condition of the caste. 16.
For this initiation, that person is eligible, in whose mind a sprout of desire for salvation is developed, either due to the study of holy scriptures or contact with noble people.17.
As coming in contact with the great preceptor is a rarity, if one gets such opportunity even for ones, there is no necessity of observing particular day, vow, worship or fasting, etc. 18.
Characteristics of Mumukshu.
A wise one, discriminating between good and bad, having full faith, pains taking for one’s own spiritual uplift-mint, interested in spiritual scriptures, and respecting those of good behavior and sages.
Having belief in God, faith in religion, fearing from lord of death (Yama) and the worldly flux, should surrender to a preceptor, born of the family of Dharmadev, with devotion.
He (the preceptor) (should be qualified as mentioned ahead), who dose not keep contact by speech or touch, with women, other than close relation; and who considers all women other than his own wife as mother, sister or a daughter.19-20.
Characteristics of Dharmavanshi Acharya.
He, who strictly follows the religious rules and has full faith in the path of Uddhav; devoted to Lord Krishna and sitting before Him, and who has finished his daily religious duties. 21-22.
One, who is desirous of salvation from worldly bondage, should not take initiation from the preceptor though being ever well-equipped with all the virtues; but does not belong to the family of Dharmadev. 23.
Procedure of the ritual
After taking bath, and wearing the washed clothes, having carried out his morning duties, a spiritual aspirant should approach him (the preceptor), holding a fruit in his hand. 24.
Having placed the fruit in front of the preceptor and having bowed down, he should say with folded hands; ‘O Lord, please protect me, who has approached you, I am afraid of the worldly bondage’. 25.
The preceptor should utter words of protection and then give the common initiation to him (the disciple), who has thus surrendered him. 26.
Ritual of Samanya Diksha.
The disciple should say ‘ I have surrendered to Lord Shri Krishna, on account of fear of mortality, Maya, sin and servants of Lord of death; May the Lord protect me’. 27.
Having thus made him express his intention, sitting near Lord Shri Krishna with the application of musk and Gopi-sandal-paste, and having made him equipped with vertical Pundra mark, according to the religious system, he should give him two Tulasi rosaries, after keeping them on the toe of Hari. 28- 29.
The disciple should tie those two rosaries around his neck. Afterwards the preceptor should utter the eight lettered sacred Mantra of Krishna in his ear, thrice. 30.
Then he (the preceptor) should teach him the sacred Mantra, having six letters (Gunakshara: Swaminarayan or having three letters-Shri Krishna), for muttering always and everywhere. It destroys the net of sins. 31.
The sacred Mantra (Manu), should be uttered in the right ear of the disciples, belonging to three twice born castes. Likewise, it should be taught to the fourth class, in the left ear, from distance.32.
Then, the preceptor should speak to the disciple about the greatness of Lord Krishna, by saying, ‘o disciple, you have now become the devotee of Vasudev. 33.
He (Vasudev) is indeed, the Lord Narayan, who has manifested from his own eternal sublime dwelling (Aksharadham), in human form, on this earth, for the welfare of the human beings. 34.
Who will be able to describe His kindness, Who is born to Bhaktidevi and Dharmadeva to protect those, who have taken shelter in Him, from evil doers. 35.
He has taken to his own abode, even to those who were terrorists, of demonic nature and who were addicted to liquor and meat-eating and haters, due to kindness. 36.
The Lord, who appreciates the virtues, never takes to heart, the nature of those, who hate the Lord, while entertaining animosity.37.
If it is so, need I say that, He will be pleased and kind to those who worship Him with undivided mind. 38.
As you have surrendered today to the Lord, who does good to all, you are free from the bondage of the worldly flout. 39.
Certainly, one who thus surrenders to Lord Shri Krishna, He alone and non else is relieved from the cosmic illusion (Maya). Now listen to His words. 40.
‘This is, indeed my divine cosmic illusion comprising three attributes (Satva etc) is non conquerable. Those who come to me alone, cross over this illusion (Maya). 41.
Therefore, resorting to your own prescribed duties, wholeheartedly worship Him, Lord Shri Vasudev who is born to protect devotion and righteous code.’42.
Thus having listened to the greatness of Shri Krishna, as described and approved by the scriptures, the disciple, being pleased, should bow down to the teacher. 43.
(He should say), ‘O preceptor, now I am the devotee of Lord Krishna, I have become free from the dangerous fear of time (death) and illusion and worldly bondage. Now I have become fearless’. 44.
To the disciple, who says thus, the preceptor should give the desired idol of Lord Krishna for daily worship. 45.
Then, he should teach him daily duties (saying) ‘o disciple, always follow the said rules. The whole universe, along with God, is balanced because of Dharma, the righteous code. 46.
Every day you have to take morning bath, apply vertical forehead mark; and perform personal obligatory rites, as also the inward and outward worship of Lord Krishna. 47.
Being pure and clean, you should Mutter the sacred Mantra of Lord Krishna, day and night regularly, as per your own capacity. 48.
Observe fast on the Ekadashi (eleventh day of each fortnight) and birth-day of Lord Shri Hari, on those days, and festival should be arranged occasionally, according to your capacity. 49.
(Drinking of) wine, (eating of) meat, contact with other’s women, stealing and killing of self and others, should be avoided by you completely, and also the act of inter-mixture of castes. 50.
Hemp, hemp flowers (Bhang-Ganja) etc which are foamy as also Tamakhu, causing intoxication and also whatever condemned among the people, should not be consumed by you. 51.
Water and milk, which is not filtered, should never be drunk. Bad words and truth that hurts oneself and others should not be uttered. 52.
Except women closely related to oneself, should not be touched and not also the widows, knowingly, in normal course. 53.
If touch of a woman other than near relation, happens unknowingly you should take bath and if it is done knowingly, you should keep fast for one day. 54.
When there is contact intentionally, fast should be observed for two days. When that kind of contact is known by the people, Chandrayana vow should be observed. 55.
When there arises emergency; and it is necessary to touch a woman, there is no fault, even if it is done knowingly. 56.
Friend-ship should never be made with sexy and greedy persons. You should not be familiar with men of Kaul sect, nonbelievers and sinful people as well as with those, who have dry (useless) knowledge. 57.
O disciple, you should perform the nine fold devotion of Lord Shri Hari everyday; and have friendship with good people and noble scriptures. You should never speak ill about anyone. 58.
Do not listen to the stories and features even of Lord Shri Hari, from bad people. Never cause repudiation even by words, of any god. 59.
Now onwards, by having contact (Sanga) with Bhagavata tradition, which is said to be ‘Sat’ and following the rules of the same you will become famous as ‘Satsangi’, on this earth. 60.
Thus having accepted his order, saying, ‘I shall perform all these duties, in this very way, every day’, the disciple should happily worship the preceptor. 61.
Having honored him ritually, with new clothes, sandal-paste, and crest on head, garland of fragrant flowers, along with golden, silver coins and well prepared food, according to his capacity, the disciple should also worship learned good Brahmins, as per his ability. Then having prostrated before him, he should leave for his home, with his consent. 62-63.
Thereafter, the initiated one should always serve Lord Shri Hari, with enthusiasm, while observing the rules of behavior, as dictated by the preceptor, according to his caste and stage of life. 64.
Method of applying vertical mark: Urdhva-Pundra Tilak and Mantra Japa etc.
He should make the vertical forehead mark either, with the sandal paste mixed with keshar-Kumkum (Shrikhanda) and Gopichandan, the remains from the worship of Lord Vishnu, as His Prasad, with moon like mark of Kumkum.
A family-holder or a Brahmacharin or a sage may apply the moon like mark either with Kumkum, that remains from the worship of Radha and Rama. 65-66.
The renounced ones (Sannyasins) and the fire-maintaining Brahmins and forest-dwellers should do the auspicious Urdhva pundra without moon like mark, either with soil (Gopichandan) or sandal-paste. 67.
The house-holder devotees as well as the sages (who belong to Uddhav cult) should do the four vertical marks (on forehead, two arms and chest), looking into the mirror. 68.
The Sannyasins are of four kinds: firstly Kutichaka, others are Bahudaka, Hamsa, and the fourth one is the Parama-hamsa. 69.
Including Kutichaka the three among them should put on three Pundras, one on the head, one on forehead and one on chest. The fourth (Paramahamsa) should, mark the Pundra only on the fore- head. 70.
Those undergoing the Vanaprastha stage and the Varnins (Brahmacharis) should always make five marks: on forehead, throat, chest and on two arms. 71.
Four Pundra marks are prescribed for well behaved initiated Shudras. For Asat Shudras however, only one moon-like mark on the forehead is advised. 72.
While applying four Urdhva Pundra-marks, the initiated devotee should utter the four names of Vasudev (Vasudev, Sankarshan, Pradumna and Aniruddha). 73.
Those applying five Urdhva pundras should mainly contemplate on five names: Krishna, Keshav, and (Narayan, Madhav and Govind) or alternatively they should recite Vishnu- gayatri, on five Pundra markings. 74.
In the Triple unit of Pundra-mark, they should recite the three syllable ‘Om’ (A U M). Those, who apply only one Pundra, should recite and contemplate on Narayan. 75.
The Holy Pundra should be marked by the first finger. It is supposed to be gentle, vertical, straight, stable and equal to the size of the little finger. 76.
One who is not versed in marking their forehead mark with the fore finger should do it with a small stick etc. so that it looks beautiful. 77.
That Pundra which is round, oblique, having any hole, streak and thin, curved, ill-shaped, curved in front and relocated from its position, unclean, polluted, dark red, which is applied by looking in the water, which lacks fragrance, and is applied by left hand (Apasavya) or disfigured (Avasahya), is considered to be inauspicious. 78-79.
He should wear two rosaries of Tulasi beads, around his neck, given by the preceptor and received as Prasad of the Lord. The devotee should be particular to wear such a rosary. 80.
However, in the non-availability of rosary made of Tulasibeads, the initiated devotee should wear a rosary of beads of sandal-wood etc, by putting it on Lord Shri Hari’s feet. 81.
Having taken bath in the early morning and after performing the regular duties (of cleaning etc.) he should worship the image of Lord Shri Hari. Having thus purified, as per his ability, he should then, regularly recite the eight-lettered Mantra. 82.
Firmly seated, holding silence, while covering the rosary with cloth, he should repeat it in his mind, and peacefully meditate Lord Vasudev, in his heart. 83.
The initiated one should make the pilgrimage to Dvarika. There, he should get both his arms tattooed with weapons of Lord Shripati (Sudarshana disc, conch etc.), by means of hot bars. 84.
During festivals of Janmashtmi etc, in order to take Darshan of his own preceptor, he should approach Him and prostrate before Him. 85.
Keeping distance, he should respectfully bow down to the preceptor’s right side. A good disciple should not touch Him without His consent. 86.
He should always speak the truth and dedicate himself to the services of the preceptor. He should take His Darshan on appropriate occasion. 87.
Even while staying at his hermitage with the permission of the preceptor, he should not occupy his bed, seat and footwear and never make use of his drinking glass, for drinking water. 88.
A householder who follows Guru’s command devotedly has no fear of going through cycle of birth and death, like other beings. 89.
Two types of rituals have been prescribed for giving this common Diksha according to the difference of the eligibility of the disciple (on account of his belonging to three caste and two other than those); and secondly on account of the sacred chant of Ramapati, that is given. 90.
So far as the initiation is concerned, this (ritual) has been prescribed as a rule for all the four castes including Brahmins, being in four stages of life, including the celibacy. 91.
The ritual of common initiation for those not belonging to any class
Now, I will speak about the ritual meant for those people who are not incorporated in caste system, and (four) stages of life. : They should stay outside the house of the preceptor with folded hands.
The preceptor should give them the three-lettered Mantra through some of His followers, and also advise them proper regulations regarding eating flesh i.e. non-vegetarian food, and drinking of liquor etc. 92-93.
The above rules should be meticulously observed by them. They should take Darshan of Sages, but they should not touch them without taking their consent. 94.
Every day they should take the Darshan of the idols of Radhika and Krishna installed in the temples of the Uddhav cult, in their town. 95.
The external worship (of the idols) should not be performed by them. They should always perform mental worship. They will obtain the resulting fruit of actual Pooja, by Darshan only. 96.
They should always recite the sacred chants of the name the Lord (given by the preceptor) regularly and should apply a moon like mark either of sandal paste or Gopichandan clay on the forehead. 97.
If the idol (of Lord Shri Hari) is not there in the village or a nearby village, then he should maintain a wreath of flowers or piece of cloth (offered to the Lord) got as Prasad of Shri Hari.
Every-day he should take Darshan and touch those things. But he should never touch the idol by any means. 98-99.
Thus I have told the rule of second type of common initiation. This should be followed by preceptors and the pupils of the Uddhav cult. 100.
Thus, in view of the Shastra-tradition, two types of common initiation have been described by me, O sons! I shall now narrate in detail, the procedure of the special ritual of Initiation for the well-being of the people. 101.
Thus ends the forty-sixth chapter entitled,‘Description of the ritual of the common Initiation’ in the fourth Prakarana of Satsangi jivan, the life story of Lord Narayan, also titled as Dharmashastra. (the rules of the code of conduct). 46
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