Shrew
Active Member
Well... if I found out where to get initiation I might try to go there.
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Puranic and/or non-tantric Shaivism/Skaktism today?
Aupmanyav
Be your own guru
You ae right. The image is on Wikipedia.
Unfortunately it will exist, and most likely you will be paying a few bucks. Buyer beware.
Aupmanyav
Be your own guru
You seem to have realized it to some extent. But there is something that is blocking you to a complete realization. Break the last bonds. (I DO NOT MEAN YOU BREAK BONDS WITH THE WORLD. That is not a requirement. Break the wall of the prison and be free).
Have you decided as to what interest you the most. Also see the caution below.
I will be loath to take an initiation at a place and with a guru who asks for money.
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Vinayaka Ji,
We already know that there are initiated Saivas and Vaishnavas.I just wanted to know if there any initiated Saktas here,don't know if there are any.
An initiated person's views come from his/her tradition.It will helpful to understand the philosophy and practices of that tradition.Like Shrew Ji said,those who are interested could approach that sampradaya.(The OP is looking for such information.)
Aupji,true Guru's don't ask for money or nor things.Whatever a student gives is voluntary,such is the traditional practice.
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Yes, I don't know either, but if someone doesn't say, that's fine too. 'Initiation' can be a troublesome word as it varies in understanding too.
I was thinking about getting initiated but I don't know. I think my grandfather was but I can't exactly ask him lol
Is initation really that important to people though?
This is one of the challenges. I sense that at one time it was incredibly important, and it still is in traditional circles. However, it's been brought out to the masses, and has lost it's power. For example, I knew of one movement where initiation was right away, after the introductory lesson, and than the training started. In others the training is 5 years or so and proof that you're ready before initiation. Then, if you look at something like classical dance, thee may be a series of initiations as the student moves up through progressively difficult stages. If somebody quite unqualified to 'pass' them to the next level does it, then the next teacher has to deal with re-training.
In summation, it would vary. It may well go back to how the individual feels about it. I personally rarely underestimate the power of the intuitive mind to know what is right at any moment in time.
I noticed that most people are not interested.There are many opinions about this but ultimately it depends on whether we want or not.
Why?
Yes,this is right.
?
There is a preliminary initiation in most of the traditions I am aware of.Such a diksha is required before study and sadhana.Its like the formality of taking admission in a college.Degree is awarded only after study and passing the finals.In between admission and receiving degree there could be minimum credits one has to maintain or exams one has to pass.
From what I've seen in various scriptures that observation period prior to initiation varies.For some dikshas just 3 months is sufficient and for some it could be 6 months or 1,2,..,5,...years or the period is left to the Guru's discretion.This method is usually followed,especially when the student's goal is Moksha.
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Aupmanyav
Be your own guru
True. I would not like any fetters. Initiation and the practices after initiation are bindings. Some people (like you) like it. I am satisfied the way I am.
Fetters? You're married aren't you? Or do you not like that as well?
Or the right sampradaya finds you. Some people just don't go looking for initiation ... at all ... but still it comes unbidden. To quote greater souls ... "Where have you been? I've been waiting."
I suspect that initation might be more important to converts seeking a formal sort of acceptance and very traditional old school Hindus. Everyone else seems to regard it as just something that exists. I didn't even know initiation was a thing. You just sort of be a Hindu
Well kind of hard to ask someone who died 2 decades ago, ya know? Makes things a tad difficult.
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Aupmanyav
Be your own guru
That is what I asked you in my post 124. Joining a sampradaya which does not suit your inclination will be like a mismatched marriage.
It has its pros and cons. And this is one sampradaya in India which if someone joins once, he/she is not supposed to leave it ever in life.
On the religious front, Advaita suits me perfectly.
User14
Member
Well all I really know is that I am drawn to Shaktism of the emotional bhakti type. Are sampradayas usually just a specific philosophical/ritual lineage? Or do they also go along with prescriptions for bhakti, emotional devotion, etc.? If it's the former, I think there would probably be several lineages of both the Saiva and Shakta variety that I could fit in to. But I don't know.
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Yes, and that was my point. Taking initiation, traditionally, is, besides a rite, a commitment. However, in both situations, the marriage vow, and commitment to a sampradaya, the strength of vows for the general public perception is waning towards going for tea.
But mentally and psychologically, it is an admission that someone (the teacher, initiating Guru, etc.) is smarter than yourself, and has something valuable to give. If one simply does not have the humility or observational skills to see that, that no, they should never take initiation.
