Three Sishya Advancing on the Path Receive Vishesha Diksha

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Everyone waits quietly for Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami to arrive.

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His peedam is beautifully decorated.

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Saravananathaswami reads from the Saiva Dharma Shastras, the section on Vishesha Diksha.

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The three sishya read aloud the vrata, vows.

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Signing their vows

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The certificates are also signed by Bodhinatha

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Then Bodhinatha blesses each one in silence, sending the power of the Kailasa Parampara on to empower each one in the spiritual practice.

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Blessing with flower petals

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After the initiation, Bodhinatha gave a concise, insightful upadesha on the significance of initiation.

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He explained that with initiation comes new religious and spiritual obligations and that Vishesha Diksha only comes after the devotee has established a stable, consistent foundation of practice through daily japa.

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Ravi Visswanathan

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Uma Sivanathan

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Sheela Visswanathan

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Three sishya advanced today on the spiritual path of San Marga, taking their Vishesha Diksha vows on this very auspicious Guru Purnima day. Ravi Visswanathan, Sheela Visswanathan and Uma Tandavan, pledged themselves in service and dedication to the mission of the Kailasa Paramapara and received the initiation to begin daily Saiva Atmartha Puja. This is both the culmination of years of preparation and the beginning of a new stage of spiritual practice -- kriya and raja yoga -- for these devotees. The Vishesha Diksha also marks full membership in Saiva Siddhanta Church.