Satguru Gives Mantra Diksha

For the last few days, female sishya and students of Saiva Siddhanta Church have been attending what is simply called their "Ladies' Retreat." Some years ago, a few of our women sishya asked Satguru if they could, amongst themselves, organize such an annual event. Upon approval, they began their yearly visit to the Aadheenam, at which they receive various classes from Satguru and our swamis on subjects such as self inquiry, meditation, jyotisha, devotional singing, hatha yoga, etc.

During the midst of this year's Ladies' Retreat, Suselah Periasamy and Toshadevi Nataraj received Mantra Diksha from Satguru today. Initiated into the daily sadhana of chanting Panchakshara, they move from this day on inward and upward to further reveal their innate divinity for themselves by themselves. Panchakshara means "five letters" in Sanskrit, and is used as a name for Namah Sivaya. Na, Ma, Si, Va, Ya.

Satguru takes a quiet moment before the bestowal of initiation.

Suselah Periasamy of Singapore offers garlands, fruits, and dakshina to Satguru before receving her diksha.

While all other present sing \"Om Namasivaya, Sivayanama Om,\" Satguu whispers personal instructions into Suselah\

s right ear. These words will be her guide as she begins this new sadhana in life.'

Such an experience is rare and precious.

Part of our Saiva Natha lineage involves the preceptor placing his hands on the sishya as part of initiation.

Om Namasivaya

Suselah then reads and signs her pledge to faithfully fulfill her new daily sadhana

Satguru signs

With a brisk stroke of his thumb, Satguru brands Suselah with vibhuti.

Her japa mala, upon which she will recite her daily 108 repetitions of the mantra, is then personally blessed by her Satguru.

Satguru then enthiastically showers Suselah\

s head with fresh flower petals, blessing her noble endeavor to consciously advance her soul\'s evolution.'

Witnesses sign Suselah\

s pledge.'

Toshadevi Nataraj of New York (originally St. Lucia) approaches Satguru with her love offering.

Toshadevi listens intently to her Satguru\

s words.'

She, and all others who receive this diksha, pledges to chant Panchakshara 108 times a day henceforth. If a day is missed, it\

s swifted made up.'

Om Namasivaya, Sivayanama Om...

Blessing Toshadevi\

s rudraksha japa mala.'

Showered with flowers by Satguru. We all extend our love and support to Suselah and Toshadevi as they embark on a new, bright inner future. Om Tat Sat Om!

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