Spiritual Initiation

A few days ago Ramai Santhirapala received her Samaya Diksha, hearing the sacred Panchakshara Mantra and special instructions for daily japa sadhana from the lips of the Satguru. In the Saiva Siddhanta tradition this moment of diksha is considered a crucial point in the long journey of the soul, when the Lord Siva's Power of Revealing Grace comes down to the devotee through the form of the Satguru, opening the door and the opportunity and means to liberation. Ramai has been working hard to prepare herself for this day and will take the blessings back to her Ganga Niliyam in London. Jai to our Beloved Gurudeva! Jai to our Light-filled Bodhinatha! Jai to our Grace-giving Mahalingeshvara!

From Gurudeva's Saiva Dharma Shastras:

Samaya diksha, also called mantra diksha, is the fundamental Saiva initiation, for through it the devotee is formally connected to a particular lineage by virtue of the preceptor's spiritual power and authority. The sutras of Living with Siva carefully prepare the novitiate for samaya diksha. All initiates instruct newcomers not just intellectually but more by example. Novitiates are instructed in how to transform themselves by themselves through daily puja, temple worship, attending festivals, tithing, vegetarianism, pilgrimage, scriptural reading, Gang sadhana and more. Samaya diksha is the blessing and empowering to enter the kriya pada and perform certain daily sadhanas, including chanting the Panchakshara Mantra, Aum Nama Sivaya, each day at least 108 times on a mala of rudraksha japa beads.

An important step forward for Ramai, in the monastery\

s Guru Pitham.'

Satguru welcomes her into the inner circle of the fellowship, joining others who are deeply committed to the Great Path, the Sivaneri.

She reads aloud from the vow book.

Satguru whispers his instructions for chanting the Panchakshara Mantra each day.

Then blesses her to go deeper and deeper toward the Self within.

He places vibuthi on her forehead.

Ramai signs the vow book.

Satguru also signs.

Witnesses also add their signatures.

This is a formal record and a reminder of the disciplines and ideals that attend the initiation.

Wailua Mission members congratulate her.

Ramai and her brother, Vatshalan, stand before Gurudeva.

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