What is Mantra-diksha and what are its benefits?

Answer 1

Through Mantra-Diksha, the Guru rekindles the dormant powers of the aspirant. Diksha is composed of two syllables, 'Diksha', 'Di' and 'ksha'. 'Di', means what is given or the person capable of bestowing divine grace. And 'ksha' means one who is capable of assimilating. On one side is the benediction of the one (The Guru) who is capable of imparting the Lord's grace and on the other hand is the assimilating capability of the aspirant. The combination of these two is Diksha. When the Guru initiates His disciple with the mantra, He also bestows His sensitive power of intuition and empowers the disciple with His 'sankalpa' (benign resolve) as well. When a farmer sows seeds in his farm, a stranger cannot tell whether the seeds are sown. But slowly and surely, when the seeds are watered and nurtured, they gradually sprout forth and only then there is proof that seeds were sown. Similarly, we are unaware of what is imparted unto us at the time of Mantra-Diksha. But when we water that seed in the form of spiritual practices and devotion, the hallowed grace of Mantra-Diksha does sprout forth. A mother does not know when a child is conceived. After about a month the mother comes to know and feel the pregnancy. And after some 3 or 4 months, others also know that she is an expectant mother. Diksha is of three kinds: Shambhavi-Diksha, Mantra-Diksha and Sparsh-Diksha. Shambhavi-Diksha is given through a glance as Shukdev Muni gave to king Parikshit on the fifth day of the seven-day long narration of the holy Srimad Bhagwat. Sparsh-Diksha is given through sparsh. Mantra-Diksha is given through a mantra. The greater the spiritual elevation of the Guru, the more effective is the mantra given by him. If an ignorant illiterate man tells you to chant 'Rama', it will not benefit you so much. But the same 'Rama' coming from the mouth of a God-realized Saint like Ramanandji (The Sadguru of Kabirji), becomes a powerful mantra. Kabirji performed japa of the mantra with faith and devotion and became accomplished. The mantra was the same 'Rama' but in this case the inner self of the Guru was perfect with enlightenment. If a peon says something, it does not carry much weight. But if the same thing is uttered by the Prime Minister, then it becomes very effective. The mantra given by Saints of great spiritual accomplishment delivers us when practised with faith and devotion. Mantra = manan (reflection) + antar (in heart); that which is to be reflected upon in the heart. Alternatively, mantra = mann (the mind) + tarr (deliver), that which delivers the mind from samsara. The smaller the mantra given at the time of Mantra-Diksha, the more rhythmic its recital and the more convenient and propitious it is for the aspirant. This leads him fast on the track of spiritual progress. Naradji was a Saint who was completely un-attached to any community or sect. His prime concern was the welfare of anyone coming in contact with him. Those who have the welfare of others close to their hearts, are 'Lok Sants' (Universal Saints). When Naradji initiated the robber, Valia, the mantra had a longer 'Ra' and a shorter 'ma', and 'ma' preceded the 'Ra'. Valias, life-force was in the lower centres of the subtle body. Naradji gave the mantra knowing fully well that japa of 'maRa' would produce vibrations in those centers and gradually he would reach the higher centres without fail. He blessed Valia with Shambhavi-Diksha as well, thus transmitting his own spiritual energy unto him. Valia started japa of 'maRa' in right earnest. Gradually his Kundalini was awakened with the japa becoming more and more rhythmic, and thus the robber was transformed into Valmiki Rishi.