Initiation: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Initiation means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
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In Hinduism
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra TantraInitiation (in Sanskrit: dīkṣā) in the Netratantra is discussed in the form of a concise outline.—The Netra-tantra explains how the initiand becomes fused with various cosmic elements, such as the tattvas, mantras, and in Kṣemarāja’s non-dualistic reading, the highest reality, i.e., Śiva. From both the Netratantra and Kṣemarāja’s commentary, it becomes clear how the process of initiation completely separates the initiand from both his physical body and his social self. This separation occurs at the various stages of initiation, from Samayin to Ācārya, wherein each level is associated with different tattvas. The change that the initiand goes through during the rites are not, “a mere development of preexisting seeds but...a transformation totius substantiae”. According to Durkheim, this change in one's entire essence stems from a literal death and rebirth wherein the newly initiated practitioner is instantly replaced by his new self.
Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (mahayana)Initiation (in Sanskrit: dīkṣā) refers to one of the core Tantric rituals.—Scholars familiar with Tantric traditions know well that initiation (dīkṣā) is one of the core Tantric rituals. As Goodall explains, tantric initiation was novel and different from earlier Indic forms of religious initiation, being not only “a preparation for a particular religious undertaking, but … also a transformative rite that purifies the soul””.
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Ends with: Tantric initiation.
Full-text (+996): Diksa, Ganadiksha, Upanayana, Upadesha, Dikshana, Abhishecana, Vedhadiksha, Daiksha, Aupanayanika, Adiyaga, Kulayaga, Nirvanadiksha, Gauragayatri, Abhisheka, Vishnudiksha, Samayadiksha, Gurumantra, Upanaya, Sharirasamskara, Paka.
Relevant text
Search found 179 books and stories containing Initiation; (plurals include: Initiations). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po) (by George N. Roerich)
Chapter 10 - Origin of the Adamantine Garland (Vajrāvali) and other cycles < [Book 14 - Great Compassion Cycle]
Chapter 7 - Dharma Cycles originating from the great adept Mitra < [Book 14 - Great Compassion Cycle]
Chapter 1c - The Zur Geneology (xvi): Sangs rgyas rin chen [...] < [Book 3 - Early translations of Secret Mantra]
Tibet (Myth, Religion and History) (by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya)
9. The Highest Yoga Tantra < [Chapter 7 - Buddhism in Tibet]
8. The Three Yanas < [Chapter 7 - Buddhism in Tibet]
The Way of the White Clouds (by Anāgarika Lāma Govinda)
Chapter 32 - New Beginnings: 'Ajo Rimpoché' < [Part 3 - Death and Rebirth]
Chapter 53 - Final Initiations < [Part 4 - Return to Western Tibet]
Chapter 9 - Initiation < [Part 1 - Three Visions]
Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure) (by Swami Bhaktivedanta Madhava Maharaja)
Maṭha-sevā < [Chapter 1.4 - Life in the Maṭha]
Preaching to the Son of His Family Guru < [Chapter 1.2 - Śrīla Gurudeva’s Pūrvāśrama]
Introduction (when Śrīla Gurudeva started giving initiation) < [Chapter 2.5 - Their Intimacy Could Not Have Been Greater]
Chenian Short Lectures in America (by Yogi C. M. Chen)
Chapter 2 - The Three Identifications < [Part One]
Chapter 1 - The Nine Steps Of Samatha < [Part One]
Chapter 3 - Deep Breathing < [Part One]
Asvalayana-grihya-sutra (by Hermann Oldenberg)
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