Essay name: Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra
Author:
Shanta Srinivasan
Affiliation: University of Madras / Department of Sanskrit
This English essay studies Diksha in Pancharatra with reference to important texts. Diksha refers to initiation ceremonies into a particular esoteric tradition which is given, for example, by the teacher (Guru) to the student (Shishya). Pancharatra refers to an ancient school of Vaishnavism based on ancient Tantra-like texts called Agamas which were commonly written in Sanskrit verse.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
12 (of 57)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Another explanation is that other systems of thought became dark, that is insignificant by the contents of Pañcarātra.) According to Vihagendra Samhita the doctrine of this system was taught to five persons Ananta, Visvaksena, Garuda, Brahma and Rudra². Another text mentions that the Sāṇkhya, Yoga, Buddhism, Jainism and Pāśupata systems are referred³ in the Pāñcarātra. The name tattva, mukti, bhakti, yoga and visaya are taught in this system according to Naradīya Samhita. All the above explanations for the name pāñcarātra have no real bearing and thus are not acceptable. are The likely acceptable explanations for the name pāñcarātra (i) the division of the daily routine of a Śrīvaisnava into five parts as abhigamana, upādāna, ijyā, svādhyāya and yoga and 1. PādS. I. 72-74 2. Vihagendra Samhita Ch. I. 31-34 3. cf Dr.Raghavan 1965, JAOS p.76. 12
