Shaktipat – Deeksha
Shaktipat initiation is in the tradition of Siddha Yoga. Shaktipat is a transfer of energy or prana. It is given in degrees of intensity, depending on each students ability to hold light within their chakas. It may be given through eye contact, a touch to the crown (sahasrara chakra), third eye (ajna chakra), and heart (anahata chakra), or given through dreams or visions on the etheric plane. This is how it is given at a physical distance. Shaktipat is a transforming, healing light of the Holy Spirit which flows through the teacher to the student.
Shaktipat initiation or spiritual awakening, is an important part of the mystical journey of the student to a more awakened spiritual state. The ancient tradition in the Sanatana Dharma for the Shaktipat initiation is called Deeksha in Hinduism. Shaktipat initiation is a blessing and transfer of energy (prana) from the guru to the disciple for the way of remembrance of the inner true Self in this world of delusion. This transfer of prana from the spiritual teacher to the student assists in the awakening of the student’s own inherent spiritual power, called Shakti Kundalini. Shaktipat is described by the yogic texts as an initiation that activates an inner unfolding of awareness that leads to progressively higher states of consciousness. This blessing unfolds for the student in as much as they are able to recieve it.
Through the student’s own effort and practice, the sense of separation from the Divine within them drops away. The Divine Creator is witnessed in the inner Self, in others, and in all of life. This world becomes a play of the Creator’s energy.
Sanatana Dharma; the ancient tradition of the Himalayan masters; is referred to as Kashmir Shaivite Hinduism and involves a daily life practice. Yogic training and direct initiation from a living guru is necessary for most students to advance on the spiritual path quickly. The Shaktipat initiation brings peace and bliss for the student. The teacher continues to guide them through the more advanced stages of the practice. The goal is Self-realization and oneness with the Supreme Being.
The student practices Yogic disciplines and also studies various subjects such as: music, art, mandalas, yantras, symbols, geometric patterns, and dream interpretation. The student practices meditation-in-action during daily activities to focus the heart, head and hand on the Supreme Being. The student studies spiritual scripture to gain knowledge. The student experiences purification of the sacred energies in the seven chakras. The student develops an intense love for the Divine Creator.
Initiation of the student is when the light and grace of the Creator is given through a personal teacher that assists the student with their spiritual progress. The student’s true Self is reflected like a mirror in the teacher for spiritual guidance. The living Shaktipat teacher’s presence awakens the student’s Shakti energy (Kundalini serpent power) in the base of their spine (muladhara chakra) and keeps it active and progressing upwards towards the Shiva energy located in the crown or top of their head (sahasrara chakra).
After the student has recieved the Shaktipat initiation from a living Shaktipat teacher he or she should maintain a close relationship with the teacher in order to progress quickly and maintain balance of their energies. The student should continue practicing the Yoga postures (asanas) and the breathing techniques (pranayama). According to the grace of the Creator, the student will experience spontaneous unblocking of the flow of energy; vital force (prana); in the subtle nerve channels (nadis) and the wheels of energy (chakras).
The student will experience healing and more energy. The student will experience the opening of the third eye (ajna chakra) and enter into deep states of peace and bliss in meditation. The student continues practicing the Yogic techniques and devotional meditation to the Creator and Self-realization is experienced. The Shaktipat teacher’s path of devotion to Creator is union of Shiva-Shakti and enlightenment, according to the Almighty One’s will and grace.
The teacher loves the Divine Creator and reflects that love for the student. From the Upanishad’s “Sharp as a razors edge and difficult to tread is the path to Self-knowledge.” Upholding the teachings of the guru/teacher will lead you to the goal of union with the Divine Creator, the Absolute Truth.
Shaktipat (Shakti Paat or Shaktipata) initiation is recieved through touch to the crown chakra and the third eye; increasing the Prana in the spine; which heats up and activates the Shakti Kundalini energy at the base of the spine. This initiation is effective in opening the third eye for an increase in inituition, clairavoyance, and inner focusing on the spiritual eye. Shaktipat assists in raising the Kundalini energy from the base of the spine. Shaktipat assists in healing blockages in the chakras.
It is very unlikely that a student will experience the Kundalini awakening without practicing asanas and pranayamas, if the student is on the path of Hatha Yoga. But if his or her path is Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga or Bhakti Yoga, it is possible for the student to awaken the Kundalini power without any Asana and without any Pranayama.
Kundalini can be awakened even through the power of the previous incarnations; Samskaras and Vasanas. There can be a spontaneous awakening of the Kundalini, though that is rare. It is helpful to discuss the experience with the teacher in order to have a better understanding of it. The teacher will provide the student with personal guidance in how to remain balanced and benefit from the experience.
In following the path of Hatha Yoga, asanas and pranayamas are necessary to purify the subtle nerve channels (nadis). Until the student has progressed significantly, the Kundalini energy will remain dormant, coiled up at the base of the spine. The awakening of the Kundalini is the outcome of attaining a state of very high purity in one’s life and a deep realization of the inner true Self. If these two things are there, whether it is achieved through Vedanta, Bhakti Yoga, or Raja Yoga, the Kundalini awakening will unfold as a matter of course. Kundalini awakening has occurred throughout history for people regardless of their religion or knowledge of the yoga teachings. Depending on people’s previous incarnations and devotion, the awakening of the Kundalini is according to the grace of the Creator. The teacher assists the student only according to the grace of the Divine Creator God and Goddess.
