Gurus and Disciples, Part 5 of 5 — Shaktipat

The Transmission of Spiritual Energy

Shaktipat is known as the grace of God or guru. A shaktipat guru can give shaktipat to many aspirants at a time, even at a distance. If a seeker cannot visit the guru in person but has great faith in him or her and believes this person to be his guru, he or she will be able to obtain shaktipat from a distance. If a seeker studies the writings of the guru and practices the guru’s teachings, shaktipat can be received from a distance, even without the internet, television or a phone call.

Traditionally, shaktipat, the transmission of spiritual energy, is given only to a few qualified aspirants, but thisdoes not mean that those who do not qualify couldnot benefit from shaktipat. Guru’s grace, like the rain, falls equally on everyone. Depending on the degree of one’s readiness, some aspirants derive its benefits quickly and completely, while others arebenefited more slowly or to a lesser extent.

Seekers who are already on the path of yoga (union with God) are usually more affected by shaktipat diksha (initiation). It has been said that only an aspirant who enjoys the practice of yoga more than worldly life becomes fit for the grace of guru; a seeker who is very involved with worldly affairs will not make as much progress as someone with previous experience with yoga, even after shaktipat diksha.

Qualified Aspirants

Why is there a tradition of giving shaktipat only to “deserving” persons? After all, it can’t do any harm.

There are many expectations in the minds of persons seeking shaktipat ranging from awakening kundalini,healing, special powers, enlightenment, liberation, and even the ability to give shaktipat to others out of a need for self-importance. Persons seeking gurus solely for the purpose of getting shaktipat are not usually knowledgeable about shaktipat, nor would they know what to do with it if they got it. These people are generally not interested in anything beyond instant and effortless gratification.

Many seekers have a strong desire to attain miraculous powers. If they get even one, they start to use it and become distracted from further spiritual practice. On the other hand, if they do not come across any powers, they begin losing interest in yoga and ultimately give it up. So there is little reason for winnowing anyone out, as shaktipat and the practice that follows is self-selective.

A guru will always direct the most support to serious aspirants; in this world, there is something to be said for efficient use of time. But what is the real purpose of shaktipat? What is it really for?

Pranotthana

The purpose of shaktipat is the release of prana. Contrary to popular opinion, shaktipat does not directly awaken kundalini.

Prana is the life energy in the body. Until it is set free, kundalini does not awaken. Even though it may be set free through shaktipat, this does not mean that it remains free. For this, one must know how to proceed after shaktipat diksha. This is were the guidance of a guru who knows yoga is essential, for when prana is allowed total freedom, it becomes very strong and awakens goddess Kundalini, who then becomes the agent of either abject misery or the bliss of samadhi and ultimate liberation. It has been said that samadhi can only be attained by a seeker who has found favor or grace of guru or God.

Kundalini

There are other ways to release the prana in order to awaken kundalini, however, it takes longer for a seeker to attain the desired results when these disciplines are practiced without the guidance of a guru. If the seeker chances to experience pranotthana and the awakening of kundalini, he or she will not be able to recognize them correctly and may become frightened by the experiences of kundalini and lose the courage to continue.

Without proper understanding, it is easy to fall into the trap of considering blessings to be obstacles when in fact, they are not obstacles but attainments of yoga. At this point, one will feel the necessity for guidance from an experienced guru, but if this relationship is not already in place, the seeker is up against a shopping and waiting period. This is why yogic texts say that one should obtain the guidance and grace of a realized guru. A seeker who inherits spiritual knowledge from such a guru is in a position to reach the highest peak of yoga (union with God).

So it is possible for someone who doesn’t “qualify” to receive shaktipat, directly or indirectly. Also, even the most ignorant or reprehensible of us can attain God when past inclinations of spirituality are awakened and one is drawn to moving forward on the spiritual path. Even a little bit of progress can relieve the sincere seeker of great danger. And progress is never lost.

Namaste,

Durga Ma

durgama.com

Gurus and Disciples, Parts 1 - 5

Part 1 - What Is a Guru?

Part 2 - The Guru-Disciple Relationship

Part 3 - Finding Your Guru

Part 4 - Gurus Who Abuse

Part 5 - Shaktipat