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Diksha

Diksha (Sanskrit: दीक्षा, IAST: dīkṣā) also spelled diksa, deeksha or deeksa in common usage, translated as a "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony", is giving of a mantra or an initiation by the guru (in Guru–shishya tradition) of Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Diksa is given in a one-to-one ceremony, and typically includes the taking on of a serious spiritual discipline.

''Dīkṣā'' can be of various types, through the teacher's sight, touch, or word, with the purpose of purifying the disciple or student. Initiation by touch is called ''sparśa dīkṣā''. The bestowing of divine grace through diksa is sometimes called ''śaktipāt''. Another type of ''dīkṣā'', into a monastic order, involves a vow of celibacy, renunciation of all personal possessions and of all worldly duties, including family ties. ''Dīkṣā'' has the same meaning in Jainism. ''Dīkṣā'' is also called ''Charitra'' or ''Mahanibhiskraman'' in Jainism.

Initiation in Hinduism involves performing one of several rituals depending on the person being initiated and the Hindu group involved.

Vishnu Yamala (tantra) says: "The process that bestows ''divyam jnanam'' (transcendental, spiritual knowledge) and destroys sin (''pāpa''), the seed of sin and ignorance, is called ''dīkṣā'' by the spiritual persons who have seen the Truth (''desikais tattva-kovidaih'')." Provided by Wikipedia