The Essence of Diksha and Guru-Disciple Responsibility

Disciple: Gurudev, my salutations to you.

Gurudev: Yes, blessings, my son. Speak.

Disciple: Today, after a long time, it is Amavasya (the new moon). Shantikunja is unusually quiet; there are no crowds. Only about 10 or 15 people are sitting here. It feels empty because they aren't here for consultations; they’ve just come to visit. Since we don't usually get days like this, I wanted to discuss a different topic. Gurudev, many young people—as well as the elderly—are coming to you saying, "Gurudev, I want Diksha (initiation) from you." Why is the young generation so attracted to you right now? And what exactly is this "Diksha"? Since childhood, we’ve heard the phrase "Shiksha-Diksha" (Education and Initiation) used together.

Gurudev: Exactly. If there is education (Shiksha), there can be initiation (Diksha). One who is educated can be initiated. They are hyphenated terms. People often say, "You have no Shiksha-Diksha" or "Your parents didn't give you any Shiksha-Diksha." This term has been in use for a long time. The meaning of Diksha is to purify the body and the mind. It is also about self-development and growth—Vikas. Some people turn to initiation when they are in trouble, thinking their problems will be solved. They aren't wrong.

Gurudev: In Diksha, there is a giver and a taker. The one who takes it often goes around telling everyone, "I received initiation from Shyamaba." People hear this and more come. The word has spread that Shyamaba gives initiation for just a Haritaki (a medicinal fruit) and doesn't take any money. That news has reached everywhere, which is why the crowds are so large.

Gurudev: Even the "young batch" is now leaning toward God. Previously, the youth only believed in "Eat, drink, and be merry." They would ask, "What’s the point of calling out to God?" But God existed then, and He exists now. Even in the time of Tailang Swami, there were skeptics.

Gurudev: There is a story: Tailang Swami was sitting in a cave when a group of skeptics arrived. They asked, "Baba, does God exist?" He replied, "Wait, let me see." He called out into the cave, "God, are you there?" A voice from the cave replied, "No, I am not." The Swami told the skeptics, "See? You were right. God isn't here." They left satisfied. Later, a group of believers came and asked the same question. The Swami called out again, "God, are you there?" This time the voice replied, "Yes, I am."

Gurudev: The point is, both groups got their answer from the same source. I used to have many such spiritual teachings printed and displayed here, but due to some renovations, we had to take them down. People used to take photos of those quotes.

Gurudev: The word "Guru" implies a "Guru-Dayitva" (a heavy responsibility). A Guru has a duty to fulfill; if he doesn't, he doesn't deserve the title.

Disciple: What is the Guru's primary duty?

Gurudev: First, he must consider the condition of the person seeking initiation. He must not take a single penny from them. I tell people clearly not to give money, though some still try. I have initiated many poor people who were told elsewhere they couldn't get Diksha without money. I tell them, "Just bring a Haritaki in the morning," and I initiate them.

Gurudev: I wrote proudly on this temple: "Do not give a single penny." Yet, there are some people who still beg for money from visitors. Is the Goddess a beggar? Does she need you to feed her? She is the one feeding you! People boast about "feeding" the Mother with rice and lentils, but God provides for Himself. Not only that, He arranges food for others too. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. One day, we were worrying about how to arrange the ritual food (Bhoga) because we had no rice or lentils. That afternoon, a gentleman arrived in a car, dropped off a sack of rice and a sack of lentils, bowed to the Mother, and left without saying a word. That is how God works.

Gurudev: As a Guru, I have a responsibility. Many people call me in distress—financial trouble or illness. But there is a challenge: leaving the body. It is very difficult to project the soul out of the body to travel and then return. Both exiting and re-entering the physical frame are very critical processes.

Disciple: Gurudev, could you shed some light on that? You mentioned leaving your body and returning. You mentioned that since you have initiated your disciples, their responsibility lies with you. Is it really possible to leave the body?

Gurudev: It is not impossible at all. Many people have seen me at their homes while I was physically here. I’ve heard stories of people inviting me, and though I thought it was too far to go, they claim I showed up that night and even ate with them. One person even sent me Posto (poppy seeds) because they said I ate it at their house and seemed to like it! I’ve had people from as far as America say the same.

Disciple: This is incredible. But when is this possible for a human?

Gurudev: It isn't possible for everyone. Only advanced practitioners (Sadhaks) know these things, and they usually don't disclose them. But there are thousands of proofs—people seeing me, me riding on their cycles, or appearing to give them instructions. I usually try to avoid discussing these things publicly because such matters shouldn't be gossiped about.

Disciple: Let’s change the subject slightly. You said the Guru carries the responsibility. What about the disciple? If I am initiated by you, do I have no duties?

Gurudev: Your duty is not to feed or serve the Guru. Your duty is to look after your parents, your wife, and your children. Why should the Guru eat your money? Your task is to perform Japa (chanting) and call upon God constantly. Don't worry about what the Guru is eating. If you focus on the wrong things, you cannot rise spiritually.

Gurudev: A true disciple is rare. Out of a thousand people initiated, maybe two or three actually focus on their Sadhana (practice). Most disciples don't need to see the Guru constantly. The Guru knows if the disciple is doing the work, and the disciple feels the Guru's presence. There is no need to sit and massage the Guru's feet.

Disciple: I also wanted to ask about the Guru-Disciple lineage. Is this connection limited to one lifetime?

Gurudev: It is a connection of many births. A "Janmantar Guru" (Guru of many lives) is someone you must eventually find, whether you are in America or Russia. You will start in this life exactly where you left off in the last. It takes many births—sometimes seven—to complete the journey.

Gurudev: I know of disciples of mine who are currently practicing intense meditation in Kamakhya, Pashupatinath, or Varanasi. They don't even call me; I hear about them from others. Once, a powerful Aghori Tantric came all the way from Mayong. He said he came because Lord Mahadev commanded him to perform a ritual here. The path of the Guru and disciple is sacred. Often, they don't even need to see each other physically; the Guru helps the disciple from behind the scenes.

Gurudev: Unfortunately, nowadays, some people try to "steal" disciples from other Gurus by calling them and luring them away. I don't care about that. If someone wants to leave, they are free to go. I haven't signed a bond with anyone.

Gurudev: The responsibility of a Guru is immense. He must treat his disciples according to their nature. Not all disciples are good; some are greedy or full of envy. Some even slander the Guru. But it doesn't matter. Slander me if you wish; it doesn't change anything.

Disciple: Dear viewers, you’ve heard some powerful words from Gurudev. Many people are waiting outside for initiation today because they’ve realized there is no way forward without a Guru or God. However, I must inform you through this episode that due to the extreme heat and Gurudev’s current health, he is unable to give Diksha right now. Gurudev has asked those interested to leave their names, and we will contact you once the weather improves and he feels better.

Gurudev: Yes, giving initiation requires fulfilling many responsibilities, and given my age and health, it is difficult right now.

Disciple: We will conclude here for today. Stay healthy, everyone. Pranam, Gurudev.

Gurudev: Blessings, my son. Blessings.

Spiritual Insight

Explore the meaning of Diksha (initiation) and the sacred bond between Guru and disciple as explained by the mystic Guru Baba Shyama Khyapa.