(1) The ceremony of initiation. Certain Mantra are recited to show the
intention of performing whatever he is supposed to perform.
(2) Consecration for religious ceremony,
(3) To become a disciple methodically with rituals. Or to take Mantra
methodically from Guru. In fact both are same, the first one is before
doing some sacrifice (Yagya) and the second one is to become a disciple.
Deekshaa is important but not essential.
Sparsh Deeksa, Digdrishti, Maanasee Drsti: means initiation by touch, sight and mind.
Deekshaa, initiation and teaching, is of three kinds:
(1) Sparsh, by touch; Draksangyaa or Digdrishti, by sight; and Maanas, by
thought. Sparsh initiation is compared to the loving tender nourishing and
caring of the chicks in the warmth of the wings by the mother bird. The
preceptor Guru draws to his mind the god or goddess, meditates on Shivapur
in the hand, chants the Mool Mantra (root Mantra) and touches the body of the disciple.
(2) The act of visual initiation and instruction is compared to the
nourishing of the fry (baby fish) by sight by the ever vigilant mother
fish. The Guru draws the image of Kamashee in his mind with eyes closed,
opens his eyes with delight and looks at the disciple.
(3) The act of thought initiation and teaching is compared to the
nourishing of the baby tortoises by the mother by thinking about them.
Grace comes to the disciple proportional to the presence of Shakti in him.
Where there is no Shakti (in him), there is no liberation.
Initiation by Deekshaa Sanskaar (sacred rites) is the preliminary step
before the actual event. The authentic Guru is Brahmaa himself without
four heads, Vishnu himself without four hands and Shiv himself without the
third eye.