Darshan is the blessing of the Guru. Diksha is the initiation of the Guru. Darshan may add a little zing to your life, temporarily. But Diksha removes and destroys, permanently.
Diksha comes from the Sanskrit roots Da, "give," and Kshs, "destroy." Diksha is the gift of destruction. So if you want to receive some blessing and some light, go to the Guru for Darshan. But if you're ready to be destroyed, go to the Guru for Diksha.
In Christian tradition, St. Paul explains the mystery of Baptism as Diksha. In the waters of Baptism, you don't just get a cleaning. You participate in the death of Jesus. Baptism isn't for babies, but for adults who are ready to die. Only when you die can you be born again. Baptism doesn't wash your sins away, it washes "you" away.
Whether you call it a church, a temple or a yoga foundation, some "movement" always grows up around the Guru. The movement provides spaces where seekers can receive the Guru's Darshan. In Darshan, you come to look into the Guru's eyes in order to get something back. Gazing into the unfathomable clarity of that mirror, you see the face you need to see at that moment. The movement has less to do with the Guru than with the karmic needs of its members.
But when you get tired of seeing your own reflection, a day comes when you look into that mirror and no face at all looks back at you. You behold your true divine emptiness.
This is Diksha, real initiation. Diksha happens inside you, in an intimate place that has nothing to do with the movement, the temple, the religious organization. Darshan was between Guru and seeker, but Diksha is between Self and Self. Diksha happens, not in an ashram, but in the center of your soul.
Darshan only gazes at the outer Guru. Diksha gazes at the Guru in your heart's core. Grace has made him available as someone in front of you for a little while, but don't be deceived. If this one is truly your Guru, then she is the eternal Guru, the ancient Guru, who has always dwelt in the center of your soul, waiting for you to come home.
When you receive Diksha initiation, someone that you called "me" dissolves. Bewildered with wonder you ask the Guru, "Who are you, really? Are you my Savior? Are you the World Teacher? Are you the Avatar, the Second Coming?"
The Guru answers, "I am Nobody."
He means it. That is his final answer. His eyes are galaxies spiraling gracefully back into the radiant darkness, where God rests in the silence before creation. His emptiness invites you in, so that you too can become a mirror.
Picture of Sri Sri Guruji taken by Scott Hague
2 comments:
Thank you so much for this explanation. I have wondered for years about these two. I have been too lazy to research them very much because the final truth is the "Nobody" beyond definitions. I loved how you worded that.
I had an awakening experience like that. I asked "Is there anyone really here?" I was blown so far open I couldn't seem to sense anything I would call "myself" within at that time. I couldn't sense a me at the time.
What a blessing that was. When I read your posts, I can sense that direct experience and I am inspired to be it. Thanks so much!
I have to comment on Baptism. I have felt for decades that what passes for Baptism is a meaningless ceremony designed to tether another member to the church membership rosters not really have someone face the truth of who they really are.
I really appreciated this sentence.
"Baptism isn't for babies, but for adults who are ready to die. Only when you die can you be born again, filled with a new kind of existence. Baptism doesn't wash your sins away, it washes "you" away."
Amen!
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Ben
Ben, you are an awesome dude of inspiration! Thank you.
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