What is Dikshaa?

divyam jnanam yato dadyat
kuryat papasya sankshayam |
tasmad dikseti sa prokta
desikais tattva-kovidaih ||

“The process that bestows divya jnanam (transcendental spiritual knowledge) and destroys sin , is called ‘Diksha’ by the spiritual persons who have seen the Truth (desikais tattva-kovidaih).”

Through Mantra-Diksha, the Guru rekindles the dormant powers of the aspirant. Diksha is composed of two syllables, ‘Diksha’, ‘Di’ and ‘ksha’. ‘Di’, means what is given or the person capable of bestowing divine grace. And ‘ksha’ means one who is capable of assimilating. On one side is the benediction of the one (The Guru) who is capable of imparting the Lord’s grace and on the other hand is the assimilating capability of the aspirant. The combination of these two is Diksha.

Diyate Gyan Sadbhavan Shiyate Pashu Bhaavana,
Danshapan Sanyukta Diksha Teneh Keertita.

i.e. The act, by which teachings are given and by which all kinds of animal instincts are demolished, which is granted by Gurudev in charity is known as Diksha.

Diksha is a unique and rare process of making the life of a disciple or devotee more pure, more enlightened and more successful. Generally a human being remains under the sway of bad karmas of past lives which do not allow him to make the desired level of progress in spite of hard work and sincere efforts.