How important is Diksha in a spiritual practice?
Definitely diksha is preferred in every spiritual practice. The Guru is the example of the way you want to worship, someone whose behavior you want to emulate, whose attitudes you want to reflect, whose being you want to become. Diksha is the solemnization, the confirmation, of that relationship. Without an image it is impossible to perform visualization. The activities of the guru become the image that we visualize. There is a lot that can be done to prepare for diksha. First comes siksha, then comes diksha. First, make yourself ready to become a disciple. Learn as much as you can about the example you wish to follow. What does he or she do to cultivate a relationship with God? Why do they do it? In what tradition is it being done? Who were their examples? Only through knowledge can we honestly devote ourselves to a path and a practice. Then we become a part of that tradition. Then we become authorized to practice in that tradition. Then we can actually become disciples. I recommend t
