Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on July 24, 2011.

In this talk, Swami Bhaskarananda explains the meaning and purpose of spiritual initiation (mantra diksha) in the Vedantic tradition. A mantra is described as a sacred, mystic word or name of God that carries divine power; initiation is the vow to repeat this mantra for the realization of God. The guru functions as a conduit, like a faucet connected to a distant reservoir, through whom the grace of God flows to the disciple via the mantra, gradually purifying the mind so it becomes fit to know the Self. Swami Bhaskarananda outlines the qualifications of a true guru—scriptural knowledge, blameless conduct, and freedom from selfish motive—and emphasizes that the mantra should be received from such a teacher rather than merely taken from a book.

He then turns to the qualities of a disciple: genuine yearning for God, reverential faith (shraddha), humility, and adherence to truthfulness, non-deceit, self-control, simplicity, and pure food. Through traditional stories—such as Satyakama’s obedience to his teacher, saints who unhesitatingly obeyed seemingly impossible commands, and the life of Ramdas Kathiya Baba—he illustrates how this faith opens the way to knowledge. The talk also addresses how great teachers compassionately accept disciples despite their imperfections and even share part of their karmic burden, citing Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda. Swami Bhaskarananda explains siddha mantras as “open sesame” to spiritual liberation and presents Sri Ramakrishna as the guiding world-teacher behind the Ramakrishna Order. He concludes with the assurance that sincere initiated devotees will be guided and protected by their chosen deity, especially at the time of death.