How to get Diksha from Maharaj Ji

What is Diksha?

As per the teachings of our beloved Guru Dev Bhagwaan Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj, Diksha (initiation) is not merely a ritualistic formality but a profound, life-altering spiritual turning point. It is the process of accepting a Guru, receiving a mantra, and committing oneself to the chosen path of devotion. 

Guru Dev Bhagwaan tells us that there are many paths of devotion. Each path is glorious. Maharaj Ji says that one must NOT rush into Diksha. Instead, one must first spend enough time listening to Guru satsangs, the upasana requirements and feel a complete sense of alignment towards it. If a soul feels a deep sense of belonging to the Guru and to the path of devotion preached by Him, only then must one request for Diksha (Initiation). Because once the Diksha happens, then no matter what life throws at us, there must be surrender and faith to the Guru, The Path and the Process of cleansing and NO TURNING BACK.

Below is the meaning and significance of Diksha as explained by Maharaj Ji:

  • A New Life and Erasure of Past Sins: Maharaj Ji explains that, upon receiving Diksha, a disciple is essentially born anew. If the initiate sincerely resolves to never commit sins again, their past sins are destroyed.
  • The Power of the Guru’s Word: Diksha is the activation of Shree Ji’s name or Mantra through Shaktipat from Guru Dev Bhagwaan. Maharaj Ji emphasizes that even hearing the Radha Naam from a Vrindavan Rasik saint and accepting it wholeheartedly is a form of diksha.
  • A Binding Commitment (Sharanagati): Formal diksha, specifically sharanagati diksha (surrender), involves taking vows of discipline, such as chanting the given Naam or mantra, following a sattvic lifestyle, and avoiding prohibited actions (like gambling, intoxication, immoral conduct, gossiping).
  • Obligation of the Disciple: After initiation, the disciple must not abandon the mantra or the Holy Name, even if their faith in the Guru or The Path is challenged. Name chanting causes our sins to start burning at a faster pace. Maya will throw all possible pain and illusions and try to force the disciple away from the path. One must endure this pain and continue the journey of purification knowing without doubt that Guru Dev Bhagwaan and Shree Ji are always with us and holding us through every adversity.
  • The Guru’s Responsibility: The Guru takes responsibility for the disciple’s spiritual progress. However, if a disciple continues to sin even after initiation, those sins become deeply rooted and affect the Guru. It is every disciple’s core responsibility to NOT commit sins knowingly and if the sins do happen through us, then to immediately confess the sins to Guru Dev Bhagwaan and request for forgiveness or punishment for those sins and resolve to not repeat them.
  • Purpose of Diksha: The ultimate purpose of Diksha is to cleanse the antah-karan (subtle and causal body – Manas/Mind, Buddhi/Intellect, Ahamkaar/Ego complex), and connect with the Divine (Shree Ji, in our tradition), and attaining liberation from the cycle of birth and death enjoy endless Shyama Shyama’s Hit Prem.

Diksha Niyam or Rules to be followed to get Diksha

From time-to-time Radha Keli Kunj releases niyams (rules) to be followed by people aspiring to get initiated (receive Diksha) from Maharai Ji. Below is a list of the latest niyams to be followed by the aspirants for atleast two months prior to requesting Diksha.

You can either buy the Granths (Holy Texts) mentioned in the niyams below or if that is not possible then you can simply download the “Radha Keli Kunj” App and use the App to fulfill the below daily requirements:

1- Start by reciting the following:

a. Aacharya Vandana (given under Ashtayaam seva padhadhati in the App)
b. Ishta Vandana (given under Ashtayaam seva padhadhati in the App)
c. Guru Vandana (given under Ashtayaam seva padhadhati in the App)
d. Shri Sevak Vandana (given under Ashtayaam seva padhadhati in the App)

2- Lovingly recite the following:

a. 12 pads from Shri Hit Chaurasi Ji (given under Shri Hit Harivansh Vanni in the App)
b. 10 pads from Shri RadhaSudhaNidhi Strotram (given under Shri Hit Harivansh Vanni in the App)
c. 5 pads from Shri Hit Sevak Vaani with meaning (given under Shri Hit Harivansh Vanni in the App)

3- Recite the Nitya Paath Rasopasana (given under Nitya Paath Rasopasana in the App). This Rasopasana includes daily reciting of:

a. Shri Hit Mangal Gaan
b. Shri Yamunashatakam
c. Shri Priya Ju Namavali
d. Shri Laal Ji Namavali
e. Rasik Namavali
f. Yugal Dhyaan
g. Shri Bhakt Namavali
h. Shri Vrindavan Dham Namavali
i. Shri Ishta Aaradhan Prakaran
j. Ishta Stuti
k. Kirtan and Jayakaara
l. 28 names of Shri Radha

4- Apart from the above chant 11 rounds of mala for Radha Vallabh Shri Harivansh or Radha naam

5- Perform Ashtayaam Seva (Grihastyas can do Maansik seva. Out of 8 try and do 1-2 Sevas in pragat (in the temple of your home) and the remaining Sevas as Maansik (in your mind)

For aspirants who may find it hard to follow and complete the above niyams, then by Shree Ji’s kripa, Shree Ji’s YouTube Channel Braj Kunj Seva (www.youtube.com/@brajkunjseva) comes live daily at 8:00 pm IST and helps the aspirants complete these niyams in the most loving manner!

If you are unable to join live, then these daily live sessions get posted on the channel and you can hear them at a time of your convenience and complete the niyams.

If you are unable to complete all the niyams in a single session, then you can hear them in parts throughout the day and slowly complete your niyams.

Follow the above niyams daily for atleast 2 months. This time will help you evaluate yourself to see if you feel deeply aligned with the RadhaVallabh Sampradaya and if this sacred Path of Pure Devotion is indeed your inner calling!

After 2 months you will be required to travel to Radha Keli Kunj in Vrindavan and present your request for Diksha to the Saints present at the location.

Below are some links to Shree Ji’s Braj Kunj Seva YouTube Channel that you can play to get further information.

Diksha Part 1

Diksha Part 2

If Diksha has not happend then can we do Naam Jap?

How to do Ashtayaam seva

Difference between mansik and pragat seva

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What are the dietary requirements for followers of RadhaVallabh Sampradaya?

 

The Radhavallabh Sampradaya follows dietary guidelines based on the principles of Sattvik (pure, nourishing, and calm) living, aimed at enhancing devotion.

Followers, adhere to the following dietary requirements:

1. Strict Vegetarianism (Shuddh Shakahari) 

  • No Non-Vegetarian Food:Meat, fish, and eggs are strictly prohibited.
  • No Alcohol or Intoxicants:Smoking, drinking, and drugs are banned. Coffee is not allowed. Tea can be taken on a limited basis. Alternative Drinks: Traditional alternatives such as milk, curd, yogurt, buttermilk, and fruit-based drinks are preferred.

2. Forbidden Vegetables (Tamsik/Rajasik)

  • No Onion and Garlic:These are strictly forbidden because they are considered tamsik (stimulating anger and dullness), which hinders spiritual practice.
  • No Mushrooms:Mushrooms are generally avoided as they grow in unhygienic conditions and are often associated with the Tamasic mode.
  • No Masoor Dal:Red lentils (Masoor dal) are usually considered taboo in Vaishnava traditions.
  • No Jackfruit (kathal) – due to its proximity in texture and taste to non-veg food.
  • Sugar – Consume desi khand (brown sugar). White sugar is not allowed.
  • Prasadam Only:Food/drinks should always be lovingly offered to Shree Ji before consumption.

Cultural Context: The Radha Vallabh Sampradaya focuses on Tatsukh Bhava (seeking pleasure in the happiness of Shree RadhaVallabh) and is generally more liberal in daily living than some other sects, but still holds to foundational Vaishnava dietary purity.

Below link to Shree Ji’s Braj Kunj Seva channel gives more details:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z0fpvvRW-Vs

Q2. If I follow all the niyams for 2 months and present my request for Diksha in Vrindavan (Radha Keli Kunj) then am I sure to get Diksha?

 

All the niyams are requirements that are designed to align the spiritual seeker to surrender their inner being to the Divine care and protection of Guru Dev Bhagwaan and Shree Ji. The saints at Radha Keli Kunj try to see the inner surrender and readiness of the seeker. However, no rule, no practice can guarantee Diksha. Diksha is a matter of Kripa. One must beg for Shree Ji’s Kripa. Diksha in the pragat only happens when Guru Dev Bhagwaan and Shree Ji want to bestow it. However, denial of pragat Diksha does not mean that Shree Ji does not accept us! We should continue our Naam Jap and other niyams and continue to present ourselves for Diksha.