process of taking diksha

In Jainism, “taking diksha” means formally leaving worldly life and entering the path of renunciation as a sadhu (monk) or sadhvi (nun). The detailed process can vary by sect (Digambar / Shvetambar) and by sangh, but the main steps are similar.

Below is a simple outline of the usual process:

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1. Long inner preparation (Mumukshuta)

Before anyone is allowed to take diksha, they usually go through:

• Strong desire for moksha (mumukshuta – longing for liberation).
• Regular swadhyay (study of Jain scriptures), pratikraman (repentance), fasting, seva, etc.
• Testing their detachment from comforts, money, family, status.
• Living for some time under guidance of a guru, often like a “trainee” (mumukshu).

Purpose: to check whether the person is truly ready for a lifelong renounced life.

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2. Permission and blessings

• The aspirant takes permission from:

- Their guru / acharya - Their parents or family (in most communities, even though spiritually not compulsory, it is respected).

• The acharya tests their firmness, health, and understanding of vows.
• Once convinced, the acharya gives consent for diksha and fixes a date and place.

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3. Public announcement and last days as a householder

Just before diksha:

• Family and community are informed; it becomes a big spiritual occasion.
• The aspirant may:

- Do “bhet” and “vandan” to relatives, teachers, elders. - Ask forgiveness from all: “Michchhami Dukkadam”. - Distribute personal belongings or legally hand over property (because a monk/nun cannot own anything).

• Often there is varshi-tap, fasts, or special pooja in these days depending on local custom.

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4. Diksha day – main ceremony

Details differ slightly in Digambar and Shvetambar traditions, but main ideas are:

(a) Panch-kalyanak type ambience

• Temple or pandal is decorated.
• Dev-puja, Navkar Mantra, stavan, discourses about renunciation.

(b) External renunciation

1. Kesh-locchan / Head shaving

- Shvetambar: traditionally kesh lochan – hair is plucked (by guru / nuns / specially appointed people) as a sign of enduring pain with equanimity and giving up pride in appearance. ( jainknowledge.com) - Digambar: usually the head is shaved very closely (no plucking), but meaning is same – total renunciation of bodily pride. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. New simple clothing or nudity

- Shvetambar: aspirant wears very simple white clothes given by the sangh. - Digambar: full monks ultimately practice nudity; at the moment of proper muni-diksha, they give up all clothing, keeping only basic picchi (peacock-feather whisk), kamandalu, etc. (varies by tradition).

1. Giving up ornaments and possessions

- All jewellery, fashionable clothes, money, phone, etc. are removed and handed back to family / sangh.

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5. Internal vows (bhav-diksha)

In front of the acharya and sangh, the aspirant:

• Bows and takes the five Mahavrata (great vows) in full form:

1. Ahimsa – complete non-violence 2. Satya – absolute truthfulness 3. Asteya – non-stealing 4. Brahmacharya – total celibacy in thought, word, deed 5. Aparigraha – absolute non-possession

• Accepts full monastic discipline:

- walking barefoot - eating only gochari (alms), limited times, limited items - no traveling in rainy season (chaturmas rules) - no use of vehicles, etc., as per their order’s code.

• Receives a new spiritual name (e.g., Muni … Vijay, Sadhvi … Shri).

This is the real spiritual “birth” as a sadhu or sadhvi.

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6. Acceptance by the Sangh

• The acharya formally declares: this person is now a member of the monastic order.
• Monks / nuns give vandan, embrace spiritually, and welcome the new renunciant.
• Laypeople do pula (joy), give respectful offerings (not possessions to “own”, but support items allowed by the code).

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7. Life after diksha

From that day:

• No personal property, bank account, business, or family responsibilities.
• Strict daily routine:

- Navkar Mantra, sadhana, samayik, pratikraman, svadhyay, meditation. - Regular vihar (walking from place to place) except during chaturmas.

• Main goal: destroy karma and progress towards keval-jnan and moksha.

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Digambar – Shvetambar differences (in simple words)

• Outer form:

- Digambar: ideal monk is nude, with very few allowed objects. - Shvetambar: monks and nuns wear simple white clothes.

• Hair:

- Shvetambar: keś-lochan (plucking) at diksha and periodically. - Digambar: usually shaving.

• Ritual details: mantras, exact order of steps, and legal procedures differ.
• Essence is same: total renunciation, five Mahavratas, and life only for spiritual practice.

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You can also see simple Q&A about what diksha means and what happens after taking diksha here and about hair rituals during diksha here .