In Jain context, diksha means taking renunciation and entering the life of a sadhu/sadhvi or a higher spiritual discipline.

The terms badi diksha and chhoti diksha are used in some communities, but their exact meaning can vary by tradition and region. In general:

Chhoti diksha

• It is a preliminary or smaller step toward renunciation.
• The person begins to live with discipline, detachment, and limited vows.
• It may be seen as a training stage before full monastic initiation in some traditions.
• The person may still have some form of preparation or partial observance.

Badi diksha

• It is the full and complete diksha.
• The person formally accepts the monastic way of life.
• This includes complete renunciation of worldly life, possessions, and family ties.
• The person follows the full vows and rules of Jain ascetic life.

Simple difference

• Chhoti diksha = smaller/preparatory step
• Badi diksha = full renunciation and complete initiation

Important note

In Shwetambar and Digambar traditions, and even within different sects, the usage of these terms may differ. Sometimes the words are used in a customary way rather than as strict scriptural categories.

If you want, I can also explain this in very simple Gujarati/Hindi terms.