Diksha Camp – Malaysia Hindu Sangam

What is Mantra Diksha?

The Sanskrit word Diksha is derived from the root ‘diksh’ which means ‘to destroy ignorance by giving knowledge and wisdom’. There are several types of Diksha. One popular Diksha is the ceremony of receiving a Mantra from a Guru. This is called Mantra Diksha.

What is a Mantra? A mantra is a spiritual or mystical word which represents God. God has many forms. The sound form of God is called mantra.

What is a Japa?

It is repeating the God’s name or Mantra. Japa must be practiced, keeping the count, either on the fingers or with a Japamala (a rosary).

Do not wear the Japamala on the body. So, keep two separate Rudraksha Malas for Japa dan wearing.

While repeating the mantra, you must think of its meaning. While chanting Shakti mantra, imagine Mother Shakti. If you can visualize, then look at a picture of Devi Shakti.
Keep you Mantra carefully without any change. Do not add to or subtract from it. Keep your Mantra secretly. Do not repeat the Mantra loudly before others.

When you repeat the Mantra, feel and think that God is seated in your heart. Feel that the Mantra is purifying your heart, destroying bad desires, cravings and evil thoughts.

How to do Mantra Japa?

Do Mantra Japa with the Mantra of your Ishtha Devata which you receive from your Guru. Repeat it for 27, 54 or 108 times. You can also do it up to 1,080 times daily (one to ten malas).
Take a bath or wash your hands, feet, face and mouth before sitting for Japa in the morning. At other times this is not absolutely necessary. Do Japa whenever you are free, at the three junctions of the day – morning, noon and evening – and before going to bed.
Face east or north during the practice. This enhances the efficacy of the Japa.
Sit on a rug. Spread a piece of cloth over it. This conserves body-electricity. Sit in a separate prayer room or in any suitable place, such as a temple.
Maintain a steady pose. Recite some prayers before starting the Japa.
Use a Rudraksha or Tulsi Mala. Do not allow the Mala to touch any parts below the navel. Keep the hand near the heart or the nose. The Mala must not be seen by anyone. Cover it with a clean towel or handkerchief.
Use the right middle finger and the thumb to roll the beads. Do not use the index finger. Do not cross the Meru (the extra middle bead) while rolling the beads. Turn back when you come to it.

Diksha Camp by MHS

This is a religious initiation ceremony in which Hindu children receive a Mantra from a guru. The Moola Mantras of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Muruga and Shakti are imparted according to the preference of each child.

During the ceremony, the boys will be bathed in the consecrated water and girls will be sprinkled with the holy water. Then, clad in a new dress, they will receive the Mantra of their Chosen Deity (Ishta Devata) from a priest. The children will be also taught the process of repetition of the Mantra and other mantras of daily use.

The Aim

To give Mantra Upadesa to all Hindu children from age 7 to 15.

The Benefits

Repetition of Mantra is one of the effective ways of attaining concentration of mind, which is a great asset to all students.
Improve self-discipline and self-esteem and inculcate Dharmic values.
Strengthen faith in the Hindu religion and God.

How to join the Diksha Camp?

Get the Diksha Camp Application Form from Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) office.
Submit the completed form and a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate / MyKad to MHS office.
Pay minimum Guru Dakshina of RM25 per child.

General Rules during the Camp

Wearing jewelry and gaudy dress are strictly not allowed.
All participants are required to be vegetarian during this camp.

First Day

Boys – White dhoti (vesthi) and tundu
Girls – Pavadai saddai/tavani (preferably light colour)

Second Day

Boys – New white dhoti (vesthi), tundu, short pants, and towel
Girls – New pavadai saddai/ tavani