Shaktipat
When the guru and disciple are linked, then the gurus' power automatically flows to the disciple. This is shaktipat - the transmission of high frequency waves from guru to disciple. Shaktipat or Shaktinipata is a Sanskrit word in the Hindu spiritual tradition that refers to the act of a guru or spiritual teacher conferring a form of spiritual "power" or awakening on a disciple/student. "Shakti" translates as energy and "pat" as touch. Shaktipat can be carried out by the spiritually enlightened master either by transmission of sacred word or mantra, a look, a thought or by touch. The touch is usually given to the ajna chakra or third eye of the disciple.
When the guru transmits a little of his own shakti to the disciple's mooladhara, kundalini feels a pull. But that pull is not an actual awakening. Kundalini gets a little scratch and it frowns. That frowning is the experience of shaktipat. The body trembles as sushumna
Are all shaktipat initiations the same?
there are many ways of classifying shaktipat initiations but a method used by swami vishnu tirth is very simple and clear. in shaktopaya initiations the guru awakens the kundalini shakti of the disciple. in shambhavopaya initiations the kundalini shakti of the disciple is awakened and led up through the body's energy centers bringing a glimpse of the highest realization. some contemporary yoga teachers and gurus bring together a wide variety of phenomenon under the term 'shaktipat'. for example, teachers of kriya yoga may infuse their students with their shakti at various stages of the student's practice with the purpose of eliminating blocks in the student's channels. these teachers call this practice 'shaktipat initiation.'
So what happens after shaktipat?
because kundalini is an intelligent force it will, upon awakening, naturally direct the practice of the student. all that is required is that the student completely surrenders to this force. as a result of kundalini's unfolding spontaneous purifying movements, called kriyas will occur. in addition the practices of hatha, laya and raja yoga will naturally manifest. because all other yogas naturally manifest as a result of kundalini awakening this yoga is called 'mahayoga' or 'great yoga'. because all other yogas and their results occur spontaneously ('sahaja') and without effort this yoga is also called 'sahaja yoga'. even to reach the point of simply surrendering to shakti takes some practice for people. some aids in cultivating surrender are chanting and selfless service. these practices open the heart and make one more susceptible to the influence of shakti
This experience of shaktipat can take place at any distance whether in the presence of guru or from afar. Distance is not a barrier. Distance relates to time and space; it does not relate to the transcendental state. Time and space are created by the mind. But if there is no mind, there can be no time and no space. It is something like Einstein's theory of relativity. So the transmission of guru's energy is not dependent on time and space. However, it is necessary that the guru and disciple are linked, that the guru's power automatically goes to the disciple. As long as guru and disciple retain their separate individuality, shaktipat does not take place.
There is a type of innocent aspirant who can easily accept this process of linking, and when he is in the presence of the guru this link is established automatically. Then the powerful thought waves, energy waves and spiritual waves of the gum pass through that link to the disciple. These energy waves go straight down to mooladhara chakra and there they disturb the sleeping kundalini. The nature of kundalini is not sattwic; it is tamasic. If you do not wake up kundalini it will remain dormant, not only for one lifetime but for many lifetimes together. The nature of sushumna, the channel through which kundalini ascends, is also tamasic. So when guru and disciple are linked, and the energy waves of the guru pass through the disciple, they go straight to mooladhara chakra where they disturb the sleeping kundalini.
The next important point which should be understood is that shaktipat can take place through the medium of an object. For example, the guru can send you a mala and when you receive it shakipat is transmitted. Shaktipat can come through a magnetised flower, a scarf or anything that the guru may send you. This is why disciples go to the guru and request him to give his dhoti or some garment and they give him another in return- it is a custom which is still honoured today. When the disciple sits for meditation, he puts on this robe and it has an effect. So there are many ways of transmitting the power of guru to disciple.
Some disciples receive instant shaktipat, while others never receive it, because they are insulated. Even a wretched sinner can have shaktipat. However, the one type of person who is totally insulated from shaktipat is the intellectual- he who thinks he knows everything, but has experienced nothing.
The type of aspirant who receives shaktipat most easily is the one who is innocent and childlike. Such disciples who accept the gum completely are like copper wires. Copper wire is more efficient than zinc. Likewise, the guru and disciple must have the copper link. It requires a lot of faith, love, surrender and childlike simplicity, but the result is wondrous.
Ganga river has plenty of water but in order to take it away, you need a suitable container. If you bring only a one litre bottle, you will get only one litre of water. If you bring a barrel, you can take away a barrel of water. You can't say that the water supply is limited; it is only your vessel which is limited. Likewise, shaktipat is really nothing but the transmission of the guru's infinite energy waves. If the disciple is open and ready, there is no limit to which the guru can fill him.