Question : It is said that ours is Siksa line of disciplic succession. Is it necessary to take formal diksha from the spiritual master before one attains Krsna Prema or is siksa from spiritual master enough to carry us to the point of attaining Krsna Prema? If not, what is the importance of taking diksa in the whole process of pure devotional process?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
I discussed this point with one of my learned godbrothers, who expressed the following:
“Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura insisted on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura taking diksa from Srila Gaurakisora das Babaji, and the latter gave it. Then Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, as far as I know, made it a standard part of our program.
I would say an important question regarding someone who wouldn’t take diksa (not couldn’t but wouldn’t) would be why? Is he unable to appreciate any Vaisnava sufficiently to make a commitment to him?”
