Shakti Pat refers in Hinduism to the transmission of spiritual energy upon a disciple by his Guru. It is an important technique by which Kundalini can be awakened. Shakti Pat is regarded as an act of grace on the part of the teacher. It cannot be imposed or received by force. Traditionally, teachers were quite selective about who received Shaktipat. Sometimes Shaktipat was only given to one or two disciples in a generation.
Varieties and Process of Performing Shakti Pat
There are several varieties of Shaktipat depending on the facility of the guru and the interest of the disciple. A powerful yogi can transmit energy to an aspirant and awaken the Kundalini. This is accomplished in one of four ways: by touch, gaze, thought or a sacred word or mantra. It is also said that Shaktipat can be transmitted in a student through an object such as a flower or fruit.
Only those yogis who have gained complete control over the life force, which in Sanskrit is called prana, can perform the process of Shaktipat. During the student`s spiritual efforts, the Guru`s help is of enormous value. Shaktipat initiation creates a subtle bond between the teacher and student that allows the teacher to give fresh impulsion to his or her student`s Kundalini and eradicate obstructions that may arise.
There are some ways of classifying Shaktipat initiation like in Shaktopaya initiation, the guru awakens the Kundalini Shakti of the disciple where as 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.
Shaktipat occurs when one`s positive and negative karmas reach a sort of equilibrium. The ability to receive Shaktipat is the result of a neutralization of positive and negative karmas. Ordinarily, it takes a long time to create a fire by rubbing sticks together but if someone else already has a fire then that fire can be used to ignite another fire.
Levels of Intensity in Kashmir Shaivism
In Kashmir Shaivism, depending on its intensity, Shakti Pat can be classified as Super Supreme Grace, Supreme Medium Grace, Supreme Inferior Grace, Medium Supreme Grace, Medium Middle Grace, Medium Inferior Grace and Inferior Grace.
