"Shaktipat/a: Transmission of spiritual power (Shakti) from the Guru to the disciple; spiritual awakening by grace."

There are so many "Gurus" out there that claim they can pass on shakti or enlightenment or kundalini to their disciples through either being prayed to or by merely touching them. In many cases the Guru will say he or she (strangely enough there are many female Gurus who claim this) will do it at no charge at all. These Gurus live in rather big houses all over the world through the many donations they get.

I for one do not believe that shakti can be passed to people through veneration of a guru or by his touch - I further don't believe anybody who says they are enlightened are. The only way to reach enlightenment is through our personal efforts.

All you have to do is type in "shaktipat" on google and you will find at least 1000 purveyors of shaktipat with courses you could take and their own websites.

[edit on 1-8-2004 by Mynaeris]

I don't know about it being passed form person to person....but I know it's a rare thing and there can't be that many people doing it if it can be don't.....I get so sick of all the fakes and money grabbers!

.......

I'm an Indian fellow and believe you me, Shakti cannot be passed on by the touch of a Guru, in doing so, it contradicts the very essence of eastern philosophy, to attain Shakti through ones own means. I travelled to India recently and witnessed many 'gurus' dubbing themselves to be supreme teachers with the power of transcendence, hogwash I tell you.


Deep

Hmmm, didn't Vivekananda experience enlightenment for a few moments through his guru RamaKrishna?

I do think shaktipat is genuine, it's only with REAL gurus though. And most gurus do happen to be frauds, unfortunately. It's rare to find a real guru.