"In some traditions there is a procedure called initiation or Dheeksha, when one receives a mantra from a master. Why is there such procedure? When we have a master, a guru, who is already enlightened, and we wish to realize the Divine through the guru's practice, our guru lights our inner lamp to get us started. We may have a wick, lamp, and ghee, but we still need a spark to light our lamp.

So before we start a practice of chanting mantra, we receive a spark from the guru, the enlightened soul, and this is called initiation or Dheeksha. When we receive a spark from our guru, who is already enlightened, then it is very easy to become enlightened; however, without a spark, with just a wick and a lamp, what can we do? We will have to work very hard. But when we have a guru in our life, through the guru's initiation or Dheeksha, we can receive a spark and that will help us realize the Divine within ourselves. So in the same way, today, you are blessed. You have received initiation from Amma."