What is Sri Vidya?
“Sri” is Bhagavati, or Parachitti Jagadamba. What we call Satchidananda Swaroop Brahman, is called Parachiiti by Shaktas (worshippers of Shakti). The name of the mantra and methodology to attain her is called Sri Vidya.
It is a unique and practically applicable shastra with several steps. It contains the method to purify oneself through the syllables (aksharas) of the mantra and invoke divinity in one’s life. These mantras make ones capable of the darshan and special blessings of Devi Bhagavati.
Brief overview of Sri Vidya sadhana
Sri Vidya contains mantras of 3, 9, 16 and even more aksharas or syllables (like in Shodashi, Panchadashi, etc). Initiation in all mantras is not given at once; it is given in a specific order by a Guru who is authorized to a capable student.
Mantra, tantra and yantra is used in the sadhana. Mantra is gross as compared to tantra that is subtle, and yantra is gross compared to tantra. Yantra contains the invoked energy of the mantra and tantra of the Devata (in this case, Bhagavati). Mantra is the causal body of the Devata, tantra is the subtle body, and the gross body is the yantra. While Devatas are beyond these three, with the use of mantra, yantra and tantra and following the correct methodology given for puja etc, the aspirant can understand the form and attributes of Devi.
Similarly, our whole causal body is mantratmaka (made of mantras) and contained in Para-vaak (or the Supreme Sound/Word), our subtle body is tantratmaka and gross body is yantratmaka. Our whole body is Sri Yantra, as “Sri” is Bhagavad tattva, Parachiiti (to be attained/realized through sadhana).
In the Panchdashi Vidya there are 15 akshars. The earth element has five qualities – sound (shabd), touch (sparsh), form (roop), taste (rasa), fragrance (gandh). Water contains shabd, sparsh, roop, rasa; tej contains shabd, sparsh, roop; and vayu contains shabd, sparsh; and akash contains shabd. In total these attributes contained in the elements can be counted together as 15. All these manifested from Omkar. Thus, if Om is added, Shodashi vidya is perfected (one attains its siddhi).
Important requirement of Sri Vidya upasakas
Devi manifests herself in the form of matri shakti or women. One must not disrespect anyone and, particularly, matri shakti if one is an upasaka of Sri Vidya. The upasakas must respect, have regard for and maintain proper boundaries and decorum in their interaction with women. The upasaka must not have inappropriate attraction towards the sweetness and beauty of Devi and other women. Women must be viewed as mother. This is of immense importance. Then, Sri Vidya sadhana will fruit sooner.
Those who practice Sri Vidya must have full faith in Bhagavati. In the name of Sri Vidya, alcohol and animal flesh must not be consumed. This is an important requirement. Dhyan and Devi worship must be done four times in the day. Turiya sandhya is the auspicious time to meditate at the midnight hour.
Initiation in Sri Vidya
Swami Karpatriji Maharaj (the Guru of Jagadguru Puri Shankaracharyaji) was a great Acharya of Sri Vidya. Even people of the south came to get initiation from Him. He Himself initiated Jagadguru Puri Shankaracharyaji, since Puri Shankaracharyaji was born in a Shakta kula. Sri Vidya diksha was very difficult for everyone to get. Gurudev was given all the mantras at once up to the Maha Shodashi and the updesha at the same. He was also given the full knowledge and Mahabhishek of Sri Vidya along with some secretive details via Karpatriji Maharaj.
Karpatriji Maharaj said that many took Sri Vidya diksha from him but used it for attaining wealth and power. This must not be done since this vidya is Brahma Vidya. Understanding Sri Vidya also give us the knowledge of ganit (vedic mathematics).
The vidya is Brahma Vidya and it must not be propagated everywhere. Today, there are people who have very little knowledge of Sri Vidya but are quick to start propagating it. Many people flock towards them for initiation.
Initiation of Sri Vidya must be obtained from an authorized Guru and is given to a worthy student.
It is auspicious to obtain initial initiation of Sri Vidya from a motherly figure. Other than Shodashi etc, where Omkar is used, women are authorized in mantras like that of Bhuvaneswari Devi. If one does not have initiation in Sri Vidya, chanting the Lalita Sahasranama or Saundarya Lahari does not give the results. Those chanting must be initiated in the three-syllable mantra of Bhuvaneshwari Devi to get results.
Those who have initiation as per their tradition, alone are authorized to give diksha of Sri Vidya. Doing mantra sadhana by oneself, without initiation will prove to be destructive. Women can also get diksha from a Guru or traditional lineage and can do Sri Vidya aradhana.
Thus, through the above, we have had a brief glimpse into the method of attaining Parachitti through the practice of Sri Vidya sadhana through the discourses of Jagadguru Puri Shankaracharyaji.