Prabhupāda Warns His Disciples Not to Take Second Initiations Cheaply
The process of receiving the sacred thread marks a profound milestone in the spiritual journey of a devotee. Within his vast correspondence, strict and uncompromising standards for second initiation were repeatedly established by Śrīla Prabhupāda. He frequently warned his disciples and temple leaders that this elevation to the brahminical platform must never be taken cheaply or awarded automatically. By demanding rigorous adherence to the regulative principles and a deep philosophical understanding, he ensured the absolute purity of the paramparā and the sacred worship of the Lord.
The Spiritual Rebirth of a Brāhmaṇa
The true meaning of second initiation is not merely the adoption of a title, but a complete spiritual rebirth that elevates a devotee above all bodily designations. Extensive clarity was provided by Śrīla Prabhupāda regarding this sacred transformation, explaining that a brāhmaṇa must be internally and externally śuci, or perfectly clean. He emphasized that this spiritual elevation transcends all racial and geographical boundaries, allowing sincere souls from anywhere in the world to become completely purified and fit for the highest devotional service.
- Second initiation is real initiation. First initiation is the preliminary, just to make him prepared, just like primary and secondary education.
- As I have several times explained, when initiation is given, the Spiritual Master becomes the spiritual father and the gayatri mantra becomes the spiritual mother and thus second birth takes place.
- A brahmana means purified. So those who are going to be sacred-threaded today, they should remember that they are being accepted as sucih, as brahmana.
- A pure devotee is above a brahmana; therefore it is not incompatible to offer the sacred thread to devotees in Europe, America, Australia, Japan, Canada, and so on.
- Although jealous rascals protest that Europeans and Americans cannot be given the sacred thread or sannyasa, there is no need even to consider whether one is a gentleman or a rogue because this is a spiritual movement which is not concerned with the body.
The Period of Observation and Recommendation
The process of awarding the sacred thread requires a strict period of patience and careful observation. A minimum of six months to a year of steady devotional service was demanded by Śrīla Prabhupāda before a candidate could even be considered for this advancement. During this time, the temple presidents must thoroughly evaluate the disciple's daily bhajana-kriyā to ensure they are genuinely situated in their spiritual practices before sending any recommendations for confirmation.
- We initiate our students. The preliminary initiation is offering chanting. Then we observe at least for one year, how he is chanting, how he is doing. Then the second initiation confirms. That is the system.
- In our Krsna consciousness movement after six months or a year, he (who has got first initiation with hari-nama and chanting at least 16 rounds a day) is initiated for the second time and given the sacred thread with the regular sacrifice and rituals.
- Chant sixteen rounds and observe these rules and regulations. Then, when I see, six months or one year, he's doing very nicely, then we accept him as my disciple, the second initiation. So this is bhajana-kriya.
- The disciple renders devotional service under the guidance of the spiritual master or his representative for at least six months to a year. He is then recommended for a second initiation, during which a sacred thread is offered.
- Every day I am getting request for second initiation, but I do not know. The responsibility goes to the presidents who pick them. Unless they are thoroughly convinced second initiation should not be given.
Strictly Following the Regulative Principles
A profound and unbreakable commitment to the basic regulative principles is the absolute foundation of brahminical life. Severe warnings were issued by Śrīla Prabhupāda against recommending devotees who still struggled with the basic vows made during their hari-nāma initiation. True advancement into sattva-guṇa requires strict discipline, and anyone failing to follow these fundamental rules is completely unfit to receive the sacred thread.
- It is to be understood by chanting Hare Krsna mantra, by following the regulative principle, he has already come to the platform of sattva-guna. But if it is a false thing, there is no need of second initiation.
- I have already cautioned you that the second initiation should be given out only when you are certain that the devotee is really following all our principles.
- I am also asking that they write a statement in all seriousness stating they have not broken promises of first initiation and they will go on steadfastly chanting the prescribed rounds. I am hoping to stop whimsical recommendations for second initiation.
- Please impress on him (Prabhupada dasa Adhikari) that this second initiation is not awarded cheaply or automatically, and that he must be very strict in following the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga.
- You can ask me freely to make devotees initiated for first initiation provided they are enthusiastic and following the rules, but be very cautious before awarding second initiation, even though you have a need for brahmanas in the temple.
Not Awarded Cheaply or Automatically
The sacred thread must never be treated as an automatic reward for simply spending a certain amount of time residing in the temple. Immense concern was expressed by Śrīla Prabhupāda that second initiation might become a cheap farce if given without proper scrutiny. He insisted that candidates must be thoroughly qualified, naturally rising early in the morning, and maintaining impeccable standards in their daily devotional services.
- Initiation should be given as a future hope, but we should be careful about the second initiation.
- It is not that automatically we have to award a devotee second initiation after he has been with us for a certain time, but the qualifications have to be there.
- It is not that we are stopping second initiation, but I want to be sure it does not become a farce and names be sent to me without proper qualification.
- I am especially concerned that the second initiation not be taken cheaply and devotees who do not even rise early be recommended for brahmana.
- I am especially concerned that the second initiations not be taken cheaply. Brahmins are expected to rise early in the morning and follow strictly all the devotional practices.
Examinations and Brahminical Vows
Because a true brāhmaṇa is expected to be deeply knowledgeable, rigorous philosophical study is highly encouraged for all candidates. The introduction of mandatory scriptural examinations, such as the bhakti-śāstrī degree, was heavily advocated by Śrīla Prabhupāda to ensure his students were actually digesting the philosophy. He wanted to guarantee that a paṇḍita not only flawlessly follows the rituals and attends āratī, but also thoroughly understands the profound science of devotion found in his books.
- Anyone wishing to be 2nd initiated will sit for examination once a year at Mayapur. Answers will be in essay form and authoritative quotations will be given a bigger score. During the exams books may not be consulted.
- From next year, unless one passes bhakti-sastri, he cannot be second initiated. First initiation is open for everyone. "Come on. Chant Hare Krsna." That will purify him. Then let him understand what is bhakti.
- It is very important (The Nectar of Instruction) and must be immediately read by all devotees. In the near future we shall introduce the Bhakti-sastri examination for second initiation and this shall be one of the required books of study.
- Of course second initiation does not depend upon passing an examination. How one has moulded his life--chanting, attending arati, etc--these are essential. Still, brahmana means pandita. Therefore I am suggesting examinations.
- So far as Savitri getting her 2nd initiation you have written to say that she had difficulty now to even chant a few mantras. So you must observe first whether she will be able to keep the Brahminical vows.
Authorization for Deity Worship and Sacrifices
Only after receiving second initiation is a devotee authorized to perform the most sacred duties within the temple structure. Strict boundaries were established by Śrīla Prabhupāda, explicitly restricting access to the Deity room and the kitchen to only those who had received the gāyatrī-mantra. This rule ensures that the high standard of cleanliness required for temple sacrifices and offering prasādam is rigorously maintained by mature devotees.
- Deity worship is for old and experienced students; it is not good for new students to be given sacred thread. This Deity worship is exclusively for advanced students.
- In our Krsna consciousness society, unless one is twice initiated - first by chanting Hare Krsna and second by the Gayatri mantra - he is not allowed to enter the kitchen or Deity room to execute duties.
- You should make sure that there is nice fresh, clean dress every morning, nice bathing ceremony every morning, nice offerings of prasadam. You should see that the Deity is tended for and cooked for only by the duly second initiated brahmanas.
- We do not allow devotees to perform sacrifices until they are properly initiated in the sacred thread ceremony.
- Yes, if you feel that she is qualified, the girl Carol may receive Gayatri initiation also so that she can take up pujari business full time.
Performing the Fire Sacrifice and Hearing Gāyatrī
The actual ceremony of second initiation involves specific rituals that must be executed with proper care and attention. Precise instructions were given by Śrīla Prabhupāda to his temple leaders on how to conduct the yajña and distribute the sacred threads on his behalf when he was not physically present. He also detailed the exact method of playing his recorded chanting of the mantra directly into the right ear of the new initiate to ensure the transmission was authorized.
- The Gayatri initiations may be performed by you. Hold a fire ceremony and give the sacred thread on my behalf.
- Chant Gayatri mantra to them individually and let them hear and repeat. Then offer the threads on my behalf. The fire sacrifice should be performed as usual.
- I accept Sriman Dhananjaya Pandit das for brahman initiation. You may hold a fire sacrifice and he should listen to the Gayatri mantra in the right ear from the tape.
- Either you or Ranadhira can hold a fire sacrifice and present sacred threads to Kutila and Mahendra. One thing, you can get a copy of me reciting Gayatri Mantra from Rupanuga in New York but the tape must be heard through earphones into the right ear.
- I think you know all the procedures by now and you may give them the Gayatri as I have already prescribed by using the tape record of the mantras and performing the fire sacrifice.
A Very Serious Lifelong Commitment
Receiving the sacred thread is not the end of a disciple's spiritual journey, but rather the formal beginning of a lifelong vow of pristine purity. A heavy responsibility was placed by Śrīla Prabhupāda on his twice-initiated students, expecting them to chant their mantras faithfully three times a day and cultivate divine qualities like śama, dama, and titikṣā. If they strictly maintain these sacred vows and completely detach themselves from the material world, they eventually become qualified to accept the renounced order of sannyāsa.
- This second initiation is very, very serious business, and you must become very strong and firmly situated in devotional service.
- If our brahmanas do not take their second initiation seriously, then we will be deserving of criticism. So on this basis, if you think the men you have recommended are still eligible, you can resubmit their names to me and I will accept them.
- Those who are going to be initiated with this sacred thread, they must always remember to follow all these rules and regulations - Sama dama titiksa. Arjava. Jnanam Vijnanam Astikyam.
- They promise that three times they will chant gayatri-mantra, but I do not know what they are doing.
- In our Krsna consciousness movement when he (who took second initiation) advances still further and is willing to give up this material world, he is given the sannyasa order. At that time he receives the title svami or gosvami, both of which mean - master of the senses.
Conclusion
By strictly regulating the process of second initiation, a pristine standard of brahminical culture was successfully established by Śrīla Prabhupāda within his worldwide society. He demanded that his disciples view the sacred thread not as a cheap decoration, but as a heavy spiritual responsibility that required immense discipline, purity, and realization. Through his rigorous and deeply caring guidance, he ensured that the sacred worship of the Supreme Lord would always be conducted by genuinely qualified, twice-initiated devotees.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Our Second Initiations (Disciples of SP). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.