Accepting the Creed is not the endpoint, but a conscious beginning of your journey. From this moment, you cease to be just an outside observer or a seeker; you become an official follower of the Teaching, a disciple of the Guru, and a full member of the spiritual family — the Sangha.
A New Status in the Universe
In our tradition, taking Refuge and accepting the Creed is viewed as a change of your "citizenship" within the universe.
- This event is recorded in the "book of life" of your mind, and divine forces and spirits become aware of it.
- Your new status serves as a constant reminder of your decision to walk toward Liberation.
- You join a specific school — Advaita Vedanta in the tradition of the Siddhas, under the guidance of Swami Vishnudevananda Giri.
The Hierarchy of Spiritual Statuses
In Sanatana Dharma, there is a system of statuses (Varnashrama Dharma) that helps everyone find their place on the Path, depending on their lifestyle and the intensity of their practice:
- Grihastha (Layperson): The first status you assume. You live in the world, have a family and a job, but build your life on the foundation of the five precepts and five duties.
- Karma Sannyasi: An advanced seeker, a "monk in the world." This status implies a deeper practice, a vow of service (Seva), and detachment while maintaining worldly ties.
- Brahmachari: A status for those who are unburdened by family and take a vow of celibacy, dedicating themselves entirely to the study of the Teaching and meditation.
- Vanaprastha: A status for those who have fulfilled their social obligations and wish to withdraw for practice near an ashram or temple.
- Purna Sannyasi: A fully renounced monk in orange robes. Preparation for this status takes many years (usually at least twelve years).
Diksha — The Gateway to Deep Practice
The next important step after the Creed is Diksha (initiation).
- The word "Diksha" means that something within you becomes enlightened, while something superfluous leaves and dissolves.
- During Diksha, you receive a spiritual name and a personal mantra from the Guru.
- This grants you the legitimate right to perform advanced yoga and meditation techniques that were previously inaccessible.
Responsibility and Filling the Status
It is important to remember: the status itself is merely a form. It gains power only when you fill it with daily spiritual effort — Tapasya.
- You engage in the process of studying philosophy and practicing basic methods.
- You gain access to the community's internal portal and educational courses.
- Your task is to confirm your status every day through meditation, adherence to ethics, and mindfulness.
Summary: Your new life is a path of gradual ascent from a limited state to the divine. The tradition provides you with all the necessary tools and support, but it is you who must walk this path.
What's next? To keep your faith alive and strong, it must be nourished daily. In the next article, we will look at a specific practice — meditation on the Creed. Go to Article 9: “The First Year After Accepting the Creed”
