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Initiation as Swami in the Himalayan tradition and the Shankaracharya order was given by Swami Rama in 1993, in the non-ceremonious style, along with traditional imparting of mahavakya, contemplative mantra. Initiation as Dandi Swami (a most honorific initiation in the Shankara tradition, in which a Danda, or staff is bestowed) was given at the bank of the Ganges at Haridwar, India in 1999. The Danda (staff) was passed by a most revered Acharya (teacher) of Dandi Swamis (not pictured), along with three other Dandi Swamis. The photographs below are of the celebrations after the initiation itself, and of the traditional bandhara, feeding of monks. At age four, there was memory of the Danda, and although it was sought, it was neither clearly understood yet, nor found, as there was no cultural context for this in America. A painting of Adi Shankaracharya holding a Danda was first seen many years later, and the Danda was immediately recognized as the type of staff being sought in early childhood. In late 1995, Swami Rama said he would "arrange" this diksha, a most honorific initiation, which has rarely been given to a non-Indian. In the true mysterious ways of the masters, this diksha came almost three years after Swami Rama left the body, and over forty-five years after the first childhood memory and seeking of the Danda. Since Swami Rama's Ashram in Rishikesh was not available due to organizational matters after Swami Rama left the body, the celebrations after the initiation were held at Nirmal Ashram, Haridwar, at the most generous and loving invitation of Sri Mahamandaleshwar Swami Satchidananda (placing a garland in photo #1), and Maa Jyoti Chetanya (wearing a yellow scarf in photo #1).
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