Finding a Guru

Posted by Sadhak108 on
URL: http://manblunder-discussion-forum.379.s1.nabble.com/Finding-a-Guru-tp1069.html

Namaste everyone on the forum.

I live in Europe. I have been trying to get in touch with a Shakta guru for 3 years. The reason is that I have a very strong desire to learn the sadhana of Kalika (and later perhaps some other Mahavidyas). I read everything I could find in English. I emailed dozens of temples, ashrams all over India. I spoke with several Indians on FB. I even visited a center of the Ramakrishna Mission in Europe, but I had to realize that they are more into Vedanta than Shakta path. Many Indians told me that even if I traveled to India (a huge expense), I would most likely not be able to find other than fake Tantrics who make a living of religion. During those 3 years there was a time when I chanted mantras I found on the internet, but I heard from several sources that it is either useless, or even harmful to start reciting beej mantras without proper diksha, so I became hesitant and stopped. Why is it so difficult to find a Shakta parampara? For instance, if I wanted to find a Vaishnav guru, there would be a huge variety of different lineages to choose from: Sri Vaisnavas, Gaudiyas, Nimbarkis, Gaura-Nagaris, etc. Is Shaktism disappearing in India? Or what is the reason it is so extremely difficult to find honest and realized sadhus who transmit mantra diksha?

Please share your thoughts. Thanks.