The Essence of Tantra

(16) In the eleventh chapter, regarding the realization of one's own nature, the specific means of liberation is addressed. First, the shaktipāta the descent of divine power—which is the principal foundation of the initiation ritual dīkṣā initiation discussed here, and which is independent of any other cause—is established as the primary authority.

(17) In the twelfth chapter, following the determination of the nature of the aforementioned initiation, the preliminary practices are described, including rituals such as purification snāna ritual bathing.

(18) In the thirteenth chapter, after specifying the qualifications of the samayin a disciple who adheres strictly to the conduct of the tradition, the specific method of the sacrifice yāga offering/ritual is defined.

(19) In the fourteenth chapter, the initiation to be performed for a putraka a specific class of initiate/son of the lineage is described, along with the worship rituals to be performed by them.

(20) In the fifteenth chapter, for an uninitiated person near death, the method of samyak-dīkṣā effective initiation—also known as the initiation of departure samutkramaṇa-dīkṣā—is described, to be performed by oneself or by a relative through the spontaneous descent of power.

(21) In the sixteenth chapter, the method of initiation to be performed by a teacher guru spiritual master for an absent disciple—who has sought the initiation ritual and served the teacher, but has either died or traveled to a distant land—is described.

(22) In the seventeenth chapter, the method of initiation is described for those who, having previously received initiation in other lineages and practiced according to their mantras and symbols, now seek the shaiva-dīkṣā Shaiva initiation arising from the descent of divine power, necessitating the abandonment of their prior conditioning.

(23) In the eighteenth chapter, after accurately discerning the qualification of the initiated student to become a practitioner or a teacher, the ritual of the abhiṣeka anointment/consecration is described as an essential component.

(24) In the nineteenth chapter, for one who has received initiation, the text covers atonement prāyaścitta reparative ritual for the lapse of standard conduct, as well as the method of initiation for those facing death when obstacles arise, despite their desire for constant practice.