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Overview
saṃpradāya
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A term for an institutionalized order or tradition (usually smārta in nature), marked by a guru-pupil lineage or paramparā. This may be traced back to an historical or mythical founder, or even to God (however identified). Entry requires a special initiation (dīkṣā), which, depending on the tradition, may be given to renouncers only, or to householders as well.
From: sampradāya in A Dictionary of Hinduism »
