The spiritual path is not only a process but also the achievement of concrete results. When you perform your practice (tapasya) in accordance with your status, various spiritual experiences and meditative states come to you. These states have long been described in sacred texts as the seven lands of wisdom (sapta-jnana-bhumika).
Seven Stages of Awakening
The practitioner's path passes through seven successive stages of consciousness transformation:
Shubheksha (Noble Desire)
This is the first stage, where a sincere desire for enlightenment is born in a person. The seeker begins to strive for liberation, studies texts, and seeks elevated spiritual company (sangha).
Vicharana (Self-inquiry)
At this stage, the yogi actively engages in self-inquiry and analysis. They meditate on the subtle nature of the Mind, trying to understand their true essence beyond the ego.
Tanumanasa (Thinning of the mind)
The practitioner's mind becomes subtle and transparent. At this stage, certain abilities may awaken, and attention becomes one-pointed and steady.
Sattvapatti (Self-realization)
This is the turning point—the stage of initial liberation and enlightenment. The practitioner reaches the state of samadhi. One who is established in this stage receives the honorary title of Brahmavid—a "knower of Brahman."
Higher Stages of Holiness
Starting from the fourth land of wisdom, samsara, karma, and the material world no longer have power over the practitioner. Further advancement leads to full divinization:
Asamsakti (Non-attachment)
- 5. Asamsakti (Non-attachment): At this stage, consciousness stops being involved in external and internal games. The yogi remains in a state of deep, natural detachment. This is not cold indifference, but calm wisdom that sees the world as a play of energies. The state of bliss and enlightenment intensifies.
- 6. Padarthabhavana (Non-perception of objects): Here, the sense of the "doer" disappears. The yogi sees that all actions are performed by the Divine Power, not by their small "I." The perception of the world as a set of solid objects vanishes—everything is seen as One Consciousness.
- 7. Turyaga (Transcendent state): This is the summit, the Fruit in its fullness. Final establishment in the "Fourth State" (Turiya), which lies beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. The yogi sees Brahman as the soul of all that exists. This is a state of complete and final unity with the Absolute. There is no longer a separation between "God" and "me."
Signs of High Realization
Achieving the higher stages is characterized not only by inner peace but also by specific signs:
- An open mind and an infinitely loving heart.
- Awakened Kundalini energy.
- Continuous consciousness day and night (including deep dreamless sleep).
- Going beyond the mind and realizing the fourth state (turiya).
- Absence of dualistic patterns and judgmental evaluations.
Summary: The path to these heights begins with small steps—the conscious acquisition of faith and taking Refuge. Through accepting status, receiving Diksha, and daily tapasya, the goal of Liberation ceases to be a theory and becomes a living reality.
May your study of the Creed be that first step leading you to the higher lands of wisdom.
