The Seven Stages of progress of a spiritual seeker

There are seven stages by which the spiritual seeker rises progressively.

The first one is subheccha, or the good intention to pursue the right path of knowledge and virtue.

The second is vicharana, or an investigation into the ways and means of acquiring true knowledge.

The third is tanumanasi, or the attenuation of the mind due to the subtlety attained by it in the practice of deep concentration.

The fourth is sattvapatti, or the realization of spiritual equilibrium where in the light of Brahman splashes forth like lightening in one's experience.

The fifth is asamsakti, or non-attachment to anything that is external on account of attaining the vision of universality.

The sixth is padartha-abhavana, or the non-perception of materiality and the perception of radiance filling the whole universe, as if the entire existence is lit up with endless light.

The seventh is turiya or the ultimate state of experience of identity with the Absolute.

The last of the stages mentioned is one of actual realization and is known as jivanmukti, that is liberation while living. When the body drops, one attains videhamukti, or disembodied salvation. The liberated sage is a master and a Superman. His actions are universal (mahakarta), his enjoyments are universal (mahabhokta), and his renunciation, too, is universal (mahatyagi).

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Chapter 5: Yoga Vasishta - Fruit from the Garden of Wisdom