Sages who have realized and attained the divine describe four essential stages as stepping stones to God-realization. These are respectively known as Sariyai, Kiriyai, Yogam, and Gnanam.
Comparison of various stages in Spiritual path
Sariyai – Kriyai – Yoga | Gnana |
| Practice done with eyes closed | Practice done with eyes Open |
| We need to act with our body and mind. | Do nothing with body and mind, Happens automatically by Guru |
| This can be done at particular time & particular place with restrictions. | Done at any place, any time Sada kala pooja / Mansa pooja |
| Preparatory step for Gnana | Final step in spiritual journey |
| Maximum samadhi can be attained | Divine light body and merge with God |
| Pray at temple, Chant mantra, Pranayama. . | Surrender to thiruvadi of God – Eyes |