There are four stages in the journey to God; they are: Saalokya, Saameepya, Saaroopya and Saayujya. The first stage is Saalokya, which is coming to the divine presence. From there on, you should progress forward to Saameepya, which means getting nearer to the Guru. Then you march forward to Saaroopya where you shine with the very form and splendour of Divinity. Finally you enter the stage of Saayujya, which is complete mergence with the Divine. At this stage, the bubble bursts and becomes one with the sea. Seva (Service) gives you the opportunity to progress along each and every one of these steps and merge with God.

- Divine Discourse, July 7, 1985.