The relationship with the Lord is described as developing from Salokya (in the vicinity) to Samipya (nearness), to Sarupya (Form of the master) and then on to Sayujya (absorption into the Form). You can understand this clearly, if you take Salokya to mean, being in the kingdom ruled by the Lord, or as a servant in the palace where He dwells. You are under His fostering care. In the Samipya stage, you feel you are a personal attendant on the Lord, privileged to be near Him and to be called upon by Him for some personal service. You have neared the principle of Godhead, intellectually; you feel His presence ever, emotionally. Next, the stage of Sarupya is like being the brother of the King. He can wear the same robes. One has the splendour, the glory that bespeaks the full blossoming of the Divine latent within. Lastly, when you are the son, the heir apparent, you approximate as much as possible to the Royal Power and so, you can say, ‘I and My Father are One.’ These are the stages of the soul's journey to Realisation of the Oversoul.

- Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 6, Ch 2, Mar 1966.