Four Different Stages In The Path Of Realization...

"There are four different stages in the path of realization:

"First, that of a beginner, a Pravartaka, or one who has just begun to worship
God. Those who belong to this class begin to wear the sign of their creed, such
as the rosary or the mark on the forehead, and they are very particular about
the external forms of their sect.

"The second stage is that of the neophyte or Sadhaka. Those of this class are
farther advanced. They do not parade their beliefs and do not attach so much
importance to external signs. Their worship is internal. They repeat the Lord's
Name-silently, pray without ostentation and feel some longing for God.

"The third stage is that of Siddha. What is a Siddha? One who is firmly
convinced in his heart and soul that God exists, that He does everything, that
He is the Omnipotent Being, and who has obtained a first glimpse of Him.

"The fourth stage is that of the Siddha of Siddhas. One who has reached this
stage has not only seen God but has made acquaintance with Him and has
established a definite relation with Him, either that of a son to his father or
that of a mother to her child, or that of friend to friend or of brother to
brother, or the relation of husband and wife.

"To believe that fire is in the wood is faith. This is one thing, but it is
another thing to bring that fire out of the wood, to cook something with it, to
eat this and to attain peace and happiness afterwards. So to believe that God is
in the world and to catch a distant glimpse of Him is one thing; but to come
into direct communion with Him, to enjoy His company and taste Divine Bliss is
another. No one can set a limit to the various aspects of God which a Bhakta can
realize. They rise ever higher and higher."

Sri Ramakrishna
in _The Gospel Of Ramakrishna_
Revised By Swami Abhedananda
From M.'s (Mahendra Nath Gupta) Original English Text
New York: The Vedanta Society, 1907, p. 322-324
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/gork/gork14.htm