What is initially an empty mind is filled by rituals, bringing on a belief in an unseen power that resides beyond us, now brought within the temples and the statues. Visiting these temples brings us to have faith and devotion towards them. This is the phase of Sariyai.
The belief we had in Sariyai is strengthened as we take worship into our hands and carry out the rituals ourselves. The bridge is drawn, and the divine starts to step into our homes. What is an arid and dry heart, in bringing ourselves to do charity, is filled with love and compassion. This is the phase of Kriyai.
The next phase of Yogam has us bring the energies prevalent outside of us and experience them within. The body now becomes a temple. We come to know and engage with our body, breath, mind, and soul.
In the final phase, that of Gnanam, the divine takes possession of us. We become one. When the divine takes possession of us, the floodgates are opened. We connect with the whole of Prapanjam, and its Akashic records, tapping into its mysteries, seeing into the past, present, and future. The vault is open and Prapanjam showers us with its riches. We cannot possibly contain the love that overflows; it has to be given to others, too. We become messiahs and missionaries.
Ramalinga Adigal was an embodiment of love and bliss when he came through a devotee many years back. The next time he came, we had difficulty holding him back as the devotee began to elevate. It was truly an emotionally charged moment. We have been blessed to witness the state of such exalted saints.