Levels of intensity of shaktipat.

Levels

In Kashmir Shaivism, depending on its intensity, Śaktipāt can be classified as:

tīvra-tīvra-śaktipāta - the so-called "Super Supreme Grace" - produces immediate identity with Śiva and
liberation; such a being goes on to become a siddha master and bestows grace from his abode
(Siddhaloka), directly into the heart of deserving aspirants[5]

1.tīvra-madhya-śaktipāta - "Supreme Medium Grace" - such a being becomes spiritually illuminated and
liberated on his own, relying directly on Śiva, not needing initiation or instruction from other exterior
guru. This is facilitated by an intense awakening of his spiritual intuition (pratibhā) which immediately
eliminates ignorance[5]

2.tīvra-manda-śaktipāta - "Supreme Inferior Grace" - the person who received this grace strongly desires
to find an appropriate guru, but he does not need instruction, but a simple touch, a look or simply being
in the presence of his master is enough to trigger in him to the state of illumination[5]

3.madhya-tīvra-śaktipāta - "Medium Supreme Grace" - a disciple who receives this grace desires to have
the instruction and initiation of a perfect guru; in time he becomes enlightened. However, he is not
totally absorbed into this state during his lifetime and receives a permanent state of fusion with Śiva
after the end of his life[6]

4.madhya-madhya-śaktipāta - "Medium Middle Grace" - such a disciple will receive initiation from his
guru and have an intense desire to attain liberation, but at the same time he still has desire for various
enjoyments and pleasure; after the end of his life, he continues to a paradise where he fulfills all his
desires and after that he receives again initiation from his master and realizes permanent union with
Śiva[7]

5.madhya-manda-śaktipāta - "Medium Inferior Grace" - is similar to "Medium Middle Grace" except that
in this case the aspirant desires worldly pleasures more than union with Śiva; he needs to be
reincarnated again as a spiritual seeker to attain liberation[7]
6.manda - "Inferior Grace" - for those who receive this level of grace, the aspiration to be united with
Śiva is present only in times of distress and suffering; the grace of Śiva needs to work in them for many
lifetimes before spiritual liberation occurs[