MUKTHI(INSIGHT):NITTAI The union with god is graded into four stages. The four stages of grading is analogous to the modern grading of insight in DIAGNOSTIC STASTICAL MANNUAL( AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION). The insight in these systems are graded into six categories ranging from complete absence of insight to highest levels of complete self awareness. In saiva schools the stages range from relatively lower levels to highly closer level to god. As the god is fundamentally within the mind the union with sivam is well compared to the insight classificatory systems.
The levels of saivasisddhanta mukthi are graded qualitatively into four stages . they are 1.jeevan mukthi 2.padha mukthi 3.apara mukthi 4.Para mukthi
The mukthi is graded according to the levels of relief from the pasa contaminants. Those have completely severed the pasa are completely rid of malam and are closer to god(insight). In the complete union with the god in the lving person is called "NITTAI"(NISHDA). The persons relationship with god is qualified as four types. They are 1.SALOHAM 2.SAMEEBAM 3.SAROOPAM 4.SAYUCHIAM In saloham position the soul is like a worker who has access to the palace of god. In the sameebam position he is like a child who wanders about the god's abode. In the saroopam state he is likefreind of god who can come and go. In the sayuchiam state he is in the complete union with the god in his abode. These insight states are called NITTAI VILAKKAM( EXPLANATIONS OF NISHDA) The nittai states are last stages in the journey of soul towards god(sivam) within the life span. They can be achieved by the practice of the ATTANGA YOGA( EIGHT LIFE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES) and the gift of the guru who gives the DHEEKAI(DHEEKSHA).