Shraddha – In the beginning, there must be some faith. This faith can be there due to the result of previous birth or if one meets Sri Krishna devotee/s and develops some faith to know more.
Sadhu Sanga – Then due to this faith, one becomes interested in associating with devotees to know more. On listening from the devotees about the glories of Lord Sri Krishna, His pure devotees and devotional service, one sincerely desires to progress on the path of spirituality.
Bhajan Kriya – When one is sincere to pursue the path of Sri Radha Krishna bhakti one accepts a bonafide spiritual master (Diksha Guru) through initiation or Diksha and executes the regulative principles and devotional service under the Guru’s orders. Bhajan Kriya is the step from where one’s real or true spiritual life or journey begins. The instructions of the Guru should always remain the guiding light of the spiritual aspirant throughout one’s life. The moment one leaves the shelter of the instructions of the Guru one’s spiritual life is hampered.
Anartha Nivritti – On sincerely following the instructions of the Guru one is freed from all unwanted habits which are obstacles in advancing in spiritual life.
Nishtha – On the removal of these obstacles, one becomes firmly fixed; this is also known as matured or unpliable Shraddha (faith) in devotional service.
Ruchi – After that, one develops a taste for devotional service.
Asakti – This taste gives attachment towards devotional service. This is the way of sadhana-bhakti— the execution of devotional service according to the regulative principles.
Bhava – Gradually attachment (asakti) and emotions intensify, which is known as “bhava.”
Prema – Finally there is an awakening of love (matured bhava or concentrated bhava) — Sri Krishna-prema.