According to Narada Purana, there are six stages of Sannyas.
- Kutirchak – Who dwells in a hut, practically one who practices his or her own sadhana and studies according to his or her own rhythm.
- Bahudak – Who visits many teachers, learns their ways, employs their knowledge, and explores how to integrate various teachings into his or her own discipline.
- Hamsa – Who employs discrimination in discerning what practices fit into his or her own life style.
- Paramahamsa – Who has supreme discrimination, and whose life style is always an inspiration to others.
- Turyatita – Who has moved beyond the bonds of karma and is fixed in stillness.
- Avadhuta – Who is centered in Oneness, whether sitting in samadhi or acting in the world, his or her own center is never compromised.
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