In his Caitanya-śikṣāmṛta, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākur describes the spiritual potency of Vaiṣṇavas at various levels of advancement, to help us understand what a guru at each level is capable of conveying to their disciples. Those aspiring for initiation (dīkṣā) should take serious note of these differences in order to make an informed and wise decision:
Concerning the bestowal of devotional energy by the mercy of the devotee, something should be mentioned. The power of the prema-bhakta is unlimited, and thus, the prema-bhakta, if he is merciful, can transfer his power to any type of person.
The merciful bhāva-bhakta can instill power in the sādhana-bhaktas so that they can assume a position similar to his own, and by the strength of his personality, the bhāva-bhakta can raise materialistic people who have gained some qualification due to previous deeds to the level of ruci.
Vaidhī and rāgānugā-sādhana-bhaktas can instill faith in materialistic people who have attained qualification by previous deeds, by dint of their teaching and example. CS, Chapter 5, Part 1
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"When one serves a Vaisnava unknowingly, one still gets a good result; and if one unknowingly insults a Vaisnava one suffers the bad result. A Vaisnava is especially favored by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Pleasing him or displeasing him directly affects the pleasure and displeasure of the Supreme Lord...by pleasing the spiritual master, who is a pure Vaisnava, one pleases the Personality of Godhead; but if one displeases the spiritual master, one does not know where he is going."
S.B. 4.9.23