What are the Levels of Kavanah?

Question

In Rabbi Donin's book, To Pray As A Jew, he says that reading a prayer book to find out what it says, or to relish its beauty of poetry, does not qualify as prayer. He says that to transform reading into prayer, there must be at least a sense of standing in the presence of G-d and the intent to fulfill one of His commandments. He called this "intent" kavanah.

Rabbi Donin states in his book that there are ascending levels of kavanah, each one a greater challenge to the worshiper. I want to know what those different levels are.

Answer 1

Rabbi Adin Steinsalz in his Sefer Hasidur V'Hatefila - page 38 says there are three levels in Kavana.

1 - Is to understand the meaning of the words one is saying (Orach Chaim 98:1).

2 - To identify with the words being said.

3 - Understanding the hidden meaning על דרך תורת הסוד והנסתר (literally, in the way of the instruction of the secret and the hidden).

Answer 2

Reb Chaim Soloveitchik in his Chiddushim to the Rambam, Hilchos Tefillah 4:16, writes that there are two types of Kavana. The primary kavana is to be aware that you are standing before G-d. The second is to understand the meaning of the words.