Japa and Meditation
Whatever be the time you devote to Japa and Meditation. Even if it is only ten or fifteen minutes. do it with all your heart and soul. The Lord is Antar-yâmi. He is the Inner Guide. He sees your heart. He does not measure how long you meditate or how many times you do japa. He sees your inner longing.
In the beginning, japa and meditation will taste very dry. Yet you must go on practising them, like swallowing bitter medicine. Later, you will find joy after have practised steadfastly for three or four years. Then, if you miss meditation even for one day, you will feel bad.
Self effort, purusha-kâra is necessary for spiritual growth. By the continued practice of japa and meditation, the mind will become calm and purified. Then the mind itself will become your guru, your guide, and you will have proper understanding of everything.