Dull periods often come at first, and that is not bad. Because it brings in the heart of a true devotee the zeal for greater endeavours.
(p.172, Mahapurush Maharaj as We Saw Him, Mahapurush Maharaj’s letter to Swami Ranganathananda (Shankar) from Belur Math on 15 April, 1928.)
If we can live in this world as witnesses, then we can enjoy fun and merriment, otherwise not. But it is extremely difficult to remain as witness in everything we do. We identify ourselves with our activities, and as a result experience happiness and misery. May the Divine Mother always keep us closer to her and not allow us to run away and get entangled in the meshes of maya.
(p.213, Spiritual Treasures, Letter of Swami Turiyananda to Bashiswar Sen from Varanasi on 15 April, 1920.)