“Bear it in mind that neither talking, nor learning, nor study, will lead you to realization. You will have to practice and live what you hear and learn. But that is not possible without Brahmacharya and Sadhana….Human birth is a rare privilege. Getting it, if you do not strive after God, you are surely very unfortunate. Your human birth will be in vain….However much you read or hear, nothing will leave a more profound impression on your mind and benefit you so greatly and practically as the company of the holy men. You learn just by watching their daily life…You must also observe their life in detail and model yours by what you see in them.”
(p.186-190, Eternal Companion, Swami Brahmananda’s instruction to a disciple.)
“The omniscient Lord makes everything favorable for one who has resolved to sacrifice his life for God…The main thing is to have intense longing to attain God, and to engage oneself wholeheartedly in that task. Then success will come automatically…Surrender yourself to the Lord. He will make you do what is good for you. Don’t be impatient. He will show you the way. Wherever you are, if you hold onto God, there is nothing to fear…Offer your past, present, and future to Him. Do not plan for yourself. You will see, He will arrange everything for you…”
(p.216-7, Spiritual Treasures, Swami Turiyananda’s letter to Swami Sadananda Dt. 10 May 1920)