People thrive on different spiritual paths; devotion might suit one while knowledge fits another, yet both can lead to fulfillment. Self-inquiry suits those who seek reason, devotion comforts those less inclined to explanation, and Karma Yoga serves those wanting to help others with no expectations. While some practices like meditation gradually calm the mind, it's crucial for individuals to recognize their natural inclination for effective progress.
As is often said, a teacher appears when the student is ready; a true guru brings peace and clarity, not intellectual pride. Their presence can still a person’s thoughts and maintain a heightened state of awareness over time. It is important to trust one's intuition in assessing the guidance received and the path taken.
Some paths of meditation require deep learning and complex techniques, drawing individuals into an ongoing cycle of acquiring, understanding, and processing ever-changing knowledge. This quest is infinite, similar to the futility of counting all the stars in the sky. However, those who devote their energies to achieving and experiencing stillness can gain its rewards sooner.
A wise teacher once said, "You've come to the garden to eat mangoes. How many trees are in a garden and how many branches each tree has – what is the use of such calculation? Eat the mangoes and don’t count the trees."