Questioner:
Why is so much effort needed on the spiritual path? What is the purpose of all these strivings and practices?
Swami Premodaya:
…The Divine will come to you—you won’t get to it—it will come to you. But it will come to you when you’ve done everything and anything to get to it, and until then, it will not come…
Your effort is the attraction that brings God. Your effort is like a light in the darkness so God gets signaled—and knows you’re waiting, and then will come. But without the effort, without you doing your part, the light doesn’t go on, and God can’t be concerned with you to the degree He would like and you would like—because you’re not making yourself available. Making yourself brighter, is making yourself available…
All sadhana (necessary spiritual practice) is turning on your lights. Otherwise, you’re sitting in the dark.