To a devotee who was translating some of Gurudev’s books into Hindi, he points out how that itself can become a sadhana and goes on to speak about spiritual growth:
Vedanta is very volatile. It sublimates into nothingness unless you give your heart thick coatings of its sublime truths. The translation has made you do a lot of intimate mananam. Be regular. Be sincere. Be consistent without excitements. Progress is sure.
Spiritual growth is not measured by violent changes in one’s way of living, habits, hopes or even sins. If it were to be truly great, it must come from within. Cultivate through japa, reading (svadhyaya), devotion and meditation the spiritual awareness in the deep within. All else will take care of themselves thereafter. Never overdo; never miss the daily abhyas.