In day-to-day life, we use time to gauge our progress in achieving objectives. Our thinking takes place in time and space; therefore every aspirant has this question in the back of his mind. This approach creates comparisons wherein people compare their progress and gurus. This approach does not work in the spiritual field.

Spiritual science is not concerned with doing. You cannot meditate; meditation is a state of being! One person may attain enlightenment in a moment, another may take twenty lifetimes to achieve the same!

Many of us move into spiritual science with certain goals, but these very goals come in the way of spiritual progress! If you want to reach God, you have immediately separated yourself from God! Many believe that one can reach God through learning. Learning, undoubtedly, is an important process, but it is contained in time and space. It will never help you reach God. Spiritual unfoldment requires understanding: You have to personally experience and become a part of it and go ahead of it.

This can come through observation: Only through observation can you gain an understanding of what is happening within.

Never compare! Leave the progress to totality. When you assess progress and wonder how much longer it will take, you identify yourself with thought. Progress indicates your gain, but it is only when you have released hold of all your attainments that real enlightenment comes!