There are no shortcuts in the spiritual field.  As a matter of fact, the path of devotion is even more difficult than that of knowledge. The ego has to be fully curbed. The faith that 'Not even a blade of grass can shake in the wind without His being aware of it and thus having caused it" has to be implanted in the mind.  Devotion is not an activity to be undertaken at leisure time. Erase sensual desires; clear the heart of all blemish. Then, the Lord will be reflected therein as a mirror.

- Sathya Sai Speaks,  Vol 5, Ch 16, 26-Mar-65 

"All good things have to be done the hard way.  Ease and Elevation cannot go together." - Baba