The ladder must be as tall as the height to which you want to climb, is it not?  So too, your spiritual practice to curb the mind must be carried on step by step, until Realization is gained.  The rice in the pot must be well boiled and become soft and sweet.  Until then, the fire must burn.  In the vessel of 'body', with the water, that is to say the 'senses', boil the mind and make it soft.  The fire is Saadhana (Spiritual practice).  Keep it burning bright, this life will become Divine.

-Divine Discourse, Vol 4, Ch 19, May 17, 1965.

There is no austerity in this world higher than fortitude. - Baba