Spiritual striving (sadhana) will reveal the true identity of the Omnipresent Divine Self. But be careful; Sadhana can foster even pride and envy as a byproduct of progress. You calculate how much or how long you have done Sadhana and are tempted to look down on another, whose record is less. You are proud that you have recited or written the name of Lord ten million times; you talk about it whenever you get the chance so that others may admire your faith and fortitude. But it is not the millions that count; what matters is the purity of mind that results from genuine concentration on the Name. Your Sadhana must not be like carrying water in a cane basket! You get no water however often or long you walk. Each vice is a hole in the cane basket. Keep the heart pure and whole. You must also carefully cleanse from your heart malice, greed, hate and anger.

– Divine Discourse, Jan 13, 1969.