It is not enough to have blind faith in spiritual ideals, based on the testimony of the scriptures or spiritual teachers. We must realize these truths for ourselves, in our own life and consciousness. As the Buddha was fond of sayings, the spiritual teacher only points the way; we must do our own traveling. The personal example of others may plant the seed in our hearts, inspiring us to meditate, but faith can develop fully only when we begin to reap the benefits of meditation in our own lives. ~

Eknath Easwaran