It is the urge, the hidden motive that matters, not the shape it takes.

 

Nisargadatta Maharaj

from ("I am That"):

Nisargadatta Maharaj: If you want words, I shall give you some of the ancient words of power. Repeat any of them ceaselessly; they can work wonders.

Question: Are you serious? Would you tell a Westerner to repeat 'Om' or 'Ram' or 'Hare Krishna' ceaselessly, though he lacks completely the faith and conviction born of the right cultural and religious background? Without confidence and fervor, repeating mechanically the same sounds, will he ever achieve anything?

Maharaj: Why not? It is the urge, the hidden motive that matters, not the shape it takes. Whatever he does, if he does it for the sake of finding his own real self, will surely bring him to himself.

Question: No need of faith in the efficacy of the means?

Maharaj: No need of faith, which is but expectation of results. Here the action only counts. Whatever you do for the sake of truth, will take you to truth. Only be earnest and honest. The shape it takes hardly matters.

Question: Then where is the need of giving expression to one's longing?

Maharaj: No need. Doing nothing is as good. Mere longing, undiluted by thought and action, pure, concentrated longing, will take you speedily to your goal. It is the true motive that matters, not the manner.

Question: Unbelievable! How can dull repetition in boredom verging on despair, be effective?

Maharaj: The very facts of repetition, of struggling on and on and of endurance and perseverance, in spite of boredom and despair and complete lack of conviction are really crucial. They are not important by themselves, but the sincerity behind them is all-important. There must be a push from within and pull from without.