Japa has its own good effect

Sri Ramana Maharshi

These people want some japa, dhyana, or yoga or something similar. Without their saying what they have been doing so far what more can be said to them? Again, why japa, its phalasruti, etc.? Who is it that makes japa? Who gets the fruits thereof? Can they not look to the Self? Or again, even if instructed by others to do japa or dhyana, they do it for some time, but are always looking to some results, e.g., visions, dreams, or thaumaturgic powers. If they do not find them they say they are not progressing or the tapas is not effective. Visions etc. are no signs of progress. Mere performance of tapas is its progress also. Steadiness is what is required. Moreover they must entrust themselves to their mantra or their God and wait for its Grace. They don't do so. Japa even once uttered has its own good effect, whether the individual is aware or not.