Sri Ramana Maharshi
Source: "Bhagavan Ramana: His Silent Upadesa," The Mountain Path, June 1999.
A. Bose, a Bengali industrialist, as recorded by S. S. Cohen, once tried to elicit a precise statement. He said, "I am convinced that a guru is necessary for the success of the aspirant's efforts. " Then he added with a quizzical smile, "Does Bhagavan feel for us?"
But Sri Bhagavan turned the tables on him, "Practice is necessary for you; Grace is always there." After a short silence he added, "You are neck deep in water and yet you cry out that you are thirsty."
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Source: Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
Talk 425
D: Is success not dependent on Guru's Grace?
M: Yes, it is. Is not your practice itself due to such Grace? The fruits are the result of the practice and follow it automatically. There is a stanza in Kaivalya which says, "O Guru! You have been always with me watching me through several reincarnations, and ordained my course until I was liberated." The Self manifests externally as Guru when occasion arises; otherwise He is always within, doing the needful.