Four aids -- the role of the guru and time, mental understanding and faith

The universe is the Infinite divine manifesting and progressively evolving in space and time. All growth and progress takes place in time and requires time, but the time required depends on the consciousness. Yoga abridges time by applying a higher consciousness to the process. The higher the consciousness, the shorter the time required for accomplishment. Three day prayer illustrates the power of higher consciousness to abridge the time required for any accomplishment. Consciousness is knowledge and will. The greater the knowledge and greater the aspiration, the shorter the time. Faith combines both knowledge and will -- it is a reflection in mind the soul's spiritual knowledge.  Faith is needed for accomplishment at any level, even the most mundane. The higher the instrument we place faith in, the greater its power. Understanding gives faith in mind. Social status gives faith in vital society. By faith we mean knowledge of spiritual truths and spiritual power which transcend the limits of mind and mental understanding. To know the limits of mind and rationality is spiritual knowledge. To use the mind as an instrument while being aware of its limits, it to apply spiritual knowledge to life.