Meditation...

This idea, or belief, that we must go somewhere, meet someone, read something,
to accomplish life's best fulfilment is the first and last mistake. In the end,
as in the beginning, we have nothing else to do except obey the ancient command
to LOOK WITHIN.

The truth needed for immediate and provisional use may be learned from books and
teachers but the truth of the ultimate revelation can be learned only from and
within oneself by meditation.
The purely intellectual approach to the Overself can never replace the
psychological experience of it. This latter is and must be supreme.

In the life and work of the philosophical aspirant, meditation takes an
important place. There are several different ways and traditions in such work,
so that the aspirant may find what suits him. Although sometimes it is better
for him to discipline himself and practise with a way to which he is not
attracted--that is only sometimes. Generally, it is easier to learn the art of
meditation if we take the way that appeals to us individually. Meditation is,
however, and should be, only part of the program. The importance given to it can
be exaggerated. The work on oneself, on one's character and tendencies, is also
important. The study of the teachings is equally important. And so, out of all
these approaches, there comes a ripening, a broad maturity which prepares the
aspirant for recognition and full reception of the grace--should it come.

In most cases, students must be reminded of the importance of practising
meditation daily and not just occasionally. Lack of time or energy are no longer
acceptable excuses: time can be made for other things easily enough, so let it
be made for meditation, too; and laziness or inertia can be overcome by simply
applying determination and a little self-discipline. The student who
deliberately sticks to his task, and persists through the initial irksomeness of
this practice, will find that the eventual results justify all inconveniences.
Meditation is essential in order to develop sensitivity and intuition, which
play important roles on this Quest.

Notebooks of Paul Brunton-Importance of meditation.