Question: Though I have spent many years meditating now, it was rather daunting to think of how many more years it would take me to reach the state of peace.

Babaji:

I understand your concern. However, it is necessary always in life to think positively so we keep ourselves inspired. I will tell you a small story. The legend has it that once a great divine sage, Narada, was going to the place where the Divine resided. He saw two tapaswins, two people who were doing tapas, sitting there. Their minds were not coming under control. Narada requested, “Is there anything I can do for you?”  They said, “You are going to the place where the Divine resides. Kindly ask God, ‘How much longer do I have to do the tapas?’”  Narada went, and after some time, he came back with an answer from God. He told the first one, “You will have to continue for another year or so.” That tapaswin became very depressed, “Oh God, I have been doing this for so long, but I have to still continue for another whole year.”  To the second one he said, “You may have to continue for as many years as the leaves that exist in this tree.” He jumped up with excitement. The other one said to him, “ I have to do only one year more and became so depressed, but you have to do so many years, as much as the number of leaves on the tree, it could take thousands of years, how can you get so excited?”  He replied, “I am happy because at least I am going to complete the tapas, that is guaranteed. That is why I became so happy and excited.”

That is the motivation you need to have. While I fully understand it is quite difficult for a householder performing other duties to devote so much time, however, it is good for you to devote as much time as you can. Gradually, one day, you will be able to take out more time when you retire or your responsibilities come to an end.  Another thing, my experience is, that you should pray to the Divine to give you such circumstances, such ability, so ultimately it is guaranteed, you feel always positive you can do it, one day.