Signs of Spiritual Progress by Swami Sivananda

Conceit, fretfulness and ill-temper are not the signs of spiritual advancement. It is not to be filled with anxiety for the future either. As you walk on the Path, you develop broad and noble qualities. Pettiness and brooding are foreign to the illumined nature of the aspirant. If people shrink away from the aspirant, who presumes to be advanced on the path, who thinks big of himself, who looks down in contempt on others, you may depend upon it (that) he is far, far away from the goal. (Source: Not cited)

"...morality is the basis of spiritual life...Practice of morality leads to purity of hearty, and attainment of Self-realisation. Without morality, you will become a spiritual bankrupt.

"Without ethical perfection, there is no spiritual progress. Without spiritual progress, there is no emancipation. Ethical perfection comes through the practice of Yama and Niyama. Asanas and Pranayama form the second stage. Concentration and meditation form the third stage. Samadhi is the summum bonum. Thus, the human soul aspiring after perfection goes from stage to stage and finally merges itself in the blissful glory of the highest union. Aim, therefore, at moral perfection. Spiritual success is half achieved through strong moral foundation.

"Always bear in mind that the primary condition of success in the spiritual life is an earnest longing for purity. So, be sincere and very earnest in your Sadhana and strive for purification and sound ethical culture." (pg. 116, Ethical Perfection)

"Right from the very beginning of your spiritual life, you must understand clearly that in true humility, sincere desire to root out  gradually pride, egoism and jealousy earnest and unceasing introspection to find out one's own defects and improve oneself, lies your hope of progress. Witout this, all sorts of Sadhana become a delusion and a waste." (pg. 98, Ethical Perfection)