The Role of Guru in Spiritual Journey

In the oft repeated question at the Ramana Maharshi Ashram - Why do I not get Guru's (your) grace despite spending years over here?

The sage would always reply "Guru's grace is always available; it depends on the maturity of the seeker to avail of this grace".

He is suggesting that the seeker's have to do earnest and intense Sadhana (Practice) to raise up to the level where they can perceive the abundant grace of the Guru. He continues:

"The look of the Guru has a purifying effect. Purification cannot be visualized. Just as a piece of coal takes long to be ignited, a piece of charcoal takes a short time, and a mass of gunpowder is instantaneously ignited, so it is with grades of men coming in contact with Sages."

So it is one's effort that brings them in direct contact of the Guru's grace; a non-evolved mind is not equipped with the necessary intuition to grasp Guru's grace!