This is what Rabbi Chaim Vital taught us in the name of his rebbe, the Arizal: In later generations it will be far easier to attain lofty madreigos, the likes of which previous generations needed to toil mightily to attain. We are in this “later generation.” There are a number of reasons for this. One reason is that each generation opens more conduits for the shefah, and by now, all the conduits are already open.
In our generation, we see this with clarity. We see that HaKadosh Baruch Hu has instilled in us herculean kochos. He gave us the talmidei Ba’al Shem Tov, who have illuminated and paved the way in order that we are enabled to go forward with ease. We don’t need to break new barriers and to innovate new ways; it has all been prepared for us by the tzaddikim of the previous generation, and of our generation, who have guided us. We need only follow the path that they have forged.
In addition to this, given the extreme darkness of our generation, anyone who strengthens himself receives a double reward, and he is assisted from all sides. HaKadosh Baruch Hu is sitting and waiting for anyone who wishes to come close. Thus, we tell a person: Become a בא ליטהר, daven for your ruchniyus success, do teshuvah, and ask for siyatta diShmaya. It works.
