There are two avenues for one who desires to travel down the dharma road. Both roads must be traveled and (to strain the analogy) at the same time:

compassion. This is easy, for we only have to be alert to being compassionate to all living beings. It is a matter of being mindful and actually requires little effort.

Meditation. Ah, here is the hard one. Consistent, sustained, dedicated effort is required. This is avenue by which we acquire wisdom, and realize the truths, for ourselves, that the Buddha announced. This age is not conducive to meditation, with the constant distractions about us.