Most devotees perform daily Parayana (reading of sacred scriptures). Is that good enough as a spiritual exercise? Bhagawan lovingly guides us, so we may correct our ways, if needed.
"People offer worship to the paper and the words of the Bhagavad Gita, but they do not drink the nectar of the bliss which results from the practice of its teachings. Everyone must realise the truth that all sacred texts like the Bible, the Quran, the Vedas and the Upanishads are meant for practice and not merely for doing parayana (devout reading).
These days you find Sai Satcharitra in the hands of most devotees. They say they are doing parayana every day. There is no greater foolishness than this. Is this book meant for only doing parayana? It is meant for practice! Put into practice what Shirdi Sai Baba taught in this book.
Here is a small example. A person was suffering from a severe cold and cough. When he approached a village doctor, he suggested to him to make a decoction of dry ginger, pepper and ginger and drink it. Then the patient started repeating to himself, “I should drink a decoction of dry ginger, pepper and ginger.” But he did not get any relief. How can he get any relief unless he prepares the decoction and drinks it?
Similarly, you are merely repeating what is contained in the sacred texts without putting them into practice. You will derive benefit only when you practice!
~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Discourse - August 31, 1996)
You may repeat many shlokas (verses) but your shoka (grief) will never be eradicated. Put into practice the essence of one of the verses you read. That is enough. - BABA
