You tell Me that you have read the Bhagavatha Vahini and all other. Vahinis that I have written for you. Good. But, let Me ask you, have you put at least a single direction given in them into daily practice? Question yourself calmly and decide, to benefit by practicing the processes mentioned in them. This is the proper plan of study - reading, reflection and regular application in life. Study is WORK. Inquiry into the value and applicability of what is studied is WORSHIP; the experience of the validity and value of the practice is WISDOM.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 27/Ch. 33, Dec. 25, 1994.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba emphasizes on the purpose of a study circle as shown below.
Baba says “It is not just reading books. Circle, study circle means taking a point and each person discussing what is the meaning of the point to them—like a round table conference. Each person gives his point of view, and finally values are derived from this. If there is just reading, there is doubt, but if each one gives his view, doubts will be answered. The topic is viewed; the study circle looks at different facets. It is like a diamond with its different facets, but there is one facet that is flat, the top facet, and from this all can be viewed. To discover the top facet is the task [purpose] of study circle.”
The study circle carries many benefits to participants. The primary benefit is the acquisition of Self-knowledge. The perspectives shared by all the members along with the practice of the values result in a deeper understanding of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba tells us, “Not information, but transformation, not instruction but construction should be the aim. Theoretical knowledge is a burden, unless it is practiced, when it can be lightened into wisdom and assimilated into daily life".