An ounce of practice is better than a ton of precept

The almanac (calendar) might indicate that ten units of rain will fall, but even if the daily sheet on the calendar is folded ten times and squeezed, not a drop of rain can be extracted. The purpose of the calendar is not to give rain but only to give information about rain and its quantity; its pages do not contain the ten units of rain which is there only in the clouds above. So too, the scriptures (shastras) can only give information about doctrines, axioms, rules, regulations, and duties. The sublime characteristics of the Vedas, the Upanishads, and scriptures are that they give instruction in the methods of attaining peace and liberation. But they aren't saturated with these essences of bliss; one can't collect the essences by squeezing the texts. One has to discover the path, direction, and goal as described in them, and then tread the path, follow the direction, and reach the goal.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba