Reading holy books can indeed provide one with many valuable teachings and insights, but merely going through these texts does not equate to a genuine spiritual or religious experience. The words within such books serve as guidance, offering wisdom that can be transformative if acted upon. However, simply reading them without applying their principles in daily life leaves little impact on one's personal spirituality.
The deeper meaning of this statement is about the importance of action and practice over passive consumption. To truly internalize religious or spiritual teachings, one must engage actively with these principles through living examples and continuous reflection. Understanding comes from experiencing, not just reading. Moreover, it highlights that true faith requires a transformative journey where one integrates wisdom into daily actions and decisions rather than merely accumulating knowledge.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the man behind this insightful quote, was a 19th-century Indian mystic and saint known for his spiritual teachings and practices. He is widely recognized for his contributions to Hindu philosophy and for bridging different religious traditions through his understanding of universal truths. His teachings often emphasized direct experience over dogma or ritualistic practices alone.