Vedic books versus practices

Reading books about vedic practices without experiencing vedic states of awareness induced by practice is like reading books about music without ever hearing the mridangam or veena play. Most of Veda sutras deals with powers and states of consciousness that arise from the practice of traditional Veda Vijnãna classes, yet people today focus mainly on chanting of mantras (physical words) and never experience most of the practice. Then they go and teach about mantras to others, who also miss out on the deeper experiences which can be attained through the practice. To learn music, we seek out a teacher who is a virtuoso. To learn the practice of Veda, it is necessary to learn directly from an authentic master who has thorough experience of the practice. I bow to my Masters who have brought to life for me a little bit the teachings of the Rishis.