This quote succinctly captures a profound truth about the nature of religion and spirituality. It highlights the distinction between sacred texts and the lived experience of religion. While the Bible, Quran, and Veda are foundational scriptures for Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism respectively, they alone cannot impart the essence of religion. Religion is more than reading or reciting texts; it is about understanding, internalizing, and living according to spiritual principles.

Sacred texts can guide, inspire, and provide a structure for belief systems, but true religion arises from a deeper connection—a personal journey toward meaning, purpose, and ethical behavior. Religion involves faith, practice, devotion, and a sense of community, which cannot simply be transferred through written words alone. In other words, the texts are tools or vehicles for conveying religious wisdom, but they are not the living, breathing experience of religion itself.

Additionally, the quote may be seen as a critique of dogmatism and superficial religiosity. It challenges the tendency to reduce religion to mere scriptural literacy or ritualistic observance without genuine understanding or commitment. True religion requires active engagement and transformation of the individual's heart and mind.

Ultimately, this quote urges us to look beyond texts as mere possessions or artifacts and focus on the living essence of spirituality. It is a powerful reminder that religion is a personal, dynamic interplay between the individual and the divine, cultivated through sincerity, practice, and reflection rather than passive consumption of scripture.

—Abhijit Naskar—