What is Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s instruction to those who are fond of reading literature?
Do not remain confined simply by the discussion of literature. Rather, you should approach saintly persons and Vaisnavas and understand from them the distinction between sdadhana-bhakti, bhava-bhakti, and prema-bhakti. The science of Vaisnavism is not confined within books. The word nirgrantha defines the spiritual master and the Vaisnavas as beyond the books. Therefore the science of Vaisnavism is a mystery, because it has to be understood only from devotees. (Sajjana Tosani 6/2)
Sri Bhaktivinoda Vani from Sri Bhaktivinod Vani Vaibhav