In plain words
Now and then you must give slip tests in the class itself. Besides this, all the teachers of that class must come together and hold something called a ‘viva’ there once a week. After that you must look into how their notes and preparation are going, and what they are. You must hold quiz contests. And you must give homework. If you go on training them in all such ways, so that their time is not wasted, how far the students will come on! Today this home assignment is not given at all. The hostel boys are the college boys; the college boys are the hostel boys. If the warden in the hostel and the officers in the college watch over them well and are an example to them, there is no chance at all of the students going astray. No one gives them the zeal and encouragement they need. That is why the students' spirit sinks lower day by day. When the students cannot understand some subjects at all, the poor things write letters to me. I keep telling them, “Ask your professors and get your doubts cleared.” Everyone comes here saying, “We are devotees, devotees.” “Swami! We have come only for You,” the students say, and the teachers say it too. This is only a stunt; no one has come for me. You have come for yourselves. Every student keeps saying, ‘I have come for you, I have come for you.’ It is no use learning words in this way.
What is the fruit of singing songs? What is the glory of learning fine words? Walk straight on Sai's path, and you will find bundles of happiness, you will find bundles of happiness here and hereafter.
Words, words: in these words, in these writings, they appear to stand very high. But look along the path of the heart, and all is darkness!