Can you explain the metaphor of 'stealing a rag' versus receiving a 'golden-bordered shawl' in the context of spiritual learning as taught by Shri Sai?

The metaphor of the 'rag' and the 'shawl' is a powerful teaching from Shri Sai on the source of spiritual knowledge. As recounted in Chapter 41, the 'rag' represents secondhand, incomplete, or unauthorized knowledge sought from fellow practitioners. Baba considered Deo's inquiry to another devotee as "stealing a rag." In contrast, the "beautiful golden-bordered shawl [Shela]" symbolizes the profound, complete, and authoritative wisdom that the Guru is waiting to bestow directly upon the devotee. Baba's point was that seeking answers from others when the Guru is present is to choose a worthless scrap over a priceless treasure. His subsequent command to Deo to read the scriptures was the prescribed method for receiving this symbolic shawl of divine grace and knowledge.