Does Chapter 26 differentiate between simply reading spiritual texts and actually experiencing the truth?

Yes, Chapter 26 makes a very clear distinction between intellectual knowledge and direct experience. The author explicitly prays to Sai Samarth, "make this knowledge meaningful through experience; without experience, the exhaustion of speech achieves nothing in spirituality." This highlights the belief that merely talking about or understanding spiritual concepts is insufficient. The chapter underscores the importance of the Guru's role in this process, as the devotee asks Baba to use His power to grant a personal experience of this knowledge and the gift of the "natural state of union (Sayujya)" through His grace.