If I want to attain knowledge, why should I serve saints instead of just studying scriptures on my own?

The preface of the Shri Sai Satcharita strongly advocates for the path of serving a Guru to attain knowledge, grounding this principle in ancient Vedic scriptures. Quoting the revered Samarth Sadguru Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Chapter 0 explains that service is the very doorway to the treasure of knowledge. The verses cited advise that one must serve the saints with their entire being—body, mind, and soul—and surrender at their feet without ego. It is through this selfless service that the Guru becomes pleased and imparts the knowledge that enlightens the heart and ensures that doubts will not arise. This suggests that knowledge gained through service is more profound than what might be attained through solitary study.