What is a 'Parayan' and how does this practice help in spreading Sai Baba's message?

A Parayan, as mentioned in Chapter 0, is a devotional reading of a sacred text, sometimes conducted over a week (a Saptah). This practice is a form of service that a Sadguru accepts from his followers. For Sai Baba, this service is facilitated through his biography, the Shri Sai Satcharita. By having this work written, he accepted service from the author, and he continues to accept service from the congregation of devotees who study and perform Parayans of it. This collective devotional reading not only helps individual devotees achieve their life's purpose but also strengthens the community and propagates the Guru's teachings.