What was the nature of Maharaj's teachings, especially if he didn't give formal discourses on scriptures?

Maharaj's method of teaching was primarily ethical rather than academic. As Chapter 0 explains, he did not openly lecture on profound Vedanta subjects or give discourses on the Upanishads. His approach followed the Sadguru's scriptural practice of first purifying the disciple's ground before sowing the seed of knowledge. Therefore, his verbal advice consisted of general ethical principles. However, the text emphasizes that the advice received from Maharaj in the form of direct experience was infinitely more valuable, and this is what brought the highest benefit to devotees who approached him with faith.