Why did Baba get angry with Deo for asking Balkram about his spiritual practices, and how did this lead to the instruction about reading?

Sai Baba became angry with B. V. Deo because Deo was making inquiries of others about spiritual matters instead of asking Baba directly. Chapter 41 explains that Baba did not like that Deo asked Balkram, "How do you do your worship? How do you meditate on Parahbrahman?" Baba's displeasure stemmed from the fact that He Himself was present and 'ready to give the answer to any question.' This act was seen as a lack of faith and a bypassing of the Guru. After severely scolding Deo for this behavior, which He likened to stealing a rag, Baba provided the proper path by ordering him to 'Go on reading the book regularly' and to explain it to others, thereby replacing indirect seeking with a direct, Guru-approved spiritual discipline.