Should I read the Puranas?

The following were the answers provided by the author, based solely on the scriptures and the wisdom of the Mahātmās, to a fellow aspirant.

There are about 100-odd Purāṇas, of which 18 are considered the most important. [Note: In the foregoing "100-odd," Upa-Purāṇas and other, even smaller Purāṇas, which are in fact codicils to the main Purāṇas, are included.]

Of these 18, the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam is strongly recommended for people like us in the Kali Yuga. However, before beginning the Bhāgavatam on your own, you should first read the Bhagavad Gītā. Thereafter, you may gradually progress to the Bhāgavatam. 

Do not rush into these studies, lest you become overwhelmed and confused. My suggestion is to begin with Swami Sivananda's "Thought Power"—the book that can counter morbid and worrying thoughts—and then proceed to "The Powers of Prayer". Study (not merely read) them as if you were preparing for an important examination, and endeavour to put into practice at least 99.9% of what you have learnt. (Remember what Francis Bacon said about reading).

One should not juggle too many objectives. From my experience, the result of doing so is that one ends up mastering nothing. Focus on one thing at a time—alongside reading the aforementioned books, immerse yourself in bhajans, then gradually progress to japa, improving its quality rather than worrying about its quantity. Increase the number of rounds, undertake a tapas, master it, and read the scriptures (as I mentioned above) as though you were preparing for an important examination. Be regular in attending satsangs given by Mahatmas and practise what you have learnt from both books and satsangs.

If you have time amidst this schedule, broaden your knowledge in ways that facilitate your spiritual progress. If one attempts to bypass the stages of the spiritual path, one will inevitably face immense challenges.

Remember what Swami Sivananda has said:

"You will have to march on in the spiritual path step by step and stage by stage." (p. 45, Concentration & Meditation)