Manduka Upanishad has no assumptions whatever. It is an honest and bold inquiry into truth. It rises above scripture.+

Manduka Upanishad has no assumptions whatever. It is an honest and bold inquiry into truth. It rises above scripture.

Some scriptures have presented fragments of truth imbedded in the covering of stories, histories, and picturesque touches of mysticism.

The seeker should not mix religion, mysticism, and yoga with the path of wisdom. All the Gurus of the east and west touch on mysticism to make it more attractive to feed the crowd.

Seeker of truth has to deal with the ultimate truth, not mere words, not this Guru's or that Guru's All the interpretation of different scriptural scholars is an arena of conflicting interpretations.

All the gurus of the east and west interpreting Advaita from a dualistic standpoint or orthodox point of view and they are still dealing with words, not truth.  It proves that they have not understood the Advaitic wisdom of Sage Sankara.  

Katha Upanishad 1:2:23 The Soul cannot be realized through hearing a scholarly explanation of the discourses, not even by the intellect

Sage Goudpada: ~ To establish the truth of Non-duality by sheer reasoning alone. He begins by defining "What is real?" "What is unreal?" etc, because that is the right way to discuss or teach. People must first know what they are talking about. (Manduka Karika)

 All the sculptures are a mental fabrication. There has never been a single doctrine by which one could enter the true essence of things.

Sage Sankara clearly says:~ Neither studying philosophy nor bu mastering scriptures liberation comes without realizing the Oneness.

It is impossible to find and realize the truth via religion and scriptural study.

Remember:~

Katha Upanishad: ~ This Atman cannot be attained by the study of the Vedas, or by intelligence, or by much hearing of sacred books. It is attained by him alone whom It chooses. To such a one Atman reveals Its own form. (Ch-II -23-P-20)

Mundaka Upanishad: ~ This Atman cannot be attained through study of the Vedas, nor through intelligence, nor through much learning. He who chooses Atman—by him alone is Atman attained. It is Atman that reveals to the seeker Its true nature. (3 –page-70  Upanishads by Nikilanada)

When the Upanishad says the human goal is to acquire Self-Knowledge and they indicate the personal Gods, scriptures, worship, and rituals are not the means to Self –Knowledge, then why anyone should indulge in it. The religion, concept of individualized God, belief in physical Guru scriptures are the greatest obstacles to realize non-dual truth or Self-realization because they are based on false Self.  The seeker of truth has to search for the ultimate truth without losing himself in the labyrinths of philosophy, through deeper Self-search and assimilate and realize it.

That is why Sage Sankara, indicated in Bhaja Govindam says: ~ (Jnana Viheena Sarva Mathena Bajathi na Muktim janma Shatena) - One without knowledge does not obtain liberation even in a hundred births, no matter which religious faith he follows.

Then it is no use going roundabout way, trace the Brahman which is the formless substance and witness of the universe, which is in the form of mind.  By tracing the source of the mind or universe one will be able to realize the Brahman or God in truth.

Thus, Self-knowledge is meant only for those who have intense urge, and courage to accept the truth with humility and reject the untruth. Since people start comparing with their scriptural knowledge, it becomes impossible to assimilate and realize the non-dual truth.   Therefore, there is no need to convince anyone other than our own selves to get the firm conviction. 

So they clearly indicate rituals and theories are not meant for those who are searching for higher knowledge or wisdom.   The path of wisdom is the only means.  : ~Santthosh Kumaar