There are a number of realised Masters who have not studied the scriptures. Many scholars got answers to scholastic questions regarding the scriptures from Sri Ramana Maharishi, who himself had not studied the scriptures. Pundits have written learned commentaries on simple compositions of great saints like Surdasaji and Kabirdasji, who themselves had no formal education. Then why should we read the scriptures?

Highly evolved souls like Ramana Maharishi could have studied the scriptures in a previous birth, the essence of which was carried by them into the next life and which led them to the Truth (Bhagavad Gita 6:44).

However, mere scholarly study, intellectual discussions, writing commentaries or collecting information about the scriptures cannot lead us to the realisation of the Truth. Nor can extrovert mind understand the subtle essence of the scriptures.

‘The purpose of scriptural studies is to realise the truth. If that is attained, the study is fruitful, if not, it is in vain. (Vivekachudamani 59)

Sri Adi Sankaracarya urges us to study the scriptures daily (vedo nityam adhiyatam – Sadhana Panchakam 1) and in the Taittiriya Upanisad in his convocation address to the students the Guru advises them never to be inadvertent in the study and the propogation of the scriptures( svadhyaya pravanabhyam na pramaditavyam).

Thus, the scriptures are the means to self-Knowledge. However, once the goal is reached, the means having served their purpose are not required. Then, we are directed to leave the scriptures as one would discard the husk of grains. ( Amritabindu Upanisad 18). But till the shore is reached where is the question of abandoning the boat?

However, the realised Master is always grateful to the Guru who taught him the scriptures. He knows that his infinite gain would have been impossible without the Guru and the scriptures, and therefore he shows great reverence towards them. He truly appreciates the importance of the scriptures and therefore he teaches the divine knowledge enshrined in them to all those who seek it. He may even listen to discourses by other great men on the scriptures or himself read them just to revel in the Truth.