The true end of learning
Sacred books only point out the way to God. Once you have known the way, what is the use of books? Then comes the time for the culture of the soul in solitary communion with God.
A person received a letter from his village-home, asking him to send certain things to his kinsmen.
When he was going to order for them, he wanted to ascertain from the letter the articles requisitioned. So, he searched for the letter, which was then missing. At last, to his great delight, it was found out after a long search.
He took it up eagerly, and went through the contents, which ran as follows: 'Please send five kilos of sweetmeats, a hundred oranges and eight pieces of cloth.' Knowing the contents, he threw the letter aside and set about procuring the articles.
Similarly, the sacred books tell us only the way to God, that is, of the means for the realisation of God. That being once known, the next step is to work one's way to the goal. Realisation is the goal.
Many people think that knowledge of God cannot be attained except through books.
But higher than reading is hearing, and even higher than hearing is seeing or realising. The hearing of the truth from the preceptor makes a greater impression than the reading, but seeing makes the greatest impression.
Better than reading about Benares is hearing about the place from one who has actually visited it, but the best is to see Benares with one's own eyes.
