What is the Purpose of Studying Scriptures?

INQUIRER:

What is the purpose of studying scriptures? Ultimately, what changes or benefits should I expect in my life from this study? I am unsure and would like to understand the main purpose of scriptures.

RESPONSE:

Every person is born with the mistaken notion that “I am a small, limited being.”  This fundamental error leads to a life of constant striving, as we inherently seek to overcome our perceived limitations. In traditional Vedanta, human pursuits (Puruṣārthas) are categorized into four primary goals:

1. Dharma: Seeking to become a better person, following ethical and moral principles.
2. Artha: Striving for wealth, success, and material possessions.
3. Kama: Pursuing sensory pleasures and fulfilling desires.
4. Moksha: Seeking liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

While the first three pursuits (Dharma, Artha, and Kama) are essential for a balanced life — they do not address the root cause of our existential dissatisfaction. We continuously seek more friends, higher positions, better health, greater recognition, and larger families, thinking these will make us complete. However, the ultimate goal, Mokṣa, is often overlooked.

The Cycle of Samsara

Engaging in the endless cycle of becoming and acquiring is what keeps us in Samsara—the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth — which is made up of both joys and sorrows. The cost of staying in Samsara is high:

1. Emotional Turmoil: Constant striving leads to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. In fact, if you analyze your experience – for every one minute of joy, peace and connection – how many days, months or years of stress, dissatisfaction and hard-work went into it? It's actually a mediocre return on investment.
2. Rebirths: Unresolved desires and attachments lead to repeated births and deaths.
3. Ignorance: A fundamental lack of understanding of one's true nature perpetuates the cycle.

The Role of Scriptures

Scriptures serve as a mirror, reflecting our true nature beyond the physical body and mind. Just as computer books teach us about networks and medical books about the human body, scriptures like the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita reveal the nature of the self (Ātman) and its identity with Brahman, the limitless reality which lacks nothing and is everything.

The Benefits of Understanding One's Nature

1. Freedom from the fear of death:
   When you recognize your true nature as the eternal, imperishable Brahman, you understand that death is merely the end of the physical body and not the end of your existence. This realization liberates you from the deep-rooted fear of death that often drives people to cling to worldly possessions and relationships. You begin to see that your essential nature is untouched by birth and death, and this understanding allows you to live with courage, equanimity, and a sense of inner freedom.

2. Liberation from the sense of limitation and inadequacy:
   As you discover your inherent completeness and perfection, you break free from the constant sense of limitation and inadequacy that plagues the human mind. You realize that the feelings of lack, insecurity, and unworthiness stem from identifying with the temporary body-mind complex rather than your true Self. By recognizing your true nature as Brahman, you experience a profound sense of wholeness and self-acceptance. This liberation frees you from the compulsive need to prove yourself or seek validation from others, allowing you to live with authenticity and self-confidence.

3. Unconditional happiness and peace:
   When you understand your true nature, you tap into a source of unconditional happiness and peace that is independent of external circumstances. You recognize that the fleeting joys and sorrows of life are like ripples on the surface of the ocean, while your true Self remains unaffected in its depths. This understanding enables you to maintain a stable sense of inner contentment, even amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life. You no longer depend on external objects or experiences for happiness, as you discover an unshakable peace within yourself.

4. A life guided by wisdom, compassion, and selflessness:
   As you realize the oneness in all beings, your perspective on life undergoes a profound transformation. You begin to see that the apparent divisions between individuals are superficial, and that at the core, all beings share the same essential nature. This understanding naturally gives rise to wisdom, compassion, and selflessness in your thoughts, words, and actions. You become more sensitive to the suffering of others and are motivated to help alleviate it. Your life becomes guided by the principles of dharma, as you strive to uplift others and contribute to the well-being of all. You find joy in serving others, knowing that in serving them, you are serving the divine essence within them and within yourself.

The Importance of a Teacher

Studying scriptures alone can lead to misinterpretations. Scriptures often have deeper, implied meanings (Lakṣyārtha) that a qualified teacher (Guru) can reveal. In Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita, this knowledge is called “The greatest secret” because it can easily be misunderstood if read literally (Vācyārtha).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the primary purpose of studying scriptures is to discover your true nature as the eternal, limitless Brahman and to break free from the cycle of samsara. By dedicating oneself to this pursuit under the guidance of a qualified teacher, one can attain the highest goal of human existence: Moksha, the realization of one's true Self.