There is no need for any theory or philosophy or scriptures to acquire Self-knowledge. Only a perfect understanding of ‘what is what’ is needed.+

Advaita is not a theory or a philosophy. Advaita is the nondual nature of the Soul the Self. There is no need for any theory or philosophy or scriptures to acquire Self-knowledge. Only a perfect understanding of ‘what is what’ is needed.

There is no need for any Guru to acquire Self-knowledge. Only a perfect understanding of ‘what is what’ is needed.

Why should the seeker depend upon the Guru, the actual realization happens without a Guru. The Guru becomes a botheration.

You need not become a Guru or a monk to acquire Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.

You have not to renounce the world or to leave anything ~ your wife, children, job, responsibilities.

You do not have to renounce anything! The only thing you have to realize is the truth, which is hidden by the illusory form, time, and space by realizing the form, time, and space are the product of ignorance.

When ignorance vanishes, the unreality of the form, time, and space is exposed.

Upanishad's say:~ "He who thinks he knows, does not know." This means that to know anything implies a second, an object of knowledge, hence duality, i.e. no Gnana.

Tripura Rahasya: ~ Second-hand knowledge of the Self-gathered from books or Gurus can never emancipate a man until its truth is rightly investigated and applied; only direct realization will do that. Realize yourself, turning the mind inward. (18: 89)

Bhagvan Buddha: ~ Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.

Bhagavan Buddha said:-

Do not believe spiritual teaching just because:~

1. It is repeatedly recited,

2. It is written in scripture,

3. It was handed from guru to disciple,

4. Everyone around you believes it,

5. It has supernatural qualities,

6. It fits my beliefs anyway,

7. It sounds rational to me,

8. It is taught by a respectable person,

9. It was said to be the truth by the teacher,

10. One must defend it or fight for it.

However, only when it agrees with your experience and reason, and when it is conducive to the good and gain of oneself and all others, then one should accept the teachings, and live up to them."....Buddha.

The Upanishads clearly indicate, studying scriptures is not necessary.  

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

Mundaka Upanishad:~This Atman cannot be attained through the study of the Vedas, through intelligence, or through much learning. He who chooses Atman—by him alone is Ataman attained. It is Atman that reveals to the seeker Its true nature. (3 –page-70 Mundaka Upanishad ~Upanishads by Nikilanada)

It is not necessary to study the Vedas Bhagavad Gita, Dasoponishad, and Brahma Sutra all with commentaries.

All this intellectual wealth is useful in explaining doubts and difficulties if others rise them if you yourself encounter them in the course of inquiry. But to attain realization, all these are not necessary.

Self-Knowledge cannot be attained by the study of the Vedas and intellectual understanding or by bookish knowledge. Therefore, there is no use in studying the Vedas and other scriptures in order to acquire non-dual wisdom. That is why Buddha rejected the scriptures, and even Sage Sankara indicated that the ultimate truth lies beyond religion, the concept of a personal god, and the scriptures. 

Ashtavakra:~There is no wisdom whatsoever in the scriptures-just a collection of words.

I only highlighted scriptural insights which point to the ultimate reality. what is not helpful in the pursuit of truth has to be discarded. 

 

The seeker should not bother about finding the meaning of what is written in the scriptures.

Do not indulge in arguing from your own standpoint holding your accumulated knowledge as a yardstick that is pointless. 

Instead, read, reason, and reflect on the subject, which is the Advaitic wisdom of Sage Sankara to get rid of ignorance. 

It takes time for the Soul, the Self to wake up from the sleep of ignorance. It takes time for one realizes the 'Self' hidden by ignorance.

The inner 'Self' reveals ‘what is real’ and ‘what is unreal” when the seeker is receptive and ready.

When you enthrone the Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness in your subconscious then you will realize the world in which you exist is merely an illusory play of consciousness.

Slowly but surely you must imbibe the truth, which is beyond the form, time, and space by realizing the form, time and space are one in essence.

Consciousness is ‘One’, and all divisions of form, time, and space are illusory. Be established in this Advaitic Truth, which is eternal. : ~Santthosh Kumaar