8 August 2014 - QA 3

Can one be free from this world by reading scriptures? Or should one stop reading for salvation?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

When you know then why do you ask? (Referring to the teachings of Saint Kabir Das). 'Pothi Pothi Padh Padh Kar Jag Mua, Pandit Bhayo Na Koye Dhai Aakhar Prem Ke, Padhe so Pandit Hoye'. (Meaning: Reading books everyone died, none became any wise One who reads the word of Love, only becomes wise)
You have already read about this and have understood it. But at the same time, instead of playing cards it is better that you read something. By reading knowledge the intellect becomes pure, but nothing happens by playing cards. You only waste precious time.
Lately in India, in the villages, the youth have started playing cards. They sit under a tree and play. Instead of playing cards, discuss some knowledge.

There is a saying in Sanskrit, 'Kavya Shastra Vinodena Kalo Gacchati Dheematam'.
It means, an intelligent person spends his time in knowledge, music, literature, science, and in bringing people together. But the foolish always enjoy spending their time indulging in addictions (vyasanam), altercations and fights.
Are you seeing the state of our country today? Earlier people used to sit under the tree and discuss the shastras (scriptures), but nowadays they play cards or drink alcohol.

Our ancestors never said that one must be only serious all the time and discuss the shastras, no! Be joyful and humorous, smile and make others smile; don’t get addicted to anything and make others also get addicted. Playing cards is a sort of addiction. Instead spend your time in being joyful; dance, sing, play, write something creative.
Spending time on gossiping about somebody, talking ill behind people's backs - all this is a signs of foolishness.