Question – Gurudev, our scriptures are supposed to take us beyond the ‘What am I going to get’ type of thinking? Then why is it that in every scripture the Phalashruti (the benefit of the scripture) is so elaborately explained?
Gurudev Sri Sri – Just to tempt you to do them (Laughter) It is a marketing strategy. You know, there is a saying, ‘Without getting any benefit, nobody will do anything. A dull person will not do anything unless he thinks he is going to get something out of it. So the Rishis of the ancient days knew this and that is why they added the Phalashruti to tell you that by doing this, you will get so-and-so benefits. That is why it is called Apara. Apara Vidya is one in which you always attach some benefit to the practice. Subtler than that is Para-para, and ultimately there is Para Vidya where none of this matters at all. There is no means to attain Para Vidya.