Egocentric inferior knowledge based on religion is not the means to Self -Knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.+

Sage Goudpada: ~ To establish the truth of Non-duality by sheer reasoning alone. He begins by defining "What is real?" "What is unreal?" etc, because that is the right way to understand and assimilate.  (Manduka Karika)

Manduka Upanishad has no assumptions whatsoever. It is an honest and bold inquiry into truth. It rises above scripture.

Manduka Upanishad:~ Reality and illusion together make Brahman: nothing can be left out.

Manduka Upanishad:~ Reality and illusion together make Brahman: nothing can be left out.

 Manduka Upanishad:~ Only a few will be able to understand and assimilate it 

Manduka Upanishad is not meant for all, as it is based entirely on reasoning.

Remember:~ 

Egocentric, inferior knowledge based on religion is not the means to Self-Knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana.  

Scriptural Revelation is, therefore, absolutely necessary for this hypothesis of cosmology, this Saguna or inferior knowledge. Brahman, but not for the absolute truth of Nirguna Brahman.  

The Sruti itself says:- "This Atma is not to be attained by a study of the Vedas. It means that Self-knowledge is beyond the Vedas. Therefore, there is a need to drop all the scriptural baggage and reach the non-dual destination mentally using Soulcentric reasoning.  

As per the scriptures, the three "Ashrams" or stages in life were originally intended for three grades of intelligence, thus:-  

V Religion:- low intellects had to do 'karmas' works, ritual actions, chanting of mantras and indulging in bhajans and prayers, etc.  

V Middle intellects:- Yoga: taking yellow robes, going to the mountains and pilgrimages, ashrams, etc., sticking to Gurus and Godmen, worshipping them as real Gods.  

V High intellects:- wisdom who wanted the truth is concerned with no external rites or sanyasa but depends solely on the soulcentric reasoning for their path.  

The one who realizes the invisible Soul as the Self becomes one with the immortal Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness.  

When there is no ignorance, there is form, time, and space. Without form, time, and space, the universe ceases to exist. Without the universe, there is no individual experience of birth, life, and death.   

Thus, it is necessary to realize that form, time, and space are created out of a single clay and that clay is consciousness.  

Thus, consciousness is the only reality hidden within the domain of form, time, and space. The invisible Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness, is the ultimate truth, or Brahman or God in truth.  

Those who want higher wisdom follow the Atmic path. The rest have to choose any path that satisfies them. : ~ Santthosh Kumaar