Tantra Kulārnava Retold

Food, sleep, fear and copulation are common to both humans and animals. But the human alone can acquire knowledge. Thus, one who is devoid of wisdom is an animal indeed. The one who is addicted to the pleasures of the world and yet boasts of the knowledge is fit to be shunned. Liberation cannot be achieved by merely smearing oneself with ashes and by performing the severe penances. What use is Vedas, Purānas and Āgamas if one doesn't know the true purpose of life? Wise ones keep disputing among themselves. They become bewildered with countless scriptures and idle talks. One should master the essence and then put the scriptures aside. The rituals and austerities are needed only until the real truth is completely realized.