Realization is the goal...

"Books -- sacred scriptures -- all point the way to God.

Once you know the way, what is the use of books?

The hour comes for the culture of the soul in solitary communion with God....

The sacred books only tell us of the way leading to God, i.e., of the means for the realization of God.

The way being once known, the next step is to work one's way to the goal.

Realization is the goal."


Sri Ramakrishna
Teachings of Ramakrishna
Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama, 1997, pp. 170-171