As per the scriptures, the three "Ashrams" or stages in life were originally intended for three grades of intelligence.+

The 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 apara inferior) 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 the 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 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 depend solely on the soulcentric reasoning for their path.

The one who realizes the 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 single clay and that clay is consciousness. 

Thus, consciousness is the only reality hidden within the domain of form, time, and space. The 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