Acharya Prashant addresses the idea that one can attain knowledge without reading scriptures, similar to the ancient sages. He acknowledges that it has become a trend for many modern gurus and writers to claim they can impart knowledge without having read any spiritual texts. He agrees that it is possible to give life lessons without reading scriptures, and there is no compulsion to do so. However, he points out a crucial distinction and a form of hypocrisy. He uses analogies: would a Christian accept teachings on Christianity from someone who has never read the Bible? Would a Muslim listen to someone on Islam who hasn't read the Quran? Similarly, would a Sikh or a Jain accept guidance on their faith from someone who dismisses their core scriptures like the Guru Granth Sahib or the Agam Shastras? The answer is no. He argues that those who claim to give knowledge related to Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism while rejecting its foundational texts like the Gita and Upanishads are being dishonest. He challenges them to be brave and admit they are starting their own new religion or personal cult, rather than using the name of Hindu Dharma. He observes that these same gurus use the symbols, vocabulary, and concepts of Hinduism—like Yoga, Shiva, and the Panchakoshas (five sheaths)—which they could only have learned from the very scriptures they dismiss. He questions how they can talk about the stages of Yoga or the five sheaths if they claim to have never read any religious scripture. Acharya Prashant calls this a "dirty game" and a "conspiracy." He states that these gurus fear that if their followers read the original scriptures, their own teachings, which often contradict the scriptures, would be exposed, and their "shops" would shut down. Their aim is to sever Hindus from their own religious texts. He warns that any community that becomes disconnected from its foundational scriptures and follows such intermediaries has no future, as it leads to a state where there are "as many mouths, as many talks." He clarifies that the issue is not with having a living experience over bookish knowledge, a common argument used by these gurus. He points out the hypocrisy in quoting Kabir Saheb's verse against "pothi" (books) when that very verse is known from Kabir's "pothi." The goal is to read the scripture and then transcend it, not to avoid it altogether. He refutes the idea that figures like J. Krishnamurti or Ramana Maharshi were unread, explaining that they were, in fact, deeply learned in spiritual literature. He concludes by warning that this trend of creating new cults while feigning allegiance to Hinduism is a dangerous and unfortunate development that must be recognized and countered.