Sanskuta Devabhasha Prakruta Lokikbhasha - Shatanand explains that Sanskrit is the language of the Gods and Prakrit is the language of man. Prakrit should be understood as Gujarati, Hindi, English etc. Study of Shastras in these texts should be readily performed daily. Why? - Tasyauvo Dharma Adharmaswarupagnaanmulatvaditi Bhavaha - one understands Dharma and Adharma through the study of such Shastras.
Padma Purana explains: Pashutulyo Naro Gneyaha Schastrabhyasanam Vina - ‘Those without the knowledge and study of Shastras are mere animals.’ Vidurji has explained, ‘Those who have no knowledge are forever deluded in the vortex of material objects.’
Study of Shastras destroys ignorance and uncertainty. There are many people who lack the relevant knowledge and so they are sometimes pulled into falsity through cults that teach contrary to Vedic teachings.
Knowledge is wealth, without which we are lost. The great teachings of Rishis passed down from generation to generation is still relevant today. I personally have found great peace by finding answers to questions by studying our Shastras. It goes without saying that the study of our Shastras is very important - this is more so for our younger generation who will undoubtedly go astray if they are not equipped with suitable knowledge.
Many say that Shastras are too difficult to understand or are outdated. This is utter nonsense. Nearly all of us are educated to a sufficient higher level and therefore we all have the capability and capacity to understand such knowledge. Sure, it may be difficult to grasp at first but by reading and re-reading, there is no doubt that we can all understand the principles.
One can delve as deep as they like and so it is not necessary to have full Vedantic knowledge. However all should have a grasp of the basic fundamental principals of Hinduism and our Sampradai. Simple knowledge about the various Gods and their representations, duties, scriptures etc. are a must. Through Knowledge (Gnaan), one is able to secure Dharma, Bhakti and Vairagya.
Those who have an adequate understanding are blessed. Knowledge is the food of the mind and Vedantic knowledge is indeed the nectar which rejuvenates the mind.