Teachings vs self experience

As my mind willed I visited my local temple for a chat with the monks . Surprised to learn, this time I was advised to independently seek out my emancipation from suffering and only use the dharma for a guide !! Then arose this question ...are other peoples experience etc on this path valid for my own personal path ( if u could call it so as mind has no beginning or end nor an owner , but the ego claim !!) So why read up on Buddhism at all ? If my inner being is not compatible with the author of the book/ books ?