This is a selection from the writings and addresses of Swami Vireswarananda, the 10th President of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Though the lectures and essays comprising this book belong to different years and contexts, all of them deal with the burning problem of the modern age — the quest for an ideal that can guide us through the stormy sea of life. They contain many illuminating insights into spiritual matters and also provide practical hints to live a spiritual life in today's modern world.
Many of us get many messages in our lives, or think we get them. As long as the message is regarding our own selves, go on doing what you please. But when it is in regard to our contact with and behavior to others, think a hundred times before you act upon it -- and then you will be safe.
-Swami Vivekananda