Ramayana and Mahabharata, as also the vast pauranika literature, form the basis for the various cults and sects that have woven the texture of the variegated Hindu fabric. Among the various puranas, however it is the Bhagavata that has earned a pre-eminent place for itself, not only for its philosophical content and devotional fervour, but also for its exquisite literary beauty. The greatest achievement of the Bhagavata is the projection of the Krsna saga and the Krsna personality in the most poetical, and yet, powerful and graceful language. If Krsna remains the darling of millions of Hindu hearts even today, it is not a little due to this matchless work. ISBN
The important thing is how much less you think of the body, of yourself as matter -- as dead, dull, insentient matter; how much more you think of yourself as shining immortal being. The more you think of yourself as spirit, the more eager you will be to be absolutely free from matter, body and senses. This is the intense desire to be free.
-Swami Vivekananda