This book is a translation of Swami Vivekananda's Bengali writing, 'Parivrajaka'. Written in a mixture of humorous and serious vein, the book presents Swamiji's thoughts on various subjects — all that had drawn his keen attention during his journey from Kolkata to Europe. The author's observations cover a vast panorama of human life and its current, including different cultures, traditions, practices, life-styles, climes, history, topography, etc. A highly interesting book characterized by the author's unique flair to bring out illuminating flashes of truth through sharp and pointed statements. A book that makes very interesting reading, and is, at the same time, illuminating and informative.
I am the thread that runs through all these pearls, and each pearl is a religion or even a sect thereof. Such are the different pearls, and God is the thread that runs through all of them; most people, however, are entirely unconscious of it.
-Swami Vivekananda