This book contains seven lectures of Swami Vivekananda culled from his Complete Works. It is especially intended for those who have not time enough to go through all the yogas but wish to gain a cursory knowledge of the subject. As the title suggests, the book acquaints the readers with the subject of Self-realisation and its methods in brief.
After every happiness comes misery; they may be far apart or near. The more advanced the soul, the more quickly does one follow the other. What we want is neither happiness nor misery. Both make us forget our true nature; both are chains--one iron, one gold; behind both is the Atman, who knows neither happiness nor misery. These are states, and states must ever change; but the nature of the Atman is bliss, peace, unchanging. We have not to get it, we have it; only wash away the dross and see it.
-Swami Vivekananda