There are several means of realizing God. The path of selfless work is one among them. This book contains eight lectures delivered by Swami Vivekananda on the practical application of the teachings of Vedanta to the affairs of daily life, showing how it is possible to lead the highest life and ultimately realize the Self without abandoning the duties and avocations of one's life in the world. It shows the readers the technique of converting the mundane activities of everyday life into a means of attaining supreme felicity.
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