Swami Vivekananda's thoughts on this subject are spread throughout his Complete Works, and these have been brought together in this book. In reading these selections the reader comes in touch with a teacher who taught with authority and not merely as a scholar. The book has been divided into two sections: Meditation according to Yoga and Meditation according to Vedanta. For all the seekers of Truth and practitioners of meditation this book is sure to provide flashes of deep insight helping them to reach their goal through meditation.
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