In this illuminating book the author traces the decent of the individual from his true divine status to his present condition and describes his ascent back to God. He explains how the various aspects of man's relative existence can be instrumental in the realization of his perfect being, which, in fact, he has never lost. The matter discussed herein is, in short, an explanation of the involution and evolution of the soul. One finds in these pages the Vedantic answers to many of the big questions that we have asked since we first started asking. It provides not only an intellectual understanding of the soul's journey, but also practical counsels on how to speed it along.
Some people are so afraid of losing their individuality. Wouldn't it be better for the pig to lose his pig-individuality if he can become God? Yes. But the poor pig does not think so at the time. Which state is my individuality? When I was a baby sprawling on the floor trying to swallow my thumb? Was that the individuality I should be sorry to lose? Fifty years hence I shall look upon this present state and laugh, just as I now look upon the baby state. Which of these individualities shall I keep?
-Swami Vivekananda