In this book the author has laid down some practical steps for all sincere spiritual aspirants eager to make spiritual progress. He specially deals with the preliminary stages of practical religion. His valuable suggestions from his own experiences will be a useful guide to all religious aspirants whom modern life assails with various doubts and difficulties in the practice of religious precepts. A very informative book for all earnest beginners in spiritual life to help them form a clear picture of the spiritual ideal, the gulf between them and the goal, and the ways to fill up that gulf.
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