The English translation of this work of Shankara, will be of help to beginners in understanding the fundamental teachings of Advaita. References to quotations and explanations are given in the notes.
Why are people so afraid? The answer is that they have made themselves helpless and dependent on others. We are so lazy, we do not want to do anything ourselves. We want a Personal God, a Savior or a Prophet to do everything for us.
-Swami Vivekananda