The Saga of A Great Soul - Life and Work of Swami Shivananda
Swami Vividishananda
Swami Shivananda was a monk of such sublime spiritual realizations that Swami Vivekananda called him Mahapurush, a Great Soul. He was the second President of the Ramakrishna Order. Many observations and reminiscences by Swami Shivananda himself are included in this biography written by one who was long associated with him. Foreword by Christopher Isherwood.
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