The devotees and admirers of Sri Ramakrishna who would like to know more about his daily life and as to how he was seen by his relatives and friends, people of other faiths, leaders of contemporary society, and by the common people of his time, will find this book to be of great value. It is an impressive collection of accounts and reminiscences of Sri Ramakrishna by his disciples, relatives, friends, and acquaintances. They have described, often in intimate detail, some of the lesser-known aspects of Sri Ramakrishna's God-intoxicated life. This book will bring the reader closer to one who has been aptly described as a great spiritual phenomenon of our time.
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