These are the well known hundred verses on renunciation by Bhartrihari, the great poet and the elder brother of King Vikramaditya of Ujjain. These have been translated into English with an illuminating introduction by Swami Madhavananda. The book also contains the original text. The poetical beauty of this work makes it indispensable to all lovers of literature. And the value of this book for a spiritual aspirant need not be emphasized for it expounds that fundamental quality which is to be acquired by every spiritual practitioner on which stands the grand edifice of God-consciousness.
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
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