Meditation Ecstasy and Illumination - An Overview of Vedanta
Swami Ashokananda
This book consists of eight lectures delivered in America by the author. They give a comprehensive view of the history, theory, and practice of Vedanta. Speaking to the minds as well as to the hearts of his listeners, the Swami dwells in each lecture upon one aspect of Vedanta. The book as a whole, therefore, will not only provide the student with an intellectual grasp of the Vedanta philosophy and religion, but will also help the spiritual aspirant along whatever path, or yoga, he or she may be following.
The important thing is how much less you think of the body, of yourself as matter -- as dead, dull, insentient matter; how much more you think of yourself as shining immortal being. The more you think of yourself as spirit, the more eager you will be to be absolutely free from matter, body and senses. This is the intense desire to be free.
-Swami Vivekananda