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.
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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