This book forms a companion volume to the Swami's Universal Prayers. In the Introduction a detailed and systematic account of the theory and practice of spiritual life is given. The main body of the book containing Sanskrit texts and their English translations, presents a large number of important scriptural passages through which the ancient sages and seers of India enlighten us on ethics, philosophy and practice of meditation.
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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