Shankaracharya's Vivekachudamani itself does not need any introduction. It has always occupied the highest position among books dealing with the science of Self-realization and has been the vade mecum for spiritual aspirants throughout the last millennium. Even from a purely literary standpoint, its charm has always been irresistible and captivating. Added to all this, Swami Ranganathananda's commentary on this profound work in the light of modern thought and modern needs is both fascinating and inspiring.
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