This book is based on the notes of weekly lectures given by Swami Yatiswarananda at Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore. The Swami, a Vice-President of the Ramakrishna Order, was an illustrious disciple of Swami Brahmananda. He was a well-known spiritual figure in the Neo-Vedanta movement and did 17 years of pioneering work (1933-1950) in spreading Vedanta in Europe and USA.
Why are people so afraid? The answer is that they have made themselves helpless and dependent on others. We are so lazy, we do not want to do anything ourselves. We want a Personal God, a Savior or a Prophet to do everything for us.
-Swami Vivekananda