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.
The meditative state is the highest state of existence. So long as there is desire, no real happiness can come. It is only the contemplative, witness-like study of objects that brings to us real enjoyment and happiness.
-Swami Vivekananda