The writings and speeches of Swami Abhedananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, were spread over a long period of ministration both in America and in India. His deep philosophical insight and unfathomed spirituality greatly attracted learned people all over the world. All his writings and speeches are available in this set of ten volumes.
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