The book is an independent translation with explanatory notes by Swami Harshananda. The author has provided a scholarly preface to the book giving a birds eye view of the contents of the Stotra as well as of the several Ullasas. Please give a careful reading to the preface which will help in understanding the text. The elaborate explanatory notes by the author adds significantly to the value of the book. Sri Dakshinamurti Stotra also called Sri Dakshinamurtyastakamas its very name indicates is a stotra on Sri Dakshinamurti. Derived from the root stu (to praise) the word stotra means a hymn of praise generally addressed to God or deity and not uncommonly to sages and spiritual preceptors too. Dakshinamurti is an aspect of Lord Siva portrayed as the very personification of spiritual wisdom and eminence. Hence He is the fittest person is to be the guru - The Guru of all gurus the Adi-guru or the Primeval Teacher. It is but meet that such an exquisite hymn has been addressed to an exquisite teacher.
Discriminate within yourself between the real and the unreal. Have you not read the Vedanta? Even when you sleep, keep the sword of discrimination at the head of your bed, so that covetousness cannot approach you even in dream. Practicing such strength, renunciation will gradually come, and then you will see the portals of heaven are wide open to you.
-Swami Vivekananda
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