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Synopsis How rare it is to find a teacher of supreme truth whose knowledge is without equal, whose ability to teach is unparalleled and whose primary concern is to render the utmost benefit to the students seated before him. Such a one was Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj. Not only was he a master of yoga, Vedanta, the philosophy of both the East and West, he was also a saint and sage of great attainment. He was not someone who merely lectured from book knowledge; when he spoke, it was with a voce filled with the conviction manifested I a person who has realized the highest in his own vast and profound experience. Swamiji was able to explain the most philosophical concepts with clarity and insight. Once having heard him speak, the listener would have the feeling that everything that was needed had been provided. The 34 lectures that make up this book were given to a small group of students who came to the Sivananda Ashram in 1970 to be instructed in the fundamentals of spiritual practice. Swamiji has masterfully presented the essence of the philosophy, psychology way that is especially helpful for the beginner on the path. To read his words is to be bathed in the light of wisdom. "What people suffer from these days is a thorough misunderstanding of the essence of life. It is not that people don not want God, but they do not know what He is. That is their handicap. There is no man who cannot want God, but there are apparently people who do not want Him on account of not knowing what it means. When we say, "God dose not exist," or "I do not want God," we only betray our ignorance of what God is. What is essential for us is to chasten our thought, re-educate ourselves and try to be aware of the true sense of the term. Then life becomes a joy with an understanding of this attitude, we have to engage ourselves in a daily practice, because this re-thinking is not an easy task.