PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

This volume contains the inspired words of the Great Divine World Teacher of this age, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the Guru of Swami Vivekananda and his brothers. It is a series of conversations in which the highest spiritual truths were expounded by the Master, in simple language with homely illustrations to disciples like Swami Vivekananda and men like Keshab Chandra Sen, Dr. Sircar and others. These conversations were carefully recorded and preserved by an earnest and faithful householder-disciple, M. and translated by himself into English. The original received the hearty commendation of Swami Vivekananda.

The first edition of this book was published by the Brahmavadin Office, Madras. As the teachings contained therein offer a complete and profound exposition of the universal religion and philosophy of Vedanta in all its aspects, as there is no metaphysical problem or practical spiritual difficulty that is not brought up and solved in these pages, and as the lofty message given by the Great Master is especially suited for the present age, the demand for copies of the book has been steadily on the increase. To meet that, the task of publishing a second edition completely revised by the author was entrusted to the Ramakrishna Mission of Madras and they have great pleasure in presenting this volume to the earnest and thoughtful public.

MADRAS, 1st December 1911. } EDITOR.