Rating *****

120 pages
published by Self Realization Fellowship
ISBN 0876120516

«At my request, Swamiji," the great Mahavatar Babaji said, "will you not write a short book on the underlying harmony between Christian and Hindu scriptures? Their basic unity is now obscured by men's sectarian differences. Show by parallel references that the inspired sons of God have spoken the same truths.»

This Kaivalya Darsanam (exposition of Final Truth) has been written by Priya Nath Swami [Sri Yukteswar] in 1894. The book is divided into four sections, according to the four stages in the development of knowledge. The highest aim of religion is Atma-jnanam, Self-knowledge. But to attain this, knowledge of the external world is necessary. Therefore the first section of the book deals with the gospel (veda), and seeks to establish fundamental truths of creation and to describe the evolution and involution of the world.
All creatures, from the highest to the lowest in the link of creation, are found eager to realize three things: Existence, Consciousness, and Bliss. These purposes or goals are the subject for discussion in the second section of the book.
The third section deals with the method of realizing the three purposes of life.
The fourth section discusses the revelations which come to those who have traveled far to realize the three ideals of life and who are very near their destination.

Swami Sri Yukteswar, (1855-1936) was a saint of truly universal outlook. He recognized that a synthesis of the spiritual heritage of the East with the science and technology of the West would do much to alleviate the material, psychological, and spiritual suffering of the modern world.

Swami Sri Yukteswar is venerated today as a Jnanavatar ("incarnation of wisdom") by people all over the world who have been inspired by his life and teachings. He manifested self-mastery and divine attainment that have been the highest goal of Truth-seekers throughout the ages.

Last Updated Friday, December 25, 1998