Who are you? A stressed-out bundle of emotions and thoughts going up and down the not-so-merry wheel of life? A man, a woman, a doctor, a labourer, a father, a wife, rich, poor...is this your real identity? If you are content in believing this is who you are, if you are happy to lead a life of stress and distress, then perhaps, this book is not for you.

This book is for those, who want to explore the possibility of a higher dimension of existence beyond the confines of the body and mind. Meditation is the gateway for this exploration. To be in meditation is to be who you really are. And the icing on the cake is its by-products viz., peace, bliss, repose, freedom from stress, high energy levels, heightened concentration and the list continues.

This book is a comprehensive guide integrating the theory and practice of meditation. It lucidly answers the what, why and how questions that people have on this topic. And it shows that meditation doesn't have to be a dull or sombre affair. The practical techniques given here are simples and enjoyable. Rejoice in meditation!

A mystic, yet contemporary. Anandmurti Gurumaa can be described as both, a modern-day sage and an avant-garde metaphysicist. Born with an exceptionally endowed mind, even as a child she was keen in exploring the fundamental nature of reality.

Besieged by existential questions, she embarked upon an inner voyage which propitiously culminated in the desired objective of self-realisation.

Having consummately accomplished the raison d'être of human existence, the compassionate master generously shares her knowledge, her experiences with the masses so that everyone can see that they too have the potential to taste the nectar of self-realisation, that no one has to wallow in the dark alleys of ignorance driven suffering. And this is the simple driving force that takes her from one place to another, from one continent to another holding meditation retreats, giving erudite discourses, encouraging self-enquiry, and inspiring especially the youth to an evolved way of living.

What makes Gurumaa's teachings even more credible and palatable is the fact that she has awakened to the higher reality and hence not only talks the talk but also walks the talk. Moreover, she is completely secular with no allegiance to any one particular religion or sect. Totally against blind faith, she earnestly encourages rational enquiry. Be an explorer, not a blind believer is her dictum.

This liberal-minded enlightened being carries the beacon of refined wisdom with the intention of spreading self-illuminating knowledge. The author's remarkable creative flair is amply reflected in the huge compilation of multifarious literary and musical compositions and diverse meditation aids that are aimed at reaching out to folk from all over the world.

As human beings, we are the most evolved species inhabiting this planet. But evolution cannot only be about our physical form and intellectual abilities. Life cannot be only about eating, working, mating, enjoying, sleeping... There is more to life than this and it is important that we do not brush aside such existential questions. And even if you look at it from a purely materialistic viewpoint, there is no denying that most, if not all people are in search of happiness.

Irrespective of whether you are a serious thinker aspiring to understand the meaning of life or whether you are an ordinary person wanting everlasting happiness, one thing is clear that this want is not going to be fulfilled by pursuing or exploring the outer world. You don't have to take my word for it-just look around yourself. Although almost everyone is in pursuit of sensory gratification, the facts reveal that all modernisation and technical advancement notwithstanding, happiness remains elusive.

People lead a mind driven life. And for most people, their mind is in a state of utter chaos-driven by umpteen desires, whacked by countless emotions and drowned under a deluge of futile thoughts. And they think this is the only way to live. Not many know that it is possible to have a balanced, calm, composed mind and that we do not have to be enslaved to the ignorant ways of our mind. Indeed, it is even possible to transcend the boundaries of mind.

Being born as a human is a huge blessing for, amongst all sentient creatures, human beings alone have the potential to evolve consciousness to the highest realm of existence, they have the potential to go beyond the confines of the mind and experience a state of being which is independent of the mind.

Humans alone have been endowed with an intellect that can think and can contemplate upon the purpose of human life. Evolution is not only about the external world, but in fact, it is more about inner upliftment.