Swami Sri Yukteswar, the great yoga master and guru of Paramhansa Yogananda, lived in India from 1855 until 1936. In his book The Holy Science, he speaks about the natural love of the heart and how it can be awakened. This process involves the removal of eight particular inner tensions, which he calls “the meannesses of the heart”: hatred, shame, fear, grief, condemnation, race prejudice, pride of pedigree, and a narrow sense of respectability.

With engaging candor, the author reveals the joy that blossoms as these “mean” traits in the heart are detected—and overcome. Whatever position you hold in society, wherever you are in your own soul search, these true-to-life stories and principles of spiritual psychology will help change your consciousness. Following the clues, you can rise above depression, conquer oppressive tendencies, and reclaim the bliss of your own higher Self.