His Holiness the 68th Jagadguru of Kanchi died in 1994 at the age of 100. He was one of the most beloved and honored spiritual figures of the twentieth century. This book has the distinction of introduction to Hinduism in today's world.

The discourses in this book covr all three categories of teaching: prayer and virtue; an explanation of Hindu metaphysical Truth; and an explanation of the conflict between traditional Hindu dharma and modernity. Selected text from a large number of his discourses have been recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. In many instances the Jagadguru's own Tamil definition for Sanskrit terms have been translated into English. While these definitions have been retained, additional definitions have been incorporated into the text to facilitate comprehension without constant recourse to glossary.