In the summer of 1987, Swamiji began compiling what he con- sidered to be the most important verses (ślokas) from the various scriptures (śāstras) that he had studied throughout his life. Although these verses are primarily from Kashmir Shaivite sources, Swamiji also included verses from Vedāntic texts such as the Yoga Vāsiṣtha and the Rāmāyaṇa. Every Sunday, he would reveal the meaning of one or two of these verses to his devotees in Kashmir. The following year, Swamiji traveled to Nepal with his nephew, Inder Krishen Raina, to meet with John and Denise Hughes and their two children with the express intent of sharing these important verses with them. He gave daily lectures, translating and explaining the essence of these verses. We are eternally grateful to John for his vigilance in recording Swamiji's revelation of these special verses. During one of Swamiji's lectures, John asked him why he had com- piled these different verses. Swamiji replied, "I compiled these ślo- kas with the intention of sharing them with you." When asked about the references for these verses, Swamiji said, "It is not for research. It is for your daily recitation. Maybe sometime you will experience these stages. Treat it as another independent book for your recitation. It will be helpful to you in sādhana (contemplative practice).
