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).
