The Universal Instructor

"The Universal self-instructor is nothing less than it pretends to be: an Epitome of Forms, especially adapted for purposes of self-instruction and general reference in the various departments of Education, Commerce, Law, Home, Society, and Amusements. Every young man and young woman ; every business man, farmer, and mechanic ; every housewife and lady of society ;--in fact every intelligent member of the community should have it within reach for consultation on those numerous minor matters that a well-educated person is supposed to know. The Reading Public has been amply supplied for years with reference books of every description, but the present volume may be said to occupy a field peculiarly its own, as the people have never before been furnished with a publication embracing in a single volume such a quantity of practical information, and treating the wants of every-day life in a lucid, instructive and agreeable manner. Such articles as Elocution, Penmanship, Book-keeping, Letter-writing, Mercantile Law, Music, Stenography, Phrenology, Agriculture, Social Etiquette, Out-door Sports, In-door Amusements, Physical Culture, The Domestic Circle, Household Receipts, Parliamentary Law, etc., have been prepared by writers of reputation and large experience in the special subjects given them for treatment"--Preface.

The founder of Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math offers wisdom and clarity about the most vital and least understood aspects of the spiritual path: the teacher. This compilation of articles written by Swami B. P. Puri is a handbook for those seeking guidance in their quest for a genuine guru, for those wanting to learn more about the foundational concepts of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, or for those simply wanting to deepen their spiritual practice. Swami B. P. Puri articulates the qualities and qualifications of both the spiritual teacher and the student disciple. The book describes the proper processes of approaching the spiritual teacher, learning from them, and offering service to them. Guru also explains what students and teachers should avoid in their pursuit of sincere spiritual practice. Firmly rooted in a wealth of ancient Sanskrit and Bengali poetry and accompanied by Swami B. P. Puri’s beautiful and elegant translations and commentaries, Guru will be cherished by those with a keen interest in Hindu spirituality.