"What is right?…It becomes necessary to realize that state which will enable us to assess the various conditions and determine what is right. That state is one only."

Setting the tone in his preface, the Tamil author of the 19th century text Ellam Ondre establishes that his goal is to present practical Advaita; that is, to elucidate the steps on the path to Liberation, a state of consciousness that in turn affects all aspects of our life and our actions in this world. As Ramana Maharshi wrote, "If you want moksha, read and practice the instructions in Ellam Ondre" – high praise indeed.

Abbot George Burke's insightful commentary brings even further light to Ellam Ondre's refreshing perspective on what Unity signifies, and the path to its realization. Written in the colorful and well-informed style typical of his other commentaries, it is a timely and important contribution to Advaitic literature that explains Unity as the fruit of yoga sadhana, rather than mere wishful thinking or some vague intellectual gymnastic, as is so commonly taught by the modern "Advaita gurus."