This book is a compilation of talks by Revered Swami Bhuteshananda Maharaj, the twelfth President of the Ramakrishna Order on the two important facilitators in the spiritual life of a devotee – a teacher (Guru) and the process of Spiritual Initiation (Mantra Diksha). It lucidly explains the need of a ‘Guru’ in leading a spiritual life and the initiation of spiritual aspirants along the spiritual path through a formula called mantra, repeating which they can reach the Supreme Goal. A question-answer section at the end provides practical guidelines and clarifies many aspects of the subject matter.