Autobiography of a Yogi is the story of the life of Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893–March 7, 1952) first published in 1946. Born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, into a Bengali family, this book takes the reader on a journey into the life of Paramahansa Yogananda and his encounters with spiritual figures of both the East and West. Beginning from his childhood, his family life, to finding his guru and becoming a monk and establishing his teachings of Kriya Yoga meditation, this book allows the reader to see the spiritual yearning of the man and how he realizes that over the years. It draws on both his personal experiences—anecdotes and meetings with eminent spiritual personalities, his association with nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya who had prophesied the writing of this book—as well as how he travels across America lecturing and establishing his teachings in Los Angeles, California.

Autobiography of a Yogi is an introduction to the methods of attaining God-realization and emphasizes the value of Kriya Yoga and a life of self-respect, calmness, determination, simple diet and regular exercise. It has been in print for the last seventy years and has been translated into over forty languages. It has been highly acclaimed as a spiritual classic and is designated as one of the ‘100 Most Important Spiritual Books of the 20th Century.’

Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda was born in Gorakhpur to a devout Bengali family. In 1920, Yogananda went to the United States as India’s delegate to an International Congress of Religious Liberals. That same year he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) to disseminate worldwide his teachings on India’s ancient practices and philosophy of yoga and its tradition of meditation. In 1924, he embarked on a cross-continental speaking tour. During this time, he attracted numerous celebrity followers, including soprano Amelita Galli-Curci, tenor Vladimir Rosing and Clara Clemens Gabrilowitsch, the daughter of Mark Twain. Yogananda was the first Hindu teacher of yoga to spend a major portion of his life in America. Paramahansa Yogananda entered mahasamadhi in March 1952. His mausoleum is in Palo Alto, California.

Many times it happens in life that we know a lot of things but forget their existence. This book is one such reminder. It is said that you are born twice. One on the day you are physically born and second time when you ask why were you born, that is when you are born spiritually and from then onwards there is no looking back. For me reading this book everytime has been an experience akin to being born again. It feels as if all that I believed in till now was a lie and that life is much more deeper than what I am seeing. I need to realign my goals and look more closely, for there is a Supreme Master up there looking after me.

This book is beyond any rating and review because for me this book was, is and will always be a life-changing book. One that I recommend to one and all, because it answers all the questions you ever had in your mind regarding life. Every time I read it, it reveals a new aspect for me, a new chapter and some new meanings which maybe I couldn’t understand then or as it is said spiritually perhaps I wasn’t ready for the answers.

Strongly recommended, if you have ever asked yourself why were you born on this earth. This book promises to be an answer to it,

the perfect one.

“Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda is one of the most famous spiritual books ever written, sharing the life journey and profound teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian yogi and guru who introduced millions to the ancient science of Kriya Yoga and the philosophy of meditation. The autobiography was first published in 1946 and has since become a spiritual classic.

About the Author:

• Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) was a renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF). He is credited with bringing the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga to the West and bridging the gap between Eastern spirituality and Western thought. Yogananda’s influence has been profound in the spiritual world, and his teachings continue to inspire millions worldwide.

Overview of the Book:

“Autobiography of a Yogi” is Yogananda’s life story, written in a way that is both personal and philosophical. The book presents Yogananda’s journey from his childhood in India to his quest for enlightenment, ultimately sharing the wisdom he gained from his teachers and the divine experiences he encountered. The autobiography is not only a personal recount of his life but also a guide to the spiritual principles and practices of meditation and yoga.

Key Themes of the Book:

1. The Search for God and Spiritual Truth:

   • Yogananda narrates his early quest for spiritual understanding, seeking a guru who could guide him to self-realization. His pursuit of knowledge and wisdom takes him through encounters with great spiritual teachers.

   • The book emphasizes that the purpose of life is to realize the Divine presence within oneself and achieve a state of inner peace and bliss.

2. Kriya Yoga:

   • The central theme of the book is the practice of Kriya Yoga, a form of meditation that helps individuals control their breath and energy to connect with the divine. Yogananda discusses how this practice can lead to higher states of consciousness and ultimate spiritual freedom.

   • He explains how meditation can bring about peace, healing, and a deeper connection with the soul.

3. The Role of a Guru:

   • A significant aspect of the book is the relationship between a guru (spiritual teacher) and disciple. Yogananda’s relationship with his master, Swami Sri Yukteswar, forms a central part of the narrative. The book underscores the importance of spiritual guidance in one’s journey toward self-realization.

4. Supernatural Experiences:

   • Throughout the book, Yogananda recounts mystical and divine experiences, including miraculous healings, encounters with saints, and visions of light. These experiences reflect his belief that higher spiritual truths transcend the physical world.

   • The vision of Christ and other spiritual events that he shares provide readers with a glimpse into the mystical dimensions of life.

5. Interfaith Unity:

   • Yogananda emphasizes the unity of all religions, portraying that the core truths of Christianity, Hinduism, and other world religions all point to the same divine source. He shows how spirituality transcends religious dogma and is rooted in universal principles.

6. The Need for Self-Realization:

   • The book speaks about the path to achieving self-realization, the understanding that God and the universe are within you. Yogananda stresses the importance of experiential knowledge rather than intellectual understanding, urging individuals to practice meditation to realize the divine presence.

Key Takeaways from the Book:

• Meditation and Self-Discovery: Yogananda emphasizes meditation as the primary tool for spiritual growth. He explains that through meditation, individuals can achieve self-mastery, enlightenment, and connection with God.

• The Importance of a Guru: Yogananda emphasizes that finding a true spiritual teacher is essential for spiritual advancement. He describes the role of the guru as a guiding light that helps lead the disciple toward liberation.

• Living a Balanced Life: The book shows that one can live a balanced life, integrating the material world with the pursuit of spiritual truth. Yogananda was a proponent of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, and physical activity while also being deeply immersed in spirituality.

Impact and Legacy:

• Global Influence: Since its publication, “Autobiography of a Yogi” has had a profound impact on readers around the world, influencing countless spiritual seekers and notable figures, including Steve Jobs, who famously mentioned that the book deeply inspired him. The book has also become a primary text for those who follow Kriya Yoga.

• Accessible to All: One of the reasons this book is so popular is that it is accessible to people from all walks of life—whether one is religious, spiritual, or secular. It appeals to anyone interested in finding deeper meaning in their lives, regardless of their background.

Conclusion:

“Autobiography of a Yogi” is more than just the life story of an extraordinary man—it is a spiritual guidebook that introduces readers to the profound depths of meditation, yoga, and self-realization. Through his personal story and teachings, Yogananda provides a pathway to connect with the divine, live a life of greater peace, and experience the true nature of reality. This book is a timeless work for anyone interested in spirituality, mysticism, and the journey of self-discovery.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI BY PARMAHANSA YOGANANDA