Autobiography of a yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

Book Summary: 

Autobiography of a Yogi is a spiritual classic first published in 1946, offering an intimate account of Paramahansa Yogananda's life and his quest for self-realization. The book begins with his childhood in India, detailing his early experiences with spirituality and his search for a guru. Yogananda's journey led him to meet his revered teacher, Swami Sri Yukteswar, who guided him in the practice of Kriya Yoga—a technique aimed at accelerating spiritual growth.

The narrative unfolds to describe Yogananda's travels to the United States in 1920, where he introduced Kriya Yoga to the Western world. He founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to disseminating his teachings. Throughout the book, Yogananda shares encounters with various spiritual luminaries and mystics, recounting miraculous events and profound insights that shaped his spiritual path.

The autobiography serves as both a personal memoir and a guide to understanding the deeper aspects of human consciousness, offering readers a glimpse into the life of a yogi dedicated to the pursuit of divine truth.

About the Author: 

Paramahansa Yogananda, born Mukunda Lal Ghosh on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India, was a renowned spiritual teacher and the first Indian yogi to gain a significant following in the West. At the age of 27, he traveled to the United States to attend the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston. Impressed by the interest in Eastern spirituality, he decided to remain in America to share the teachings of Kriya Yoga.

In 1925, Yogananda settled in Los Angeles and established the Self-Realization Fellowship, aiming to foster a greater understanding between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. His teachings emphasized the unity of all religions and the importance of direct personal experience of the Divine. Yogananda's influence extended beyond his lectures and writings; he was also known for his ability to bridge cultural divides and inspire individuals from various backgrounds to explore spiritual practices.

He passed away on March 7, 1952, but his legacy endures through his writings, teachings, and the continued work of the Self-Realization Fellowship. Autobiography of a Yogi remains a seminal work in the field of spiritual literature, inspiring countless individuals worldwide on their own journeys of self-discovery.