Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952) was a pioneering spiritual teacher, renowned for introducing millions to the profound teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his acclaimed work, Autobiography of a Yogi. Born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, Yogananda’s spiritual journey began early in life. Drawn to the divine from a young age, he met many of India’s esteemed saints and sages, shaping his understanding of the spiritual path.

In 1920, Yogananda embarked on a journey to the West, delivering an address on the science of religion at the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston. This marked the beginning of his mission to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation worldwide. Establishing the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles in 1920, he created a global spiritual organization dedicated to disseminating the ancient wisdom of India. In India, he founded the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) in 1917, which now functions as a part of the SRF.

Autobiography of a Yogi, published in 1946, has since been translated into numerous languages and continues to inspire readers with its timeless insights into the nature of reality and the potential for human transformation. The book offers a unique glimpse into Yogananda’s life, including his encounters with spiritual luminaries such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Therese Neumann.

Yogananda’s teachings emphasize the underlying unity of all religions and the importance of direct personal experience of the divine. His legacy includes a comprehensive body of work that provides practical guidance on how to achieve balance, peace, and self-realization through meditation and spiritual living.

Paramahansa Yogananda’s enduring influence extends beyond his writings. The SRF and YSS continue his work, offering lessons in meditation and spiritual living to seekers worldwide. His life and teachings remain a source of inspiration for those seeking deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the divine.

Blurb

Autobiography of a Yogi is the enthralling autobiography of Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952), a spiritual luminary whose teachings have inspired millions around the globe. First published in 1946, this spiritual classic has remained in print for over seventy-five years and has been translated into more than fifty languages.

Born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, Yogananda recounts his journey from a Bengali Hindu family to becoming a renowned spiritual teacher. The book details his early life, discovery of his guru Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, and his transformation into a monk. It also follows his invitation to speak in Boston in 1920, his travels across America, founding the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, and his 1935 return to India, where he met prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Nobel laureate C.V. Raman.

Yogananda offers profound insights into the ancient spiritual wisdom of the subcontinent, including the methods of attaining God-realization. His teachings and personal anecdotes illuminate the path to self-discovery and inner peace, guiding readers toward spiritual fulfillment. It is said that Lahiri Mahasaya, Yogananda’s grand-guru, had prophesied the writing of this autobiography, predicting its role in sparking Western interest in yoga and fostering global brotherhood through direct perception of the divine. And there is some truth in this: Autobiography of a Yogi has transcended boundaries of time and culture, resonating with seekers from all walks of life. In fact, famous admirers, including Steve Jobs and George Harrison, have found solace and enlightenment within its pages. From Elvis Presley to Mariel Hemingway, people across generations and continents have drawn inspiration and guidance from Yogananda’s timeless wisdom.

Join millions of readers who have transformed their lives with the Autobiography of a Yogi, and discover why it remains an essential guide for spiritual seekers worldwide.