“The Single Book Steve Jobs Can’t Stop Recommending”
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Autobiography of a Yogi Book Author : Paramahansa Yogananda
Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) was an Indian yogi and spiritual teacher who introduced millions of people in the West to the teachings of meditation and yoga. He is best known for his influential book, “Autobiography of a Yogi,” and for his role in spreading the practice of Kriya Yoga. Here are some key aspects of his life and teachings:
Early Life:
- Paramahansa Yogananda was born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India.
- He displayed a deep interest in spirituality from a young age and had a series of mystical experiences as a child.
Yogic Training:
- Yogananda became a disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, a renowned spiritual teacher and Kriya Yoga master, at the age of 17.
- He dedicated himself to the practice of Kriya Yoga, a form of yoga focused on the control of life force (prana) through breath and meditation.
Mission to the West:
- In 1920, Yogananda was invited to speak at the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston, which marked the beginning of his mission to introduce yoga and meditation to the Western world.
- He founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles in 1920, an organization dedicated to disseminating his teachings and promoting the practice of Kriya Yoga.
“Autobiography of a Yogi”:
- Yogananda’s most famous work, “Autobiography of a Yogi,” was published in 1946. It is a spiritual classic that chronicles his life, spiritual experiences, and encounters with other prominent spiritual figures.
- The book has been widely praised for its inspirational and transformative impact on readers and has been translated into numerous languages.
Teachings and Philosophy:
- Yogananda’s teachings emphasize the unity of all religions and the importance of direct personal experience of God through meditation.
- He promoted a balanced approach to life, advocating for the development of both spiritual and material aspects of one’s self.
Legacy:
- Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings continue to be disseminated through the Self-Realization Fellowship, which has centers and groups worldwide.
- His contributions to the popularization of yoga, meditation, and Eastern spirituality in the West have had a lasting impact and influenced many spiritual leaders and seekers.
Paramahansa Yogananda is remembered as a spiritual luminary who played a crucial role in bridging Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. His teachings on meditation, yoga, and the pursuit of inner realization have inspired countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.
Autobiography of a Yogi Book Summary
“Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda is a spiritual classic that provides insights into the life and teachings of the author. Here’s a concise summary of the key concepts and themes from the book:
- Early Life and Spiritual Quest: The book begins with Yogananda’s childhood in India and his early spiritual inclinations. He had a deep longing to meet spiritual masters and understand the mysteries of life and consciousness.
- Encounters with Spiritual Masters: Yogananda shares his experiences meeting several renowned spiritual teachers and yogis in India, including his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri. These encounters profoundly influenced his spiritual development.
- Kriya Yoga: Yogananda introduces the reader to Kriya Yoga, a powerful and advanced yogic technique that he learned from his guru. He explains the significance of Kriya Yoga as a path to spiritual realization and inner transformation.
- Journey to the West: Yogananda’s mission to bring the teachings of yoga and meditation to the West is a central theme of the book. He describes his travels to the United States and his efforts to spread the message of yoga and self-realization.
- Yogic Miracles and Insights: Throughout the autobiography, Yogananda recounts various extraordinary experiences and miracles that he witnessed or personally experienced. He also shares profound insights into the nature of reality, the interconnectedness of all life, and the unity of spiritual truths across religions.
- Practical Spirituality: Yogananda emphasizes the practical application of spirituality in daily life. He discusses the importance of meditation, prayer, and self-discipline as tools for self-realization and inner peace.
- Interfaith Harmony: The book promotes the idea of interfaith harmony and the universality of spiritual principles. Yogananda encourages readers to appreciate and respect the wisdom of all religions and spiritual paths.
- The Quest for Self-Realization: Ultimately, “Autobiography of a Yogi” is a spiritual journey of self-discovery and self-realization. Yogananda’s life story serves as an inspiration for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the divine.
“Autobiography of a Yogi” has been acclaimed for its spiritual wisdom, its exploration of mystical experiences, and its ability to inspire readers on their own spiritual quests. It remains a cherished book for those interested in yoga, meditation, and the pursuit of higher consciousness.
At its best, this book has potential to touch one in a way that can’t be described and can be the start of a wonderful, life changing journey. If one reads with an open mind it will be a transformative experience and emerge feeling inspired, with more clarity and insight into one’s mind and life. It instantly starts helping to make better decisions and what to do next in life.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Sanmati Naik
Autobiography of a Yogi, like all great spiritual texts, will either change your life or mean nothing at all. It all depends on if you’re ready for the message.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Brent
Beautifully embossed, one of the best books ever written, life changing. I’ve been to Para’s temple in L.A. many times, this is my 3rd copy and I can’t get enough of his sweet, down to earth wisdom, just magnificent. Love him!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Levicka
This book is fascinating! I couldn’t put it down, it definitely spoke to my soul.
Out of all the books I’ve read this is my absolute favorite. No wonder this was one Steven Job’s and George Harrison’s favorite books!!!
Paramahansa Yogananda no doubt was a God-realized saint during his time on earth.
What a blessing this book came into my life.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Dolores
I read this book over forty years ago as a young man, dismissed it and went about searching for meaning. After exploring every nook and cranny of spiritual offerings, I picked up this book again one day and was blown away! I am now an ardent follower. His message, for me, is the only one that resonates with practical knowledge and truism. I can test out his propositions through my own practice to verify them. No pie in the sky here. Its all right here and now!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Ranam
Truly a great read and a life of a yogi who was and is inspiring for me to find God through self-realization. There are no coincidences in life and this autobiography was put in my life with perfect timing. Being still inthe mind is very difficult but I think it is well worth the effort.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Ray
This is the best book I have ever read- well written, profound, enlightening and brings you home. If you are so called to this masterpiece, this is your sign to get it. Thank you for this divine wisdom, Yogananda and all masters 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Christina
The life of Paramahansa Yogananda is so fresh, modern, and interesting that you will be amazed. Written by the yogi himself to share the incredible experiences of his life, this book gives us hope in the unity of love. Now more than ever, the world needs this hope.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Alex
Yes….this is a must to read..whatever your faith.
It’s amazing that this was written so long ago and still a favorite for many.
Being a yoga teacher and T.
.M er for many years helped in understanding the book and the philosophy a lot better….
I plan to re read in near future.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Roman
In 1990 Someone suggested I read this book at a time in my life I had lost all faith in God & considered myself an Atheist. This book restored my broken & shattered faith and healed a broken heart. I have read this book many times since & am so grateful to my friend that recommended it. I have not found any problem in life that could not be helped by the salve of this wonderful spiritual book. It has been my best friend all these many years. I went through a long period of time feeling like there were no answers but when I read this book I knew I had found the answers I had been searching for. I also found “God Talks With Arjuna” & “The Second Coming of Christ” Yogananda’s commentary on the bible to be outstanding. Between these 3 books every God/Religion question I ever had was answered beautifully. I have given it to many people of many different beliefs and it works for them too. Yogananda teaches unity in religion & I find that very refreshing.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— GK Javier
I read this book for the first time in 1972, as a hippie just coming out of the drinking-drugging haze. Wow! It opened my eyes then, perhaps most fully in a new way of understanding God, that you won’t get struck by lightning if you open up your mind to seeing more and more. In a campaign to encourage my grandchildren to stay open to all sorts of ideas and judge them individually for their personal or world value judgements, I ordered it to re-read after 45 years! Holy smokes! I’m seeing things I missed or dis-missed that are deepening my personal spiritual journey. If you are willing to look for truth outside only your culture’s sense, read this book. I think many Westerners must flow lightly over parts that challenge their beliefs. Just absorb that millions, billions, of people understand life this way. Whether you take the ideas in and live with them or not, you will be richer for expanding your understanding of others and other cultures. Beth Copeland.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Beth Copeland
This book is an introduction to the teachings of one of the great yogis of the 20th century. Read this book, then read some of his others. Yogananda was prolific, and truly one of the greatest poets and teachers of all time. However, this book is not poetry. It chronicles his life’s amazing journey. Yogananda was born and trained in India, and he brought the science of yoga to the west in the early 20th century, This is not the yoga associated with asanas, postures, and yoga mats. His yogic teachings are meditation and breathing techniques. His teachings, continued today by the society he founded (Self-Realization Fellowship), give us specific techniques to personally know, experience, and love God, not as some distant concept, but as the one true love we feel behind all human love. Paramahansa Yogananda is all about love. This book is an introduction to this modern day Master and his teachings.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Jerry holiday
