"Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda is a spiritual classic that takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the life and teachings of one of the most revered yoga masters of the 20th century. Originally published in 1946, this seminal work has captivated millions of readers worldwide, offering profound insights into the realms of spirituality, mysticism, and self-realization.
The autobiography unfolds as a captivating narrative, chronicling Yogananda's life from his early years in India to his travels in the West, where he became a spiritual luminary. The book provides a firsthand account of Yogananda's encounters with saints, sages, and spiritual leaders, offering readers a glimpse into the mystical traditions of India and the transformative power of yogic practices.
Paramhansa Yogananda's storytelling is marked by sincerity, warmth, and a deep understanding of spiritual truths. He shares his personal experiences with divine encounters, offering a unique perspective on the spiritual path. Through vivid anecdotes and encounters, the book provides a tapestry of teachings that encompass meditation, Kriya Yoga, and the pursuit of self-realization.
The preface by W. Y. Evans-Wentz, a distinguished scholar of religion and the editor of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, adds a scholarly dimension to the work. His preface provides context for Yogananda's teachings, connecting them to broader spiritual traditions and highlighting the universal principles that underlie the yogic path.
"Autobiography of a Yogi" transcends cultural and religious boundaries, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The book's influence extends beyond its narrative; it has inspired countless individuals, including notable figures such as Steve Jobs, George Harrison, and Ravi Shankar. Yogananda's teachings resonate with seekers on the spiritual path, offering guidance, inspiration, and a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.
This timeless autobiography continues to be a source of inspiration for those seeking spiritual awakening, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of the mysteries of existence. With its rich blend of personal anecdotes, mystical experiences, and profound teachings, "Autobiography of a Yogi" stands as a beacon of light, guiding readers on a transformative journey toward spiritual illumination.

Born in 1893, Yogananda was the first yoga master of India to take up permanent residence in the West.Yogananda arrived in America in 1920 and traveled throughout the country on what he called his "spiritual campaigns." Hundreds of thousands filled the largest halls in major cities to see the yoga master from India. Yogananda continued to lecture and write up to his passing in 1952.Yogananda's initial impact on Western culture was truly impressive. His lasting spiritual legacy has been even greater. His Autobiography of a Yogi, first published in 1946, helped launch a spiritual revolution in the West. Translated into more than fifty languages, it remains a best-selling spiritual classic to this day.Before embarking on his mission, Yogananda received this admonition from his teacher, Swami Sri Yukteswar: "The West is high in material attainments but lacking in spiritual understanding. It is God's will that you play a role in teaching mankind the value of balancing the material with an inner, spiritual life."In addition to Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda's spiritual legacy includes music, poetry, and extensive commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and the Christian Bible, showing the principles of Self-realization as the unifying truth underlying all true religions. Through his teachings and his Kriya Yoga path millions of people around the world have found a new way to connect personally with God.His mission, however, was far broader than all this. It was to help usher the whole world into Dwapara Yuga, the new Age of Energy in which we live. "Someday," Swami Kriyananda wrote, "I believe he will be seen as the avatar of Dwapara Yuga: the way shower for a new age."