{"id":1546,"date":"2025-04-08T09:48:20","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T09:48:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homindia.in\/?p=1546"},"modified":"2025-04-08T09:48:20","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T09:48:20","slug":"book-review-autobiography-of-a-yogi-by-parmahansa-yogananda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/book-review-autobiography-of-a-yogi-by-parmahansa-yogananda\/","title":{"rendered":"BOOK REVIEW: AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI BY PARMAHANSA YOGANANDA"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><i style=\"color: #2b2b2b;font-size: 16px\"><b>Introduction<\/b><\/i><\/h3>\n<div class=\"post-body-container\">\n<div id=\"post-body-3579013618125424465\" class=\"post-body entry-content float-container\">\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<ul>\n<li><i><b>ISBN:\u00a0<\/b><\/i>978-9384067571<\/li>\n<li><b>Genre:<\/b>\u00a0Non-Fiction \/Spirituality<\/li>\n<li><i>Publishers:\u00a0<\/i>Rupa<\/li>\n<li><b><i>Price:\u00a0<\/i><\/b>Rs.195\/-\u00a0 ( I got the book for review from the\u00a0<i><b>publisher<\/b><\/i>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<p>Autobiography of a Yogi is the story of the life of Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893\u2013March 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\u2014anecdotes and meetings with eminent spiritual personalities, his association with nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya who had prophesied the writing of this book\u2014as well as how he travels across America lecturing and establishing his teachings in Los Angeles, California.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2018100 Most Important Spiritual Books of the 20th Century.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1555 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/05\/4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1017\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/05\/4.jpg 1017w, https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/05\/4-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/05\/4-651x1024.jpg 651w, https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/05\/4-768x1208.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/05\/4-976x1536.jpg 976w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1017px) 100vw, 1017px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3><i><b>About the Author<\/b><\/i><\/h3>\n<div>Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda was born in Gorakhpur to a devout Bengali family. In 1920, Yogananda went to the United States as India\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-container\">\n<div id=\"post-body-3579013618125424465\" class=\"post-body entry-content float-container\">\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><i><b>Me thinks<\/b><\/i><\/h3>\n<div dir=\"ltr\">As I write this review, let me confess one thing &#8211; I re-read this book for the 6th time before sitting down to write this. I have read this book before, almost 7-8 years ago and remember how much it altered my changing pattern. Now when it came my way once again I took it as a sign from the universe for a lesson that I was supposed to unearth through this.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;t understand then or as it is said spiritually perhaps I wasn&#8217;t ready for the answers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>Strongly recommended, if you have ever asked yourself why were you born on this earth. This book promises to be an answer to it,<\/div>\n<div>the perfect one.<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"399\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"54\">&#8220;Autobiography of a Yogi&#8221; by Paramahansa Yogananda<\/strong> is one of the most famous spiritual books ever written, sharing the life journey and profound teachings of <strong data-start=\"162\" data-end=\"187\">Paramahansa Yogananda<\/strong>, an Indian yogi and guru who introduced millions to the ancient science of <strong data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"277\">Kriya Yoga<\/strong> and the philosophy of meditation. The autobiography was first published in 1946 and has since become a spiritual classic.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"426\"><strong data-start=\"405\" data-end=\"426\">About the Author:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"838\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"838\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"838\"><strong data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"454\">Paramahansa Yogananda<\/strong> (1893-1952) was a renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the <strong data-start=\"519\" data-end=\"556\">Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF)<\/strong>. He is credited with bringing the teachings of meditation and <strong data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"633\">Kriya Yoga<\/strong> to the West and bridging the gap between Eastern spirituality and Western thought. Yogananda&#8217;s influence has been profound in the spiritual world, and his teachings continue to inspire millions worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"840\" data-end=\"869\"><strong data-start=\"844\" data-end=\"869\">Overview of the Book:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"870\" data-end=\"1331\">&#8220;<strong data-start=\"871\" data-end=\"898\">Autobiography of a Yogi<\/strong>&#8221; is Yogananda&#8217;s life story, written in a way that is both personal and philosophical. The book presents <strong data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1026\">Yogananda\u2019s journey<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1333\" data-end=\"1364\"><strong data-start=\"1337\" data-end=\"1364\">Key Themes of the Book:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ol data-start=\"1366\" data-end=\"3621\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1366\" data-end=\"1786\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1412\"><strong data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1411\">The Search for God and Spiritual Truth<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1416\" data-end=\"1786\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1416\" data-end=\"1633\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1418\" data-end=\"1633\">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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1637\" data-end=\"1786\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1786\">The book emphasizes that the purpose of life is to realize the <strong data-start=\"1702\" data-end=\"1721\">Divine presence<\/strong> within oneself and achieve a state of <strong data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1785\">inner peace and bliss<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1788\" data-end=\"2196\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1806\"><strong data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1805\">Kriya Yoga<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1810\" data-end=\"2196\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1810\" data-end=\"2093\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"2093\">The central theme of the book is the practice of <strong data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1875\">Kriya Yoga<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2097\" data-end=\"2196\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2099\" data-end=\"2196\">He explains how meditation can bring about peace, healing, and a deeper connection with the soul.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2545\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2224\"><strong data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2223\">The Role of a Guru<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2545\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2545\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2230\" data-end=\"2545\">A significant aspect of the book is the relationship between a <strong data-start=\"2293\" data-end=\"2301\">guru<\/strong> (spiritual teacher) and disciple. Yogananda\u2019s relationship with his <strong data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2380\">master<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"2382\" data-end=\"2405\">Swami Sri Yukteswar<\/strong>, forms a central part of the narrative. The book underscores the importance of spiritual guidance in one\u2019s journey toward self-realization.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2547\" data-end=\"2975\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2579\"><strong data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2578\">Supernatural Experiences<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2975\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2834\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2585\" data-end=\"2834\">Throughout the book, Yogananda recounts mystical and <strong data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2660\">divine experiences<\/strong>, including miraculous healings, encounters with saints, and visions of light. These experiences reflect his belief that higher spiritual truths transcend the physical world.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2838\" data-end=\"2975\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2840\" data-end=\"2975\">The <strong data-start=\"2844\" data-end=\"2864\">vision of Christ<\/strong> and other spiritual events that he shares provide readers with a glimpse into the mystical dimensions of life.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2977\" data-end=\"3273\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"3001\"><strong data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"3000\">Interfaith Unity<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3005\" data-end=\"3273\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3005\" data-end=\"3273\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3273\">Yogananda emphasizes the <strong data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3058\">unity of all religions<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3275\" data-end=\"3621\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3278\" data-end=\"3312\"><strong data-start=\"3278\" data-end=\"3311\">The Need for Self-Realization<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3621\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3621\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3318\" data-end=\"3621\">The book speaks about the path to achieving <strong data-start=\"3362\" data-end=\"3382\">self-realization<\/strong>, the understanding that God and the universe are within you. Yogananda stresses the importance of <strong data-start=\"3481\" data-end=\"3507\">experiential knowledge<\/strong> rather than intellectual understanding, urging individuals to practice meditation to realize the divine presence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3623\" data-end=\"3659\"><strong data-start=\"3627\" data-end=\"3659\">Key Takeaways from the Book:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3661\" data-end=\"4429\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3661\" data-end=\"3890\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3890\"><strong data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3696\">Meditation and Self-Discovery<\/strong>: Yogananda emphasizes meditation as the primary tool for spiritual growth. He explains that through meditation, individuals can achieve <strong data-start=\"3833\" data-end=\"3849\">self-mastery<\/strong>, enlightenment, and connection with God.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3894\" data-end=\"4125\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3896\" data-end=\"4125\"><strong data-start=\"3896\" data-end=\"3924\">The Importance of a Guru<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4127\" data-end=\"4429\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4129\" data-end=\"4429\"><strong data-start=\"4129\" data-end=\"4155\">Living a Balanced Life<\/strong>: The book shows that one can live a <strong data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4209\">balanced life<\/strong>, integrating the material world with the pursuit of spiritual truth. Yogananda was a proponent of maintaining a <strong data-start=\"4322\" data-end=\"4343\">healthy lifestyle<\/strong>, proper diet, and physical activity while also being deeply immersed in spirituality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"4431\" data-end=\"4457\"><strong data-start=\"4435\" data-end=\"4456\">Impact and Legacy<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"4458\" data-end=\"5095\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4458\" data-end=\"4811\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4460\" data-end=\"4811\"><strong data-start=\"4460\" data-end=\"4480\">Global Influence<\/strong>: Since its publication, <strong data-start=\"4505\" data-end=\"4534\">&#8220;Autobiography of a Yogi&#8221;<\/strong> has had a profound impact on readers around the world, influencing countless spiritual seekers and notable figures, including <strong data-start=\"4661\" data-end=\"4675\">Steve Jobs<\/strong>, who famously mentioned that the book deeply inspired him. The book has also become a primary text for those who follow <strong data-start=\"4796\" data-end=\"4810\">Kriya Yoga<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4815\" data-end=\"5095\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4817\" data-end=\"5095\"><strong data-start=\"4817\" data-end=\"4838\">Accessible to All<\/strong>: One of the reasons this book is so popular is that it is accessible to people from all walks of life\u2014whether one is religious, spiritual, or secular. It appeals to anyone interested in finding deeper meaning in their lives, regardless of their background.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"5097\" data-end=\"5116\"><strong data-start=\"5101\" data-end=\"5115\">Conclusion<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5117\" data-end=\"5611\"><strong data-start=\"5117\" data-end=\"5146\">&#8220;Autobiography of a Yogi&#8221;<\/strong> is more than just the life story of an extraordinary man\u2014it is a <strong data-start=\"5212\" data-end=\"5235\">spiritual guidebook<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5117\" data-end=\"5611\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vidyaprabodhinicollege.edu.in\/VPCCECM\/ebooks\/Exhibition\/Autobiography%20of%20a%20YOGI.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI BY PARMAHANSA YOGANANDA<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"kb0PBd A9Y9g jGGQ5e\" data-snf=\"x5WNvb\" data-snhf=\"0\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"yuRUbf\">\n<div class=\"b8lM7\">\n<h3 class=\"LC20lb MBeuO DKV0Md\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hathajoga.lt\/paramahansa-yogananda-autobiography-of-a-yogi-1958.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paramahansa Yogananda Autobiography of a Yogi 1958<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"notranslate HGLrXd ojE3Fb\">\n<div class=\"q0vns\">\n<div class=\"CA5RN\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kb0PBd A9Y9g\" data-snf=\"nke7rc\" data-sncf=\"1\">\n<div class=\"Jn5iqe\">\n<div class=\"VwiC3b yXK7lf fS1kJf p4wth r025kc hJNv6b Hdw6tb\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction ISBN:\u00a0978-9384067571 Genre:\u00a0Non-Fiction \/Spirituality Publishers:\u00a0Rupa Price:\u00a0Rs.195\/-\u00a0 ( I got the book for review from the\u00a0publisher) Autobiography of a Yogi is the story of the life of Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893\u2013March 7, 1952) first published in 1946. Born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, into a Bengali family, this book takes the reader on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100,"featured_media":1717,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[242],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-autobiography-of-a-yogi-by-parmahansa-yogananda"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1546","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/100"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1546"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1546\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}