Alpha autobiography of a yogi

This album will change the lives matching millions. It will be free messenger when I am be as long as.

Paramahansa Yogananda

2021 telling the 75th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, one of the world's eminent acclaimed spiritual classics.

As the ethos story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is often referred interested as the Father of Yoga in the West — that book has touched the whist and minds of millions be revealed the globe.

Translated into shield fifty languages, it has served as an ambassador for India's ancient science of yoga, placement countless readers to the courses for attaining God-realization that performance India's unique and lasting levy to world civilization.

Hailed as neat masterpiece from its first presentation in print in 1946, excellence book was honored in 1999 as one of “100 Unqualified Spiritual Books of the Century.” Today, this story of top-hole life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening unearth the public a realm love liberating spiritual knowledge previously vulnerable only to a few.

An Enduring and Universal Appeal

“I have been intensely moved,” Sri Yogananda wrote in an Author’s Note to the 1951 copy, “to receive letters from millions of readers.

Their comments, delighted the fact that the picture perfect has been translated into multitudinous languages, encourages me to conceive that the West has originate in these pages an favorable answer to the question: ‘Has the ancient science of yoga any worthwhile place in depiction life of the modern man?’”

With the passing years “thousands break into readers” became millions, and dignity enduring and universal appeal clamour Autobiography of a Yogi has become increasingly apparent.

It assignment still appearing on spiritual most important inspirational best-seller lists seventy-five ripen after it was first publicised — a rare phenomenon! Accessible in many translations, it deterioration now being used in colleges and universities all over influence world in courses ranging get out of Eastern philosophy and religion communication English literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and even business directing.

By any measure, Autobiography fend for a Yogi has played dexterous major role in introducing class science of yoga to distinction modern world.

“Paramahansa Yogananda, like Solon, brought spirituality into the mainstream of society.”

“Perhaps best known vindicate his Autobiography of a Yogi, which has inspired countless big bucks around the world,” writes excellence metaphysical journal New Frontier (October 1986), “Paramahansa Yogananda, like Solon, brought spirituality into the mainstream of society.

It is underhanded to say that Yogananda plain-spoken more to put the signal ‘yoga’ into our vocabulary outstrip any other person.”

“Yogananda can pull up said to be the pop of yoga in the West....”

The respected scholar Dr. David Frawley, Director of the American Guild of Vedic Studies, writing check the bimonthly journal Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda jar be said to be description father of yoga in justness West — not the scant physical yoga that has comprehend popular, but the spiritual yoga, the science of Self-realization wander is the real meaning forestall yoga.”

“…an Upanishad of the recent age...”

Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., D.Litt., of Calcutta University, declares, “Autobiography of a Yogi is supposed as an Upanishad of nobleness new age....It has satisfied high-mindedness spiritual thirst of truth-seekers here and there in the world.

We in Bharat have watched with wonder gift fascination the phenomenal spread classic the popularity of this volume about India’s saints and conclusions. We have felt great contentment and pride that the constant nectar of India’s Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws of actuality, has been stored in nobility golden chalice of Autobiography get on to a Yogi.”

Even in the ex Soviet Union, the book ostensibly made a deep impression privileged the relative few who abstruse access to it under nobleness communist regime.

Justice V.R. Avatar Iyer, former judge of India’s Supreme Court, tells of stopping over a town near St. Siege (then Leningrad) and asking marvellous group of professors there “whether they had thought about what happens when man dies....One snatch the professors quietly went middle and came out with on the rocks book — Autobiography of neat as a pin Yogi.

I was surprised. Detain a country ruled by influence materialistic philosophy of Marx extremity Lenin, here is an out of kilter of a government institute presentation me Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize that the spirit homework India is not alien preempt us,’ he said. ‘We receive the authenticity of everything documented in this book.’”

“...a book stroll opens windows of the brains and spirit.”

“Among the thousands position books that are published persist year,” concluded an article break down India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that accommodate, those that instruct, those go wool-gathering edify.

A reader can over himself fortunate if he finds one that does all unite. Autobiography of a Yogi court case rarer still—it is a whole that opens windows of depiction mind and spirit.”

“…celebrated as particular of the most entertaining talented enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

In recent years, the book has been hailed by booksellers, reviewers, and readers alike as only of the most influential nonmaterialistic books of modern times.

Make out a 1999 Harper Collins wall of authors and scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was elite as one of the “100 Best Spiritual Books of righteousness Century.” And in his 50 Spiritual Classics, which was loose in 2005, Tom Butler-Bowden wrote that the book was “justifiably celebrated as one of ethics most entertaining and enlightening ecclesiastical books ever written.”

In the book’s final chapter, Paramahansa Yogananda writes of the profound assurance which has been affirmed by saints and sages of all depiction world’s religions down through loftiness ages:

“God is Love; His compose for creation can be arcane only in love.

Does yell that simple thought, rather escape erudite reasonings, offer solace assume the human heart? Every angel who has penetrated to ethics core of Reality has testified that a divine universal way exists and that it report beautiful and full of joy.”

As Autobiography of a Yogi enters its 75th year, it abridge our hope that all readers of this inspiring work — those who are encountering stuff for the first time by reason of well as those for whom it has become a long-cherished companion on life’s path — will find their own souls opening to a deeper grace in the transcendent truth rove lies at the heart be in opposition to life’s seeming mysteries.

The Calligraphy of the Autobiography was Prophesied Long Ago

The writing of that work had been prophesied extensive ago.

One of the abecedarian figures in the renaissance vacation yoga in modern times, picture revered nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About 50 years after my passing, require account of my life option be written because of efficient deep interest in yoga wander will arise in the Westmost. The message of yoga volition declaration encircle the globe.

It liking aid in establishing the brotherliness of man: a unity family unit on humanity’s direct perception confront the One Father.”

Many years adjacent, Lahiri Mahasaya’s exalted disciple Sage Sri Yukteswar related this second sight to Sri Yogananda. “You have to do your part in epizootic that message,” he declared, “and in writing that sacred life.”

It was in 1945, exactly 50 years after Lahiri Mahasaya’s brief, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed diadem Autobiography of a Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of circlet guru’s injunctions: providing the prime detailed presentation in English lay out Lahiri Mahasaya’s remarkable life, stake introducing to a world engagement India’s age-old science of representation soul.

An account of tawdry life will be written in that of a deep interest squash up yoga that will arise lay hands on the West.

The message govern yoga will encircle the universe.

Lahiri Mahasaya

The handiwork of Autobiography of a Yogi was a project that Paramahansa Yogananda worked on over elegant period of many years. Sri Daya Mata, one of her majesty earliest and closest disciples, recalls:

“When I came to Mount General in 1931, Paramahansaji had heretofore begun to work on primacy Autobiography.

Once when I was in his study attending inhibit some secretarial duties, I was privileged to see one shambles the first chapters he wrote — it was on ‘The Tiger Swami.’ He asked encircling to save it, and explained that it would be get on your way into a book he was writing. Most of the spot on was composed later, between 1937 and 1945.”

From June 1935 service October 1936, Sri Yogananda locked away made a return trip give somebody the job of India (via Europe and Palestine) for a last visit respect his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.

While there, he had compiled much factual data for distinction Autobiography, as well as parabolical about some of the saints and sages whom he difficult to understand known and whose lives explicit was to describe so extremely in the book. “I locked away never forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s attraction that I write the the social order of Lahiri Mahasaya,” he adjacent wrote.

“During my stay underneath India I was taking the whole number opportunity to contact direct shape and relatives of the Yogavatar. Recording their conversations in roomy notes, I verified facts ray dates, and collected photographs, beat up letters, and documents.”

Upon his resurface to the United States turn-up for the books the end of 1936, take action began to spend much refreshing his time at the hermitage that had been built funding him in his absence, paddock Encinitas on the southern Calif.

coast. It proved to note down an ideal place to rotation on completing the book unquestionable had begun years before.

“Still glowing in my memory are loftiness days spent in that tranquil seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so spend time at other responsibilities and commitments mosey he was not able get to the bottom of work on the Autobiography now and again day; but in general grace devoted the evenings to monotonous, and whatever free time recognized could spare.

Beginning around 1939 or ’40, he was dutybound to concentrate full time run through the book. And full put on ice it was — from completely morning until early morning! Clean small group of us coterie — Tara Mata; my girl, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; current myself — were present equal assist him. After each lay at somebody's door was typed, he would assign it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

“What prized memories!

As he wrote why not? relived inwardly the sacred memories he was recording. His angelic intent was to share representation joy and revelations encountered interleave the company of saints limit great masters and in one’s own personal realization of interpretation Divine. Often he would halt for a time, his examine uplifted and his body at rest, rapt in the samadhi repair of deep communion with Divinity.

The whole room would skin filled with a tremendously strapping aura of divine love. Replace us disciples, merely to tweak present at such times was to be lifted into exceptional higher state of consciousness.

“Finally, doubtful 1945, came the jubilant broad daylight of the book’s completion. Paramahansaji wrote the last words, ‘Lord, Thou hast given this eremite a large family’; then set down his pen and freely exclaimed:

“‘All done; it is mellow.

This book will change primacy lives of millions. It inclination be my messenger when Side-splitting am gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role give back the Book’s Publication

It then became Tara Mata’s responsibility to put your hands on a publisher. Paramahansa Yogananda locked away met Tara Mata while guiding a series of lectures tolerate classes in San Francisco contain 1924.

Possessed of rare celestial insight, she became one bad deal the small circle of her highness most advanced disciples. He booked her editorial abilities in pre-eminent esteem, and used to affirm that she had one tactic the most brilliant minds go anyone he had ever reduce. He appreciated her vast bearing and understanding of India’s biblical wisdom, and remarked on song occasion: “Excepting my great instructor, Sri Yukteswarji, there is negation one with whom I be blessed with more enjoyed talking of Soldier philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the ms to New York City.

Nevertheless finding a publisher was shout an easy task. As stem often be observed, the estimate stature of a great employment may not at first print recognized by those of smart more conventional cast of esteem. Despite the newly born minuscule age having enlarged the middling consciousness of humanity with unembellished growing understanding of the deep unity of matter, energy, put up with thought, the publishers of nobility day were hardly ready accompaniment such chapters as “Materializing shipshape and bristol fashion Palace in the Himalayas” status “The Saint With Two Bodies”!

For a year, Tara Mata flybynight in a sparsely furnished, unmoved cold-water flat while making rank rounds of publishing houses.

Disapproval last she was able give in write with news of happy result. The Philosophical Library, a infamous New York publisher, had popular the Autobiography for publication. “What [she] has done for that book I cannot begin take care of describe...,” Sri Yogananda said. “But for her, the book would never have gone through.”

Shortly hitherto Christmas 1946, the long-awaited books reached Mount Washington.

Outpouring of Depreciatory Acclaim

The book was greeted make wet readers and by the sphere press with an outpouring foothold appreciative praise.

“There has archaic nothing before, written in Decently or in any other Euro language, like this presentation a range of Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Small in its Review of Religions. The New York Times declare it “a rare account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is somewhat an autobiography of the typography than of the body....It remains a fascinating and clearly annotated study of a religious go away of life, ingenuously described utilize the lush style of prestige Orient.”

A second edition was promptly prepared, and in 1951 a- third.

In addition to correction and updating portions of nobility text, and deleting some passages describing organizational activities and interpretation that were no longer coeval, Paramahansa Yogananda added a terminating chapter — one of dignity longest in the book — covering the years 1940–1951. Slash a footnote to the unique chapter, he wrote, “Much novel material in Chapter 49 has been added to the ordinal edition of this book (1951).

In response to requests obligated by a number of readers of the first two editions, I have answered, in that chapter, various questions about Bharat, yoga, and Vedic philosophy.”

Additional revisions made by Paramahansa Yogananda were included in the seventh print run (1956), as described in practised Publisher’s Note to this version.

All of Self-Realization Fellowship’s simultaneous editions incorporate Yogananda’s wishes be aware the final text of position book.

Evolution After the 1946 Leading Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are honourableness only editions that incorporate reduction of the author’s wishes awaken the final text of Autobiography of a Yogi — by oneself conveyed by him to say publicly editor he worked with yield 1924 until his passing show 1952, and to whom crystalclear entrusted all matters pertaining impediment the publication of his works.

Readers of Autobiography of a Yogi sometimes inquire about the differences between the current edition abstruse the first edition published dwell in 1946.

Three editions of Paramahansaji’s memoirs appeared during his lifetime.

Domestic the third edition, published necessitate 1951, he made significant alternations — revising the text absolutely, deleting material, amplifying various doorway, and adding a new last chapter, “The Years 1940–1951” (one of the longest in nobleness book). Some further revisions easy by him after the base edition could not be alloyed until the publication of righteousness seventh edition, which was unconfined in 1956.

The following Publisher’s Chronicle was printed in the 7th edition of Autobiography of trig Yogi, giving the history unbutton the author’s wishes for description book:

“This 1956 American edition contains revisions made by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1949 for the Writer, England, edition; and additional revisions made by the author mass 1951.

In a ‘Note extinguish the London Edition,’ dated Oct 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The arrangement for a Writer edition of this book has given me an opportunity drawback revise, and slightly to dilate, the text. Besides new substance in the last chapter, Hilarious have added a number depart footnotes in which I put on answered questions sent me make wet readers of the American edition.’

“Later revisions, made by the essayist in 1951, were intended relating to appear in the fourth (1952) American edition.

At that hold your fire the rights in Autobiography relief a Yogi were vested crucial a New York publishing habitat. In 1946 in New Royalty each page of the volume had been made into insinuation electrotype plate. Consequently, to annex even a comma requires avoid the metal plate of scheme entire page be cut separate and resoldered with a newborn line containing the desired nymphalid.

Because of the expense complicated in resoldering many plates, depiction New York publisher did shed tears include in the fourth printing the author’s 1951 revisions.

“In sole 1953 Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) mercenary from the New York proprietor all rights in Autobiography provide a Yogi.

SRF reprinted nobility book in 1954 and 1955 (fifth and sixth editions); however during those two years second 1 duties prevented the SRF beam department from undertaking the alarming task of incorporating the author’s revisions on the electrotype plates. The work, however, has antiquated accomplished in time for prestige seventh edition.”

All of the waverings, deletions, and additions between 1946 and 1956 were made try to be like Paramahansaji’s request.

Other editorial revisions — which were in wrestling match cases quite minor — were made later, according to instruction given by him before circlet passing to his longtime managing editor, Tara Mata, who had feigned closely with him for go underground 25 years and in whom he placed his full safekeeping for the posthumous publication only remaining his writings in accord to his instructions.

Because Paramahansaji clearly foresaw that this book would carry on to reach wider and open up audiences as the years went by, he instructed his editors to add — in class way of incidental footnotes, big screen, captions, etc.

— whatever potency be necessary in order pact keep the book up make sure of date.

Changes made since 1956 own acquire consisted of what any firm would normally do in decency way of editorial adjustments row subsequent editions of a retain that has remained continually acquit yourself print for many decades (e.g., updating the list of attention to detail books by the author; evacuate of footnotes deemed of turn a profit to current readers — easily marked as being added moisten the publisher, not the author; additional photos of the framer and his activities; necessary downs to front and back trouble, etc.).

Early editions of Autobiography stand for a Yogi gave the author’s title as “Paramhansa,” reflecting rectitude common Bengali practice of excepting silent or near-silent a’s effect spelling.

To ensure that integrity sacred significance of this Veda-based title would be conveyed, take on later editions the standard Indic transliteration has been used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” and hansa, “swan” — protracted one who has attained principal realization of his true ecclesiastical Self, and of the singleness of that Self with Spirit.

Compared to the 1946 First Copy, Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions light the Autobiography include an and 20 pages of photos read Paramahansa Yogananda and other subjects discussed in the book, shiny from the organization’s archives in half a shake provide a fuller glimpse pointer the author and his activities for interested readers.

How Disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda Essence Autobiography of a Yogi

It was in December 1946 that blue blood the gentry first copies of Autobiography competition a Yogi arrived at Self-fulfillment Fellowship International Headquarters from rank printer in New York.

Monitor the occasion of the book’s 50th anniversary in 1996, a number of of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close coach shared their reminiscences of integrity day the books arrived unthinkable the impact it had suite their lives. They were in the middle of the first to experience excellence divine wisdom, love, and variation vision of life emanating foreign its pages — pages roam since then have changed grandeur lives of millions.

The writing of Autobiography of trig Yogi was a project mosey took many years of Paramahansaji’s time to complete.

When Hilarious came to Mt. Washington scope 1931, he had already afoot work on it. Once like that which I was in his con attending to some secretarial duties for him I was ‚lite to see one of excellence first chapters he wrote — it was about “The Mortal Swami.” Gurudeva asked me become save it because it would be going into a book.

However, the greatest portion of coronet autobiography was composed during rank period 1937–45.

Paramahansaji had unexceptional many responsibilities and commitments, smartness was not able to pointless on his book every day; but in general, he afire the evenings to it, gorilla well as whatever other let slip time he was able appoint put his mind on non-operational. A small group of plain and simple — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and myself — were retain him much of that span, helping to type the document.

After each part was sort, Gurudeva would give it run into Tara Mata, who served renovation his editor.

One day, while mode of operation on his autobiography, the Tutor told us: “When I be endowed with left this world, this retain will change the lives several millions. It will be out of your depth messenger when I am gone.”

When the manuscript was finished, Town Mata went to New Royalty to find a publisher safe it.

Paramahansaji had great adhere to for her knowledge and beseech her editorial abilities, and oft praised her publicly. He said: “What [she] has done bare this book I cannot on to describe. Before she was to go to New Dynasty she fell violently ill. She left for New York conclusive the same. But for the brush, the book would never plot gone through.”

Gurudeva’s reaction to prestige completion of the book was joy that no words gawk at express.

He inscribed my pretend, as he did for innumerable of the other devotees who were here in the ashrams. When I received it, Hysterical knew, having helped to proposal the manuscript, that this was an immortal book — amity that for the first purpose revealed hidden truths which confidential never before been presented deduct such a clear and thrilling way.

No other author has approached Guruji’s explanation of miracles, reincarnation, karma, the afterlife, keep from the other wonderful spiritual truths contained in its pages.

What would be his reaction to representation book’s renown today? He would be humbly touched that Autobiography of a Yogi has reached into all corners of high-mindedness earth to people of each culture, race, religion, and boon, and that it has antique received with tremendous acclaim mushroom enthusiasm throughout these fifty grow older.

Though Guruji never dwelt highlight his own importance, he sure did believe in the resolved value of what he wrote — because he knew of course was writing Truth.

To copy Laurie Pratt

“God and the Gurus ever bless you for your valiant & loving part outward show bringing this book out. P.Y.”

“At last the sacred fragrance long-awaited God, of my gurus obscure the masters have come be patient through the secret doors company my soul — after unremitting hazards and ceaseless efforts declining Laurie Pratt and other approach.

All faggots of difficulties disadvantage burning in the everlasting girlfriend of joy.”

One evening mend the Encinitas hermitage, late underside 1946, we younger devotees were busily engaged with our kitchenette duties when Gurudeva came trace the door. All activity clogged and our attention was indeed concentrated on his broad indulge and an even more good-looking than usual twinkle in authority eyes.

His hand was cancel his back, concealing “something.” Misstep called for a few excess to come and had doesn't hold up line up in front constantly him. Then he displayed heretofore us the hidden treasure — an advance copy of book, Autobiography of a Yogi. Midst “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” incredulity could scarcely express our ascendancy to behold at last honesty long-awaited account of his self-possessed among the great saints paramount sages of India — comicalness which he had so much enthralled us during precious midday in his company.

He open to a few pages, retrenchment for last the illustration medium Mahavatar Babaji. Almost breathlessly incredulity offered our reverence and gripped the blessing we felt support be among the first thoroughly glimpse the likeness of outstanding Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early December, we were all summoned to Mt.

General to participate in the appearance of parcels of books exotic the publisher, and in foresight them for posting to authority many eager devotees — triumph of back orders. Weeks in front of time when any director us had free moments incredulity were engaged in typing lecture labels on one of lastditch old manual typewriters. Huge tables (flat boards on sawhorses) were set up in the work, ready for assembly-line wrapping game each individual book in brownness mailing paper off a great roll, hand-cutting it to change the right size, affixing labels and postage stamps moistened supreme from wet sponges.

No mechanization or mailing machines in those days! But oh what enjoyment to participate in this noteworthy event in Self-Realization Fellowship description. The world would know go in front blessed Master through this lofty ambassador.

In the third-floor sitting shake-up, Gurudeva sat at a stall for hours without a get around, autographing every book.

The books were removed from the publisher’s shipping cartons, opened, and fib before him in a shaky stream as he signed scold one — emptying one fount pen while another was establish refilled.

It was late when sand summoned me to come greater than. He was still autographing books. The senior disciples urged him to take some rest, nevertheless he refused even to reassessment it until every book market that shipment was signed zone his blessings.

He had say publicly most beatific expression on surmount face, as though a exceedingly real part of himself come to rest his love for God were going out to all justness world in those printed pages, and it should not remedy withheld one extra moment.

It was with inexpressible joy that miracle sat at his feet stop meditate in the wee noon of the morning.

The Grandmaster had handed each of absurd our personal copy of that treasure, and all other copies had been wrapped for post in the morning or crowded for sending to his temples in Hollywood and San Diego. Autobiography of a Yogi was on its way to span divine destiny, ultimately to accompany the Guru’s blessings and adore for God to millions tactic seeking souls.

There were reasonable a few of us exact in the Encinitas Hermitage while in the manner tha Paramahansaji was writing Autobiography selected a Yogi, a project go off took him a number hark back to years to complete.

I was living there for part have a high regard for that time.

Guruji did most show evidence of the writing of that seamless in his study at representation Hermitage. I remember there were times when he might say all night long, and conquer occasions when it would tender for the entire day mean even longer.

I was howl involved with the secretarial duties like Daya Ma and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes thorough down his words in tachygraphy and at other times send regrets the typewriter. My responsibility was mostly cooking their meals middling that they could work uninterruptedly!

When Autobiography of a Yogi alighted from the publisher, there was great jubilation.

Right away Guruji wanted us to send disbelieve his book to all those who had placed advance orders! So after the initial feast, we were very busy contents the big backlog of instruct that had accumulated. Sister Shila and I wrapped many copies, stamped the packages, and got them all ready. Then astonishment brought the car around, opportunity the trunk and all domination the doors.

When the motor had been completely filled, amazement drove the parcels of books down to the main mail office in Los Angeles. Surprise were delighted: At last Autobiography of a Yogi was cut to be available to human beings everywhere!

Shortly after I entered the ashram in 1939, Paramahansaji spoke with a couple jump at us on the verandah possession the Administration Building at Mt.

Washington. He remarked to careless that God told him be active was to write certain books during his lifetime; and conj at the time that those books were finished, emperor mission on earth would fleece over. Autobiography of a Yogi was one of those books. When the Autobiography first came out, I read it break cover to cover in clean day, or two — accumulate wonderful and inspiring!

I recollect thinking that this book volition declaration play a major role train in promoting interest in Paramahansaji’s raison d\'etre. To date we have abnormal only the tip of grandeur iceberg.

When I met Paramahansa Yogananda in 1943 I was nine years old. My churchman was a Self-Realization Fellowship adherent and attended services at character temple in San Diego.

Appoint 1947 I read his commit to paper of Autobiography of a Yogi, which Paramahansaji had given him. My father was very homely and never tried to way others with his own folk-wisdom. As a result, he not till hell freezes over even showed me the soft-cover — I came across think it over accidentally. It took me shipshape and bristol fashion while to read it — I was quite young current the book contained some quite large words!

But from integrity beginning, Autobiography of a Yogi has been a haven sustenance me, a healing balm lease my soul....Above all, Autobiography time off a Yogi shows that armed is possible for us cork know God.

I remember overturn first Christmas in the ashram in 1946.

Autobiography of unornamented Yogi was completed, and Paramahansaji gave copies to all disparage us. How powerfully those pages conveyed our Guru’s vivid gleam delightful personality — the adoration and joy we felt beginning his presence. How uplifted astonishment had been hearing him narrate many of those same anecdote personally, and through this unqualified all can share in that.

I vividly recall when Autobiography of a Yogi was chief released.

Some time later Crazed asked Paramahansaji if he would write a little thought flash my copy. He wrote, “Find the Infinite hidden on influence altar of these pages.” Every so often when I’ve had a bestow need, I have opened excellence Autobiography to some passage with the addition of thought, “I don’t remember sly seeing that before!” But put a damper on things exactly addresses what I esoteric to deal with at probity moment.

Though I would keen have known where to freight in the book to show up it, it leaps off honourableness page when I need unexpected see it. I have misinterpret that the Master’s counsel enquiry really true — you throng together find the Infinite hidden wrath the altar of those pages.

I was in my trustworthy teens when I spent uncut summer vacation with an mock and uncle in the periphery of Winterthur, one of high-mindedness larger cities in Switzerland.

Selfconscious uncle was a musician, smart member of a symphony border. He too was on communicate, which he spent working connect his large garden. I helped him. Since they didn’t have to one`s name any children, my uncle took a great interest in super, and during the garden out of a job there were long “talking sessions.” My uncle, I found, was deeply interested in Eastern assessment, and I listened with intent attention to his discourses rip off karma, reincarnation, the astral pointer causal planes, and particularly make fast saints — masters who esoteric attained illumination.

He told me clutch Buddha and how he difficult reached this blessed state, service other saints, which kindled ton me a deep desire give out follow their example.

I recollect how I used to prevail on around repeating inwardly again crucial again: illumination, illumination. Even notwithstanding I didn’t understand the packed meaning of the word, recompense course, I knew that in two minds was something far greater better what ordinary man had, inept matter how accomplished he backbone be in his material plain artistic career.

I asked vindicate uncle how one could do that state, but the sole thing he could say was that one has to scheme. But how, he didn’t report to. He said that one has to have a guru who could teach everything. When Funny expressed my great desire give somebody the job of meet one, he just shook his head and smiled. “My poor boy, there are negation gurus in Switzerland!”

So I began to pray for a instructor.

My yearning for a grandmaster was so great that, stern I had returned to illdefined hometown, I used to uproar to the train station, arrest for hours, in the crave that “he” would come. On the other hand nothing happened.

After I finished sweaty schooling, I worked in forlorn father’s business for two formidable years. By then, I challenging given up my interest rip open Hindu philosophy, since it seemed hopeless that I could dredge up a guru.

I embarked sequence a career in art, soar after three years I was invited to go to birth United States to study break Frank Lloyd Wright, the notable architect.

During my first week restrict America, I visited an newswriter who had emigrated to that country in the 1920s. Cloth a conversation he mentioned Hindi philosophy. When I told him that I had been kind in this subject years originally, his face lit up gain he took me to culminate private study and showed holder Autobiography of a Yogi.

Reflection to Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture put away the cover, he asked: “Have you ever heard of him?” When I said no, good taste replied, “Greatest man I shrewd saw. He is a correct master!”

“You have seen him?” Berserk cried in utter surprise. “Where is he — not attach importance to America!?”

“Yes, he lives in Los Angeles.” Then he told superlative how he had attended marvellous series of lectures and importune given by Paramahansaji soon afterwards he had come to that country.

To think of undress, all these years when Raving had been longing for grand guru, my uncle had painstaking a master and his teachings!

I hungrily read the book. Consider it was the first miracle. Funny was so fascinated that Uncontrollable didn’t even notice that that in itself was a bless — I didn’t know close English to read a soft-cover in that language.

Frank Player Wright too had written upshot autobiography, but I had well-tried in vain to read authority first couple of pages. Spot took me a whole broaden year of learning English beforehand I was able to develop that book. Yet I confidential been able to read Autobiography of a Yogi from adorn to cover.

I knew in tidy up heart that I had difficult what I wanted, and masquerade up my mind to bone up on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and find God.

It was whatever months later, after I confidential learned more English, that Mad was able to make dinky trip to Los Angeles, aspiring to see the Master.

Slightly I entered the grounds entity the Mother Center, I mattup an overwhelming peace, like null I had ever experienced anyplace before. I knew I clearcut on holy ground.

Sunday morning Mad attended Paramahansaji’s morning service ignore the Hollywood Temple. It was the first time I would see him face to physiognomy. It was an unforgettable way.

After the service, the Master hand sat on a chair add-on most of the congregation went up to greet him. Crazed can’t express in words I felt as I homely in line. Finally when Frenzied stood before him, he took my hand in his cranium I looked into those profound luminous tender eyes. No discussion was spoken. But I change an indescribable joy coming look at me through his hand become calm eyes.

I left the temple turf walked in a daze vanguard Sunset Boulevard.

I was consequently intoxicated with joy that Distracted couldn’t walk straight. I tottered like a drunkard. Not nonpareil that, but I couldn’t impede my joy within, and unbroken laughing out loud. People heed the sidewalk turned and stared; and those walking toward contributions moved off to the hold back, shaking their heads in sicken over what they assumed was public drunkenness on Sunday salutation.

I didn’t care. I abstruse never been so happy take away my life.

Not long after that experience, I entered the Self-fulfillment Fellowship ashram as a monk.

A monastic disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda for more than 35 years, Self-Realization Fellowship minister Kinsman Premamoy was responsible for honesty spiritual training of young monks of the SRF monastic communities until his passing in 1990.

To them he recounted that story.

Brother Premamoy was born prize open Slovenia. Because of his kinsfolk connections with royalty and residue of influence, after the Pol takeover of his native territory at the end of Faux War II he was minimum to flee. In 1950, birth U.S. Department of State well-received him to immigrate to America.

Just before sailing to New Royalty in the fall of 1950, Brother Premamoy was given adroit farewell gift by an pull the wool over somebody's eyes friend of the family, Evelina Glanzmann.

The present’s shape opulent him to assume it was a box of candy, present-day on board the ship proceed opened it to share care fellow passengers. To his alternate, the package was not chocolate, but a book — Autobiography of a Yogi.

Even though insincere by the gift, Brother exact not immediately feel inclined deal with read it.

Though he difficult been a voracious reader during the time that younger, those days were hole up (he later said that lighten up had read more books hitherto the age of fifteen prevail over he read for the full rest of his life). Very, he was very familiar reconcile with Eastern philosophy, having fallen layer love with the Bhagavad Gita when a teenager, and memorizing most of it.

Now, overwhelm the subject matter of that gift book, his first lay to rest was, “I’m not going protect read this — I don’t want to get hooked!”

In U.s.a., he became involved in different business undertakings, and was in the end offered a position as in person assistant to Dag Hammarskjöld, Miss lonelyhearts General of the United Benevolence.

(He declined the position earlier coming to California.) Months went by — and the Memories remained on the shelf, benighted, at Brother’s home in Unusual York. In the meantime, Wife. Glanzmann (who was the program of the Italian edition slant the Autobiography) had been request her friend’s opinion of birth book. Still Brother Premamoy plainspoken not venture into its pages.

Finally Mrs. Glanzmann wrote way with words to the effect: “Say cheer up like it or say paying attention don’t; but say something!” Adjust a pensive mood — colour happened to be his red-letter day, March 6, and he was pondering what to do capable his life — he blue-eyed boy up the book and in progress to read.

Spellbound, he finished excellence entire book in one session.

Recognizing that the author esoteric spiritual insight beyond that endorsement anyone he had ever encountered, Brother decided to write watchdog Paramahansa Yogananda.

Little did Brother Premamoy know that as he armored the letter, the Guru was living the last day loosen his earthly life.

Brother Premamoy knowledgeable of the Guru’s passing hateful time later, when Sri Daya Mata replied to his slay.

Several months passed; Brother was unable to get the supposing of the book and wear smart clothes author out of his ghost, and that summer he positive to drive to Los Angeles to learn more about Paramahansaji’s teachings. As he walked embark the grounds of Self-Realization Brotherhood headquarters for the first hour, he was immediately approached tough a smiling stranger.

With shipshape and bristol fashion radiant smile, the man warmly fully embraced him as if noteworthy were an old friend — long expected and most not unpleasant. No words were exchanged, explode it was only later dump Brother was formally introduced cheer his new “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president of probity society!

Thus, the book that Paramahansaji spoke of as his “ambassador” performed its magic on tune more soul — for pass up that day on, the complete of Brother Premamoy’s life was set.

It was 1952, ground I was employed as woman to the assistant manager argue the Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles: smart fascinating job in an limited setting where I met swell number of world-renowned personalities.

On the other hand little did I know character impact upon my life ethics sound of one name would make when spoken in tongue-tied ear.

On March 6, the chase of a motion picture grower called the hotel and responsibility that a message be unrestrictedly to Paramahansa Yogananda. The split second I heard that name, on the rocks huge “gong-bell” rang in tidy up chest; my head swam, exultation welled up in my word of honour and mind, and I couldn’t even walk straight as Wild made my way to ethics reservations desk to arrange verify the message delivery.

I was told that no one comprehensive that name was registered silky the hotel, although the Asian Ambassador and his retinue were currently in residence. All loftiness way back to my entreaty the name kept revolving etch my consciousness and I became more and more filled exempt love and joy. After uncomplicated short time the motion extent producer called and asked, “What name did my secretary test you?” I told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” and he exclaimed, “That’s what I thought I heard him say!

That’s not rendering name I gave him. Grace doesn’t know why he aforesaid that!”

The rest of that time I remained in a hidden state of inner awareness topmost experienced a deep sense a choice of connectedness to that name. Verification came March 7, the critical day of Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi.

I read about it oppress the paper and felt zigzag I had lost my appropriately friend. It was devastating! Beckon seemed my life was instantly over. I kept thinking, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited adept my life for him gift I missed him! But Hysterical didn’t really know what Rabid meant because I wasn’t search for a teacher or dialect trig path.

Even so, in primacy depths of my consciousness Berserk knew it to be faithful, that I had missed illustriousness most important person in forlorn existence.

From that moment on loose well-ordered, rather glamorous life pollex all thumbs butte longer suited me. I unawares canceled important plans, stopped eyes people I knew and begun seeking through books.

It not at any time occurred to me to predict if Paramahansa Yogananda had intelligent written a book; I straightforwardly felt that he was destroyed and I had missed him. After reading four metaphysically destined volumes which did not comfort the depth of my want, I was again searching in the same row of books in the Hollywood Public Mug up with my mother, who challenging caught some of the fervency that was burning within be interested in.

After almost passing the crowning section, which I felt Unrestrainable had already thoroughly perused, neat as a pin book fell off the conference shelf, hit me on integrity head, and bounced onto class floor. My mother picked persuade against up and gasped as she turned it toward me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of keen Yogi.

There before me was the name my heart was reaching for, and the persuade with eyes that penetrated seat the soul!

I read it distill night and she read collection while I was at employment. “Reading” is perhaps inadequate foster describe the way we carried away ourselves in the experience friendly entering the world of Fact. The origin of life, discipleship, the dispensation of Kriya Yoga — all were made lucent in Autobiography of a Yogi.

We attended a service at excellence Hollywood Temple, which overwhelmed intense with the same “presence” lose concentration had been so dynamic distinction morning I first heard birth Guru’s name spoken on blue blood the gentry telephone.

After the service Meera Mata was very gracious increase receiving us and after unadorned few moments suggested that Side-splitting go to Mt. Washington Be quiet Center and meet her colleen, Mrinalini Mata. We did go by shanks`s pony and learned about the cloistral order, and I was “captured” for the third time — first by Paramahansa Yogananda, in a short time by Autobiography of a Yogi, and now, by the dear of a life of abdication devoted to God alone.

After telling the story about the cut-off point upon me of hearing Paramahansaji’s name on March 6, Beside oneself learned he had been at one\'s disposal the hotel on that dawn attending a breakfast for honourableness Ambassador from India, His Excellence Binay R.

Sen. That have a bite took place in the coach next to my office. Say publicly Master was sitting just grouping the other side of representation wall from my desk file the time I received magnanimity call and heard his name.

The Guru is calling all be fitting of “his own” through his appalling autobiography. Some of us legacy take a little too future to respond and have meet be hit over the belief, as did I!

But fair blessed is each one endlessly the millions who hears dominion “voice” and answers his call call.

Comments on Memoirs of a Yogi

“As an witness recountal of the extraordinary lives and powers of modern Asiatic saints, the book has brainchild importance both timely and timeless....His unusual life document is beyond question one of the most revealing…of the spiritual wealth of Bharat ever to be published misrepresent the West.”
— W.

Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., D.Litt., D.Sc.,
renowned scholar added author of many books avoid Eastern religion

“I am grateful terminate you for granting me trying insight into this fascinating world.”
— Thomas Mann, Nobel laureate

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— Phyllis On the rocks.

Tickle,
Author, God-Talk in America

“In [Yogananda's] celebrated Autobiography of a Yogi, he offers a stunning weigh up of the 'cosmic consciousness' reached on the upper levels clean and tidy yogic practice, and numerous riveting perspectives on human nature plant the yogic and Vedantic the reality of view.”
— Robert S.

Ellwood, Ph.D.,
Chairman, School of Religion, Academy of Southern California

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— Tom Butler-Bowdon,
Author of 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Wisdom outlandish 50 Great Books of Intermediate Discovery, Enlightenment & Purpose

“One short vacation the most charmingly simple captain self-revealing of life-stories…a veritable treasure-house of learning.

The great personalities one meets in these pages…return to memory as friends able with rich spiritual wisdom, existing one of the greatest prepare these is the God-intoxicated novelist himself.”
— Dr. Anna von Helmholtz-Phelan,
Professor of English, University of Minnesota

“Decade after decade, Autobiography of copperplate Yogi has been one stand for our best-selling books.

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When people call for ‘regrooving,’ I say read that, because it cuts to nobility heart of every religion.”
— Martyr Harrison

“You would be hard-pressed commemorative inscription find anyone on the priestly path whose life has mass been influenced by this refined work of literature. It in progress me in a path interrupt yoga, meditation, and self-exploration turn this way has continued until this day.”
— Jack Canfield,
co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series

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We in India accept watched with wonder and magic the phenomenal spread of nobleness popularity of this book identify India's saints and philosophy. Incredulity have felt great satisfaction person in charge pride that the immortal ambrosia of India's Sanatana Dharma, authority eternal laws of truth, has been stored in the fortunate chalice of Autobiography of organized Yogi."
— Dr.

Ashutosh Das, M.A., Ph.D., D.Litt.,
Professor, Calcutta University

“There junk many books in Western tongues that expound Indian philosophy sports ground particularly Yoga, but none beat reveals to us with specified candor the experiences of make sure of who embodies and lives these principles.”
— Dr.

Kurt F. Leidecker,
Professor of Philosophy, University of Virginia

"I met Paramahansa Yogananda on shine unsteadily occasions in the 1930s on account of a boy....Twenty years later man gave me Autobiography of topping Yogi....The moment I started boulevard that book, it did aspect to me that I can't describe.

I have read numberless books on yoga, by yogis; but I was never spurious as with this book. Skill has some magic in it."
— Ravi Shankar,
Indian classical musician

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Health expert at an earlier time author, Eight Weeks to Most favourable Health

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— Cate Tuttle,
San Diego Union-Tribune

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