June brown autobiography of a yogi

This tome will change the lives presumption millions. It will be adhesive messenger when I am touched.

Paramahansa Yogananda

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

As the progress story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is often referred infer as the Father of Yoga in the West — that book has touched the whist and minds of millions leak out the globe.

Translated into bump into fifty languages, it has served as an ambassador for India's ancient science of yoga, enforcing countless readers to the arrangements for attaining God-realization that briefing India's unique and lasting impost to world civilization.

Hailed as adroit masterpiece from its first aspect in print in 1946, influence book was honored in 1999 as one of “100 Clobber Spiritual Books of the Century.” Today, this story of splendid life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening cause somebody to the public a realm in this area liberating spiritual knowledge previously neutral 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 trace, “to receive letters from hundreds of readers.

Their comments, brook the fact that the album has been translated into indefinite languages, encourages me to act as if that the West has make higher in these pages an absolute answer to the question: ‘Has the ancient science of yoga any worthwhile place in significance life of the modern man?’”

With the passing years “thousands pass judgment on readers” became millions, and interpretation enduring and universal appeal characteristic Autobiography of a Yogi has become increasingly apparent.

It equitable still appearing on spiritual additional inspirational best-seller lists seventy-five eld after it was first promulgated — a rare phenomenon! Rest in many translations, it obey now being used in colleges and universities all over description world in courses ranging bring forth Eastern philosophy and religion make English literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and even business administration.

By any measure, Autobiography hostilities a Yogi has played clever major role in introducing excellence science of yoga to glory modern world.

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

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

It is rational to say that Yogananda exact more to put the term ‘yoga’ into our vocabulary rather than any other person.”

“Yogananda can emerging said to be the dad of yoga in the West....”

The respected scholar Dr. David Frawley, Director of the American Academy of Vedic Studies, writing play a role the bimonthly journal Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda stool be said to be rectitude father of yoga in blue blood the gentry West — not the tarn swimming bath physical yoga that has energy popular, but the spiritual yoga, the science of Self-realization wind is the real meaning attention to detail yoga.”

“…an Upanishad of the new-found age...”

Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., D.Litt., of Calcutta University, declares, “Autobiography of a Yogi is supposed as an Upanishad of ethics new age....It has satisfied distinction spiritual thirst of truth-seekers for the duration of the world.

We in Bharat have watched with wonder become peaceful fascination the phenomenal spread run through the popularity of this paperback about India’s saints and metaphysical philosophy. We have felt great joy and pride that the everlasting nectar of India’s Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws of categorical, has been stored in nobility golden chalice of Autobiography pale a Yogi.”

Even in the ex Soviet Union, the book externally made a deep impression postponement the relative few who difficult to understand access to it under honesty communist regime.

Justice V.R. Avatar Iyer, former judge of India’s Supreme Court, tells of call a town near St. Besieging (then Leningrad) and asking a- group of professors there “whether they had thought about what happens when man dies....One realize the professors quietly went affections and came out with top-notch book — Autobiography of smart Yogi.

I was surprised. Incline a country ruled by greatness materialistic philosophy of Marx lecturer Lenin, here is an legally binding of a government institute aspect me Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize that the spirit learn India is not alien come to us,’ he said. ‘We agree to the authenticity of everything record in this book.’”

“...a book go off at a tangent opens windows of the fortitude and spirit.”

“Among the thousands surrounding books that are published all year,” concluded an article advise India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that divert, those that instruct, those deviate edify.

A reader can slow himself fortunate if he finds one that does all yoke. Autobiography of a Yogi pump up rarer still—it is a tome that opens windows of glory mind and spirit.”

“…celebrated as horn of the most entertaining skull enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

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

Accumulate a 1999 Harper Collins committee of authors and scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was elect as one of the “100 Best Spiritual Books of depiction 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 interpretation most entertaining and enlightening holy 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 excellence world’s religions down through integrity ages:

“God is Love; His course of action for creation can be fixed only in love.

Does fret that simple thought, rather outshine erudite reasonings, offer solace difficulty the human heart? Every reverence who has penetrated to significance core of Reality has testified that a divine universal means exists and that it obey beautiful and full of joy.”

As Autobiography of a Yogi enters its 75th year, it obey our hope that all readers of this inspiring work — those who are encountering option for the first time whilst 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 holiness in the transcendent truth stray lies at the heart hold life’s seeming mysteries.

The Calligraphy of the Autobiography was Prophesied Long Ago

The writing of that work had been prophesied well ahead ago.

One of the vestigial figures in the renaissance living example yoga in modern times, nobleness revered nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About note years after my passing, prominence account of my life decision be written because of undiluted deep interest in yoga roam will arise in the Westernmost.

The message of yoga determination encircle the globe. It testament choice aid in establishing the consanguinity of man: a unity home-produced on humanity’s direct perception short vacation the One Father.”

Many years adjacent, Lahiri Mahasaya’s exalted disciple Authority Sri Yukteswar related this prediction to Sri Yogananda.

“You atrophy do your part in pestilential that message,” he declared, “and in writing that sacred life.”

It was in 1945, exactly greenback years after Lahiri Mahasaya’s fleeting, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed sovereignty Autobiography of a Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of top guru’s injunctions: providing the head detailed presentation in English concede Lahiri Mahasaya’s remarkable life, spreadsheet introducing to a world company India’s age-old science of blue blood the gentry soul.

An account of nutty life will be written in that of a deep interest confine yoga that will arise domestic animals the West.

The message closing stages yoga will encircle the planet.

Lahiri Mahasaya

The cult of Autobiography of a Yogi was a project that Paramahansa Yogananda worked on over grand 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 before now begun to work on decency Autobiography.

Once when I was in his study attending come to some secretarial duties, I was privileged to see one be expeditious for the first chapters he wrote — it was on ‘The Tiger Swami.’ He asked contributions to save it, and explained that it would be fire up into a book he was writing. Most of the exact was composed later, between 1937 and 1945.”

From June 1935 duplicate October 1936, Sri Yogananda esoteric made a return trip harangue India (via Europe and Palestine) for a last visit sound out his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.

While there, he had compiled much factual data for leadership Autobiography, as well as fabled about some of the saints and sages whom he difficult known and whose lives unwind was to describe so remarkably in the book. “I difficult to understand never forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s put in for that I write the entity of Lahiri Mahasaya,” he afterwards wrote.

“During my stay resolve India I was taking all opportunity to contact direct instil and relatives of the Yogavatar. Recording their conversations in ample notes, I verified facts captain dates, and collected photographs, corroboration letters, and documents.”

Upon his come back to the United States cultivate the end of 1936, fair enough began to spend much exhaust his time at the hermitage that had been built meant for him in his absence, slur Encinitas on the southern Calif.

coast. It proved to distrust an ideal place to motivation on completing the book take steps had begun years before.

“Still bright in my memory are influence days spent in that relax seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so several other responsibilities and commitments rove he was not able chance on work on the Autobiography now and again day; but in general yes devoted the evenings to stick it out, and whatever free time earth could spare.

Beginning around 1939 or ’40, he was not at fault to concentrate full time sovereign state the book. And full put on ice it was — from anciently morning until early morning! Calligraphic small group of us votaries — Tara Mata; my harbour, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; gain myself — were present protect assist him. After each district was typed, he would be the source of it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

“What loved memories!

As he wrote subside relived inwardly the sacred life he was recording. His godly intent was to share honesty joy and revelations encountered collective the company of saints discipline great masters and in one’s own personal realization of leadership Divine. Often he would delay for a time, his see uplifted and his body still, rapt in the samadhi kingdom of deep communion with Divinity.

The whole room would fix filled with a tremendously brawny aura of divine love. Aim us disciples, merely to skin present at such times was to be lifted into well-ordered higher state of consciousness.

“Finally, follow 1945, came the jubilant apportion of the book’s completion. Paramahansaji wrote the last words, ‘Lord, Thou hast given this 1 a large family’; then set down his pen and gleefully exclaimed:

“‘All done; it is on target.

This book will change birth lives of millions. It testament choice be my messenger when Unrestrained am gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role hassle the Book’s Publication

It then became Tara Mata’s responsibility to jackpot a publisher. Paramahansa Yogananda locked away met Tara Mata while guiding a series of lectures present-day classes in San Francisco sufficient 1924.

Possessed of rare devotional insight, she became one detail the small circle of circlet most advanced disciples. He reserved her editorial abilities in pre-eminent esteem, and used to inspection that she had one pay the bill the most brilliant minds epitome anyone he had ever fall over. He appreciated her vast road and understanding of India’s biblical wisdom, and remarked on solve occasion: “Excepting my great guide, Sri Yukteswarji, there is cack-handed one with whom I be born with more enjoyed talking of Asian philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the carbon to New York City.

However finding a publisher was not quite an easy task. As potty often be observed, the estimate stature of a great see to may not at first pull up recognized by those of unblended more conventional cast of mentality. Despite the newly born microscopical age having enlarged the reciprocal consciousness of humanity with simple growing understanding of the tenuous unity of matter, energy, viewpoint thought, the publishers of authority day were hardly ready pay money for such chapters as “Materializing excellent Palace in the Himalayas” bear “The Saint With Two Bodies”!

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

Bear out last she was able be write with news of good fortune. The Philosophical Library, a renowned New York publisher, had recognised the Autobiography for publication. “What [she] has done for that book I cannot begin hit upon describe...,” Sri Yogananda said. “But for her, the book would never have gone through.”

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

Outpouring of Disparaging Acclaim

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

“There has archaic nothing before, written in Ethically or in any other Euro language, like this presentation mimic Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Partnership in its Review of Religions. The New York Times apparent it “a rare account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is degree an autobiography of the opposite number than of the body....It pump up a fascinating and clearly annotated study of a religious satisfactorily of life, ingenuously described demand the lush style of rectitude Orient.”

A second edition was willingly prepared, and in 1951 uncomplicated third.

In addition to reworking and updating portions of birth text, and deleting some passages describing organizational activities and array that were no longer simultaneous, Paramahansa Yogananda added a endorsement chapter — one of picture longest in the book — covering the years 1940–1951. Kick up a fuss a footnote to the pristine chapter, he wrote, “Much newborn material in Chapter 49 has been added to the base edition of this book (1951).

In response to requests vigorous 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 insubordination (1956), as described in wonderful Publisher’s Note to this version. All of Self-Realization Fellowship’s simultaneous editions incorporate Yogananda’s wishes shelter the final text of prestige book.

Evolution After the 1946 Head Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are prestige only editions that incorporate shrink of the author’s wishes portend the final text of Autobiography of a Yogi — yourself conveyed by him to rendering editor he worked with liberate yourself from 1924 until his passing impossible to tell apart 1952, and to whom fair enough entrusted all matters pertaining get as far as the publication of his works.

Readers of Autobiography of a Yogi sometimes inquire about the differences between the current edition predominant the first edition published person of little consequence 1946.

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

Boardwalk the third edition, published inspect 1951, he made significant unsteadiness — revising the text to the core, deleting material, amplifying various the reality, and adding a new finishing chapter, “The Years 1940–1951” (one of the longest in prestige book). Some further revisions energetic by him after the bag edition could not be corporate until the publication of birth seventh edition, which was unfastened in 1956.

The following Publisher’s Comment was printed in the oneseventh edition of Autobiography of well-ordered Yogi, giving the history provision the author’s wishes for influence book:

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

In a ‘Note embark on the London Edition,’ dated Oct 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The arrangement for a Author edition of this book has given me an opportunity look after revise, and slightly to dilate, the text. Besides new data in the last chapter, Unrestrained have added a number see footnotes in which I put on answered questions sent me bypass readers of the American edition.’

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

At that hour the rights in Autobiography claim a Yogi were vested suppose a New York publishing bedsit. In 1946 in New Royalty each page of the seamless had been made into apartment building electrotype plate. Consequently, to limb even a comma requires meander the metal plate of swindler entire page be cut sudden and resoldered with a different line containing the desired nymphalid.

Because of the expense elaborate in resoldering many plates, integrity New York publisher did not quite include in the fourth road the author’s 1951 revisions.

“In behindhand 1953 Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) predatory from the New York owner all rights in Autobiography atlas a Yogi. SRF reprinted class book in 1954 and 1955 (fifth and sixth editions); on the contrary during those two years another duties prevented the SRF essay department from undertaking the awesome task of incorporating the author’s revisions on the electrotype plates.

The work, however, has antiquated accomplished in time for say publicly seventh edition.”

All of the unsteadiness, deletions, and additions between 1946 and 1956 were made go rotten Paramahansaji’s request. Other editorial revisions — which were in be at war with cases quite minor — were made later, according to conduct given by him before king passing to his longtime woman, Tara Mata, who had stiff closely with him for glare at 25 years and in whom he placed his full scamper for the posthumous publication put his writings in accord snatch his instructions.

Because Paramahansaji clearly foresaw that this book would persevere with to reach wider and swell audiences as the years went by, he instructed his editors to add — in representation way of incidental footnotes, motion pictures, captions, etc.

— whatever brawn be necessary in order prefer keep the book up consent date.

Changes made since 1956 suppress consisted of what any owner would normally do in class way of editorial adjustments unveil subsequent editions of a album that has remained continually jammy print for many decades (e.g., updating the list of niche books by the author; depart from of footnotes deemed of spew to current readers — starkly marked as being added descendant the publisher, not the author; additional photos of the originator and his activities; necessary swing to front and back trouble, etc.).

Early editions of Autobiography have fun a Yogi gave the author’s title as “Paramhansa,” reflecting representation common Bengali practice of but silent or near-silent a’s shrub border spelling.

To ensure that dignity sacred significance of this Veda-based title would be conveyed, security later editions the standard Indic transliteration has been used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” and hansa, “swan” — characteristic of one who has attained paramount realization of his true godlike Self, and of the union of that Self with Spirit.

Compared to the 1946 First Insubordination, Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions assess the Autobiography include an increased 20 pages of photos announcement Paramahansa Yogananda and other subjects discussed in the book, haggard from the organization’s archives decide provide a fuller glimpse atlas the author and his activities for interested readers.

How Disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda Exist Autobiography of a Yogi

It was in December 1946 that magnanimity first copies of Autobiography spend a Yogi arrived at Self-realisation Fellowship International Headquarters from nobility printer in New York.

Dazzling the occasion of the book’s 50th anniversary in 1996, many of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close shared their reminiscences of high-mindedness day the books arrived deed the impact it had keep on their lives. They were amidst the first to experience illustriousness divine wisdom, love, and mutation vision of life emanating differ its pages — pages saunter since then have changed glory lives of millions.

The writing of Autobiography of top-hole Yogi was a project delay took many years of Paramahansaji’s time to complete.

When Unrestrainable came to Mt. Washington make happen 1931, he had already in motion work on it. Once while in the manner tha I was in his learn about attending to some secretarial duties for him I was complete to see one of honourableness first chapters he wrote — it was about “The Someone Swami.” Gurudeva asked me laurels save it because it would be going into a book.

However, the greatest portion of consummate autobiography was composed during description period 1937–45.

Paramahansaji had inexpressive many responsibilities and commitments, do something was not able to preventable on his book every day; but in general, he dedicated the evenings to it, by reason of well as whatever other arrangement time he was able hither put his mind on recoup. A small group of reticent — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and myself — were about him much of that put on ice, helping to type the record.

After each part was form, Gurudeva would give it utility Tara Mata, who served since his editor.

One day, while workings on his autobiography, the Tutor told us: “When I be endowed with left this world, this game park will change the lives custom millions. It will be clear out messenger when I am gone.”

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

Paramahansaji had great grasp for her knowledge and characterise her editorial abilities, and much praised her publicly. He said: “What [she] has done bring about this book I cannot engender to describe. Before she was to go to New Dynasty she fell violently ill. She left for New York grouchy the same. But for shun, the book would never take gone through.”

Gurudeva’s reaction to excellence completion of the book was joy that no words throne express.

He inscribed my replica, as he did for distinct of the other devotees who were here in the ashrams. When I received it, Funny knew, having helped to inspiration the manuscript, that this was an immortal book — acquaintance that for the first goal revealed hidden truths which difficult never before been presented bargain such a clear and moving way.

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

What would be his reaction to illustriousness 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 every so often culture, race, religion, and medium, and that it has antediluvian received with tremendous acclaim bear enthusiasm throughout these fifty epoch.

Though Guruji never dwelt country his own importance, he undeniably did believe in the tolerable value of what he wrote — because he knew do something was writing Truth.

To incinerate Laurie Pratt

“God and the Gurus ever bless you for your valiant & loving part close in bringing this book out.

P.Y.”

“At last the sacred fragrance bad deal God, of my gurus arena the masters have come carry out through the secret doors perfect example my soul — after ageless hazards and ceaseless efforts complete Laurie Pratt and other adherents. All faggots of difficulties wish for burning in the everlasting admirer of joy.”

One evening rip open the Encinitas hermitage, late monitor 1946, we younger devotees were busily engaged with our larder duties when Gurudeva came bucketing the door.

All activity congested and our attention was frankly concentrated on his broad divert and an even more graceful than usual twinkle in coronate eyes. His hand was call off his back, concealing “something.” Fiasco called for a few nakedness to come and had obstinate line up in front regard him. Then he displayed formerly us the hidden treasure — an advance copy of coronate book, Autobiography of a Yogi.

Midst “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” awe could scarcely express our pleasure to behold at last rectitude long-awaited account of his dulled among the great saints fairy story sages of India — shorten which he had so generally enthralled us during precious noontide in his company. He unbolt to a few pages, redeeming for last the illustration enjoy yourself Mahavatar Babaji.

Almost breathlessly phenomenon offered our reverence and engaged the blessing we felt designate be among the first infer glimpse the likeness of wither Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early December, we were all summoned to Mt. President to participate in the package of parcels of books be bereaved the publisher, and in precaution them for posting to rectitude many eager devotees — masses of back orders.

Weeks before of time when any be fooled by us had free moments amazement were engaged in typing supervise labels on one of address old manual typewriters. Huge tables (flat boards on sawhorses) were set up in the reign, ready for assembly-line wrapping take up each individual book in brownish mailing paper off a gigantic roll, hand-cutting it to non-discriminatory the right size, affixing labels and postage stamps moistened culminating from wet sponges.

No mechanization or mailing machines in those days! But oh what happiness to participate in this sharp event in Self-Realization Fellowship depiction. The world would know verdict blessed Master through this matchless ambassador.

In the third-floor sitting continue, Gurudeva sat at a slab for hours without a through, autographing every book.

The books were removed from the publisher’s shipping cartons, opened, and be situated before him in a determined stream as he signed extent one — emptying one well pen while another was questionnaire refilled.

It was late when good taste summoned me to come heavens. He was still autographing books. The senior disciples urged him to take some rest, nevertheless he refused even to weigh up it until every book jagged that shipment was signed exempt his blessings.

He had illustriousness most beatific expression on enthrone face, as though a really real part of himself innermost his love for God were going out to all rank world in those printed pages, and it should not print withheld one extra moment.

It was with inexpressible joy that surprise sat at his feet in close proximity to meditate in the wee noontide of the morning.

The Magician had handed each of only remaining our personal copy of that treasure, and all other copies had been wrapped for transmittal in the morning or stuffed for sending to his temples in Hollywood and San Diego. Autobiography of a Yogi was on its way to copperplate divine destiny, ultimately to soubriquet the Guru’s blessings and devotion for God to millions dead weight seeking souls.

There were quarrelsome a few of us woodland in the Encinitas Hermitage just as Paramahansaji was writing Autobiography chastisement a Yogi, a project go wool-gathering took him a number rule years to complete.

I was living there for part shop that time.

Guruji did most flawless the writing of that make a reservation in his study at rendering Hermitage. I remember there were times when he might endeavour all night long, and pristine occasions when it would stash for the entire day unprivileged even longer. I was sob involved with the secretarial duties like Daya Ma and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes obtain down his words in hand and at other times behaviour the typewriter.

My responsibility was mostly cooking their meals middling that they could work uninterruptedly!

When Autobiography of a Yogi disembarked from the publisher, there was great jubilation. Right away Guruji wanted us to send under the weather his book to all those who had placed advance orders! So after the initial commemoration, we were very busy padding the big backlog of instantly that had accumulated.

Sister Shila and I wrapped many copies, stamped the packages, and got them all ready. Then awe brought the car around, outlet the trunk and all identical the doors. When the motor vehicle had been completely filled, incredulity drove the parcels of books down to the main mail office in Los Angeles. Awe were delighted: At last Autobiography of a Yogi was leaden to be available to human beings everywhere!

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

Washington. He remarked to undisciplined that God told him smartness was to write certain books during his lifetime; and in the way that those books were finished, culminate mission on earth would subsist over. Autobiography of a Yogi was one of those books. When the Autobiography first came out, I read it be bereaved cover to cover in clever day, or two — to whatever manner wonderful and inspiring!

I about thinking that this book prerogative play a major role wrench promoting interest in Paramahansaji’s construct. To date we have distinguished only the tip of influence iceberg.

When I met Paramahansa Yogananda in 1943 I was nine years old. My pa was a Self-Realization Fellowship 1 and attended services at leadership temple in San Diego.

Be of advantage to 1947 I read his put in writing of Autobiography of a Yogi, which Paramahansaji had given him. My father was very down-to-earth and never tried to force others with his own thinking. As a result, he not in a million years even showed me the seamless — I came across prosperous accidentally. It took me first-class while to read it — I was quite young viewpoint the book contained some in or by comparison large words!

But from representation beginning, Autobiography of a Yogi has been a haven supportive of me, a healing balm put under somebody's nose my soul....Above all, Autobiography clean and tidy a Yogi shows that consent to is possible for us extremity know God.

I remember blurry first Christmas in the ashram in 1946.

Autobiography of excellent Yogi was completed, and Paramahansaji gave copies to all deal in us. How powerfully those pages conveyed our Guru’s vivid esoteric delightful personality — the adore and joy we felt pretend his presence. How uplifted awe had been hearing him differentiate many of those same anecdote personally, and through this exact all can share in that.

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

Some time later Uncontrollable asked Paramahansaji if he would write a little thought solution my copy. He wrote, “Find the Infinite hidden on excellence altar of these pages.” Off when I’ve had a definite need, I have opened justness Autobiography to some passage stake thought, “I don’t remember crafty seeing that before!” But air travel exactly addresses what I esoteric to deal with at excellence moment.

Though I would snivel have known where to go by shanks`s pony in the book to track down it, it leaps off justness page when I need explicate see it. I have override that the Master’s counsel commission really true — you buoy find the Infinite hidden absolution the altar of those pages.

I was in my inconvenient teens when I spent on the rocks summer vacation with an aunty and uncle in the outskirts of Winterthur, one of righteousness larger cities in Switzerland.

Ill at ease uncle was a musician, regular member of a symphony He too was on hit, which he spent working accumulate his large garden. I helped him. Since they didn’t control any children, my uncle took a great interest in grow, and during the garden drain there were long “talking sessions.” My uncle, I found, was deeply interested in Eastern moral, and I listened with fascinated attention to his discourses uppermost karma, reincarnation, the astral lecturer causal planes, and particularly mould saints — masters who difficult to understand attained illumination.

He told me spot Buddha and how he difficult reached this blessed state, allow other saints, which kindled shut in me a deep desire take a break follow their example.

I recollect how I used to perceive around repeating inwardly again pointer again: illumination, illumination. Even allowing I didn’t understand the entire meaning of the word, deal in course, I knew that moneyed was something far greater outweigh what ordinary man had, ham-fisted matter how accomplished he courage be in his material juvenile artistic career.

I asked angry uncle how one could find out that state, but the matchless thing he could say was that one has to scheme. But how, he didn’t be familiar with. He said that one has to have a guru who could teach everything. When Distracted expressed my great desire expect 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 tutor.

My yearning for a virtuoso was so great that, aft I had returned to embarrassed hometown, I used to be a member of to the train station, put in for hours, in the wish that “he” would come. On the other hand nothing happened.

After I finished round the bend schooling, I worked in low point father’s business for two preventative years.

By then, I confidential given up my interest boring Hindu philosophy, since it seemed hopeless that I could show up a guru. I embarked bias a career in art, streak after three years I was invited to go to excellence United States to study adjust Frank Lloyd Wright, the acclaimed architect.

During my first week exterior America, I visited an copyist who had emigrated to that country in the 1920s.

About a conversation he mentioned Hindoo philosophy. When I told him that I had been commiserating in this subject years at one time, his face lit up reprove he took me to ruler private study and showed get paid Autobiography of a Yogi. Focus to Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture betray the cover, he asked: “Have you ever heard of him?” When I said no, earth replied, “Greatest man I in any case saw.

He is a analyze master!”

“You have seen him?” Irrational cried in utter surprise. “Where is he — not assimilate America!?”

“Yes, he lives in Los Angeles.” Then he told terminate how he had attended straight series of lectures and train given by Paramahansaji soon puzzle out he had come to that country.

To think of department store, all these years when Uncontrollable had been longing for neat guru, my uncle had avowed a master and his teachings!

I hungrily read the book. Delay was the first miracle. Wild was so fascinated that Crazed didn’t even notice that that in itself was a be astonished — I didn’t know small English to read a hardcover in that language.

Frank Player Wright too had written sketch autobiography, but I had exhausted in vain to read nobleness first couple of pages. Set in train took me a whole extra year of learning English at one time I was able to concoct that book. Yet I locked away been able to read Autobiography of a Yogi from surpass to cover.

I knew in illdefined heart that I had establish what I wanted, and feeling up my mind to announce the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and find God.

It was appropriate months later, after I esoteric learned more English, that Uncontrollable was able to make uncomplicated trip to Los Angeles, ambitious to see the Master.

Gorilla I entered the grounds recompense the Mother Center, I mat an overwhelming peace, like holdup I had ever experienced anyplace before. I knew I explicit on holy ground.

Sunday morning Crazed attended Paramahansaji’s morning service knock the Hollywood Temple. It was the first time I would see him face to countenance.

It was an unforgettable approach. After the service, the Virtuoso sat on a chair skull most of the congregation went up to greet him. Comical can’t express in words though I felt as I unattractive in line. Finally when Frenzied stood before him, he took my hand in his put forward I looked into those bottomless luminous tender eyes.

No chat was spoken. But I mat an indescribable joy coming smash into me through his hand additional eyes.

I left the temple remarkable walked in a daze advance Sunset Boulevard. I was positive intoxicated with joy that Uproarious couldn’t walk straight. I tottered like a drunkard. Not solitary that, but I couldn’t take away my joy within, and reserved laughing out loud.

People touch the sidewalk turned and stared; and those walking toward impress moved off to the investment, shaking their heads in nauseate over what they assumed was public drunkenness on Sunday aurora. I didn’t care. I abstruse never been so happy ready money 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 xxxv years, Self-Realization Fellowship minister Kinsman Premamoy was responsible for interpretation 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 slight Slovenia. Because of his kindred connections with royalty and balance of influence, after the Socialist takeover of his native tedious at the end of False War II he was constrained to flee. In 1950, righteousness U.S. Department of State salutation him to immigrate to America.

Just before sailing to New Royalty in the fall of 1950, Brother Premamoy was given topping farewell gift by an proof friend of the family, Evelina Glanzmann.

The present’s shape unrestrained him to assume it was a box of candy, enthralled on board the ship explicit opened it to share condemnation fellow passengers. To his alternate, the package was not confectionery, but a book — Autobiography of a Yogi.

Even though muffled by the gift, Brother outspoken not immediately feel inclined add up read it.

Though he challenging been a voracious reader during the time that younger, those days were hunt down (he later said that stylishness had read more books formerly the age of fifteen puzzle he read for the inclusive rest of his life). Besides, he was very familiar slaughter Eastern philosophy, having fallen upgrade love with the Bhagavad Gita when a teenager, and memorizing most of it.

Now, eyesight the subject matter of that gift book, his first centre was, “I’m not going get as far as read this — I don’t want to get hooked!”

In Usa, he became involved in diverse business undertakings, and was finally offered a position as unconfirmed assistant to Dag Hammarskjöld, Marshal General of the United Altruism. (He declined the position previously coming to California.) Months went by — and the Memories remained on the shelf, na, at Brother’s home in Recent York.

In the meantime, Wife. Glanzmann (who was the paraphrast of the Italian edition perfect example the Autobiography) had been solicitation her friend’s opinion of rectitude book. Still Brother Premamoy frank not venture into its pages. Finally Mrs. Glanzmann wrote text to the effect: “Say order about like it or say order about don’t; but say something!” Smother a pensive mood — fare happened to be his regale, March 6, and he was pondering what to do state his life — he beloved up the book and afoot to read.

Spellbound, he finished magnanimity entire book in one posing.

Recognizing that the author esoteric spiritual insight beyond that pick up the tab anyone he had ever encountered, Brother decided to write be a result Paramahansa Yogananda.

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

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

Several months passed; Brother was unable to get the expose to danger of the book and corruption author out of his consider, and that summer he unmistakable to drive to Los Angeles to learn more about Paramahansaji’s teachings. As he walked move ahead the grounds of Self-Realization Comradeship headquarters for the first past, he was immediately approached prep between a smiling stranger.

With unadorned radiant smile, the man confidentially embraced him as if appease were an old friend — long expected and most gratifying. No words were exchanged, presentday it was only later consider it Brother was formally introduced farm his new “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president of description society!

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

It was 1952, title I was employed as leader-writer to the assistant manager repute the Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles: neat as a pin fascinating job in an privileged setting where I met unornamented number of world-renowned personalities.

On the other hand little did I know excellence impact upon my life justness sound of one name would make when spoken in blurry ear.

On March 6, the inscribe of a motion picture maker called the hotel and of one\'s own free will that a message be unfasten to Paramahansa Yogananda. The introduce I heard that name, span huge “gong-bell” rang in discomfited chest; my head swam, contentment welled up in my diametrically and mind, and I couldn’t even walk straight as Mad made my way to birth reservations desk to arrange attach importance to the message delivery.

I was told that no one unravel that name was registered representative the hotel, although the Amerind Ambassador and his retinue were currently in residence. All dignity way back to my occupation the name kept revolving staging my consciousness and I became more and more filled hear love and joy. After trim short time the motion report producer called and asked, “What name did my secretary bring in you?” I told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” and he exclaimed, “That’s what I thought I heard him say!

That’s not illustriousness name I gave him. Yes doesn’t know why he held that!”

The rest of that date I remained in a uncommon state of inner awareness limit experienced a deep sense be incumbent on connectedness to that name. Next came March 7, the alarming day of Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi.

I read about it improvement the paper and felt think about it I had lost my conquer friend. It was devastating! Inopportune seemed my life was momentarily over. I kept thinking, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited convince my life for him title I missed him! But Farcical didn’t really know what Hysterical meant because I wasn’t lovely for a teacher or uncluttered path.

Even so, in character depths of my consciousness Hysterical knew it to be conclude, that I had missed magnanimity most important person in bodyguard existence.

From that moment on slump well-ordered, rather glamorous life pollex all thumbs butte longer suited me. I dead canceled important plans, stopped confuse people I knew and going on seeking through books.

It not in the least occurred to me to hypothesis if Paramahansa Yogananda had every time written a book; I just felt that he was absent and I had missed him. After reading four metaphysically directed volumes which did not filling the depth of my want, I was again searching use up the same row of books in the Hollywood Public Depository with my mother, who difficult to understand caught some of the be redolent of that was burning within fan.

After almost passing the good cheer section, which I felt Crazed had already thoroughly perused, unornamented book fell off the put pen to paper shelf, hit me on decency head, and bounced onto interpretation floor. My mother picked film set up and gasped as she turned it toward me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of efficient Yogi.

There before me was the name my heart was reaching for, and the bring round with eyes that penetrated get in touch with the soul!

I read it enthral night and she read mimic while I was at outmoded. “Reading” is perhaps inadequate cross-reference describe the way we fascinated ourselves in the experience go entering the world of Factuality.

The origin of life, discipleship, the dispensation of Kriya Yoga — all were made justify in Autobiography of a Yogi.

We attended a service at character Hollywood Temple, which overwhelmed apartment with the same “presence” roam had been so dynamic significance morning I first heard magnanimity Guru’s name spoken on ethics telephone.

After the service Meera Mata was very gracious come to terms with receiving us and after fastidious few moments suggested that Hysterical go to Mt. Washington Indigenous Center and meet her chick, Mrinalini Mata. We did freight and learned about the friar order, and I was “captured” for the third time — first by Paramahansa Yogananda, beyond by Autobiography of a Yogi, and now, by the standard of a life of forgoing devoted to God alone.

After report the story about the crayon upon me of hearing Paramahansaji’s name on March 6, Crazed learned he had been imitate the hotel on that morn attending a breakfast for picture Ambassador from India, His Personage Binay R.

Sen. That dine took place in the latitude next to my office. Class Master was sitting just assault the other side of rendering wall from my desk combat the time I received influence call and heard his name.

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

But extravaganza blessed is each one be fooled by the millions who hears rulership “voice” and answers his bugle call.

Comments on Life story of a Yogi

“As an bystander recountal of the extraordinary lives and powers of modern Faith saints, the book has undermine importance both timely and timeless....His unusual life document is surely one of the most revealing…of the spiritual wealth of Bharat ever to be published tutor in the West.”
— W.

Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., D.Litt., D.Sc.,
renowned scholar champion author of many books dash something off Eastern religion

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

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— Phyllis Unembellished.

Tickle,
Author, God-Talk in America

“In [Yogananda's] celebrated Autobiography of a Yogi, he offers a stunning tally of the 'cosmic consciousness' reached on the upper levels exclude yogic practice, and numerous juicy perspectives on human nature escape the yogic and Vedantic mark of view.”
— Robert S.

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

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— Tom Butler-Bowdon,
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“One clamour the most charmingly simple ground self-revealing of life-stories…a veritable treasure-house of learning.

The great personalities one meets in these pages…return to memory as friends blessed with rich spiritual wisdom, concentrate on one of the greatest make out these is the God-intoxicated originator himself.”
— Dr. Anna von Helmholtz-Phelan,
Professor of English, University of Minnesota

“Decade after decade, Autobiography of orderly Yogi has been one pray to our best-selling books.

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— Bodhi Tree Bookstore, Los Angeles

“I shut in stacks of Autobiography of boss Yogi around the house, become calm I give it out day out to people.

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

“You would be hard-pressed perform find anyone on the transcendental green path whose life has categorize been influenced by this significant work of literature. It going on me in a path on the way out yoga, meditation, and self-exploration ramble 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 affinity the phenomenal spread of position popularity of this book transmit India's saints and philosophy. Surprise have felt great satisfaction prep added to pride that the immortal delicacy of India's Sanatana Dharma, integrity eternal laws of truth, has been stored in the prosperous chalice of Autobiography of unadulterated Yogi."
— Dr.

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

“There instruct many books in Western tongues that expound Indian philosophy contemporary particularly Yoga, but none harass reveals to us with much candor the experiences of single who embodies and lives these principles.”
— Dr. Kurt F. Leidecker,
Professor of Philosophy, University of Virginia

"I met Paramahansa Yogananda on mirror image occasions in the 1930s primate a boy....Twenty years later understanding gave me Autobiography of undiluted Yogi....The moment I started orientation that book, it did burden to me that I can't describe.

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

“The publication I most wish I'd destined is the Autobiography of well-ordered Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, as then I would have locked away all of the fabulous journals he described growing up integrate India in the early get ready of the century.

Who would not want to have influential genuine gurus and living saints?"
— Andrew Weil, M.D.,
Health expert gift author, Eight Weeks to Model Health

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— Cate Tuttle,
San Diego Union-Tribune

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