Autobiography of a Yogi is a spiritual masterpiece that blends personal journey with profound wisdom. Paramahansa Yogananda shares his life story, encounters with saints, and insights into Kriya Yoga. This timeless classic invites readers to explore the science of meditation, the unity of all religions, and the ultimate goal of life: realizing God within. A must-read for anyone seeking truth, peace, and divine love.
Autobiography of a Yogi is one of the most influential spiritual books of the 20th century. Written by Paramahansa Yogananda , an Indian yogi and guru who brought yoga and meditation to the West, this book is both a personal journey and a guide to the deeper truths of life, consciousness, and God-realization .
More than just a memoir, it’s a spiritual odyssey that weaves together:
Yogananda writes with a rare blend of devotion, clarity, and mysticism , making complex spiritual ideas accessible and deeply inspiring.
“I write this story of my experiences not with the idea of creating a sensation, but as a humble offering to those who seriously seek the reality behind the veil of appearances.”
This book has been praised by figures like Steve Jobs, George Harrison, and Deepak Chopra —and continues to inspire readers around the world.
Born Mukunda Lal in Gorakhpur, India, Yogananda grew up in a devout Hindu family. From a young age, he felt a deep longing for truth and God-realization. He was drawn to saints, yogis, and spiritual teachings far beyond his years.
His spiritual journey truly began when he met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri , a realized master who taught him the ancient science of Kriya Yoga —a powerful meditation technique for self-realization.
“When a guru or teacher appears in your life, it means your inner awakening has already begun.”
Yogananda’s relationship with his guru forms the emotional and spiritual core of the book.
Throughout the book, Yogananda shares remarkable encounters with some of the most revered spiritual figures in Indian history:
These stories are not just biographical—they offer deep insights into the nature of enlightenment, devotion, and the power of divine love.
One of the most important contributions of this book is its explanation of Kriya Yoga , a scientific method of meditation that accelerates spiritual growth.
Yogananda describes Kriya Yoga as:
“Kriya Yoga is the supreme religious path. It is absolute science; therefore it can be practiced equally by all humans, no matter what their faith or race.”
He explains how this practice helps seekers go beyond ritual and dogma to experience the direct presence of God within .
In 1920, Yogananda traveled to the United States to represent India at the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston. What began as a single lecture tour became a lifelong mission to introduce Eastern spirituality to the Western world .
He founded the Self-Realization Fellowship to teach meditation, yoga, and spiritual living. Over the decades, he trained thousands of students and wrote extensively on the unity of all religions.
“God is not confined to any one creed or country.”
Yogananda believed that East and West must come together—not just economically or politically, but spiritually .
The book is filled with extraordinary accounts that challenge the boundaries of material understanding:
But these aren’t written to impress—they serve to illustrate the reality of higher consciousness and the potential within every human being.
Yogananda teaches that:
“The highest science is the study of the Self.”
A central theme throughout the book is that the purpose of life is to realize God—not after death, but here and now .
Yogananda emphasizes that:
“You were born to realize the kingdom of heaven within you.”
He encourages readers to live a life of balance, service, and daily communion with the Divine .
Yogananda’s path is rooted in Bhakti Yoga —the yoga of love and devotion. He shows that the heart is as important as the intellect in the journey toward God.
He often says:
“Love God more than anything—and everything will fall into place.”
Devotion, he teaches, softens the ego and opens the door to divine grace.
Autobiography of a Yogi is more than a spiritual autobiography—it’s a guidebook for the soul .
It invites readers to:
As Yogananda writes:
“The true devotee does not ask God for wealth, fame, or power—he longs only for His love.”
Whether you’re religious, spiritual, or simply curious about the deeper meaning of life, this book offers a timeless message: God is real. God is within you. And you can know Him directly.