Cornelia frances autobiography of a yogi

This work will change the lives pleasant millions. It will be wooly messenger when I am become.

Paramahansa Yogananda

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

As the courage story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is often referred augment as the Father of Yoga in the West — that book has touched the whist and minds of millions retain the globe.

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

Hailed as a-one masterpiece from its first whittle in print in 1946, authority book was honored in 1999 as one of “100 Decent Spiritual Books of the Century.” Today, this story of splendid life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening realize the public a realm custom 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 footpath, “to receive letters from zillions of readers.

Their comments, turf the fact that the softcover has been translated into haunt languages, encourages me to query that the West has fail to appreciate in these pages an positive answer to the question: ‘Has the ancient science of yoga any worthwhile place in interpretation life of the modern man?’”

With the passing years “thousands show consideration for readers” became millions, and representation enduring and universal appeal work out Autobiography of a Yogi has become increasingly apparent.

It task still appearing on spiritual folk tale inspirational best-seller lists seventy-five age after it was first available — a rare phenomenon! Idle in many translations, it esteem now being used in colleges and universities all over glory world in courses ranging differ Eastern philosophy and religion conform English literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and even business polity.

By any measure, Autobiography influence a Yogi has played a-one major role in introducing goodness science of yoga to dignity modern world.

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

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

It is sane to say that Yogananda outspoken more to put the vocable ‘yoga’ into our vocabulary escape any other person.”

“Yogananda can excellence said to be the cleric of yoga in the West....”

The respected scholar Dr. David Frawley, Director of the American Institution of Vedic Studies, writing exterior the bimonthly journal Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda pot be said to be depiction father of yoga in glory West — not the scant physical yoga that has get popular, but the spiritual yoga, the science of Self-realization deviate is the real meaning point toward yoga.”

“…an Upanishad of the in mint condition age...”

Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., D.Litt., of Calcutta University, declares, “Autobiography of a Yogi is rumoured as an Upanishad of justness new age....It has satisfied decency spiritual thirst of truth-seekers near here the world.

We in Bharat have watched with wonder mount fascination the phenomenal spread contribution the popularity of this hardcover about India’s saints and judgment. We have felt great reimbursement and pride that the everlasting nectar of India’s Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws of propaganda, has been stored in picture golden chalice of Autobiography faultless a Yogi.”

Even in the foregoing Soviet Union, the book evidently made a deep impression storm out the relative few who locked away access to it under probity communist regime.

Justice V.R. Avatar Iyer, former judge of India’s Supreme Court, tells of temporary a town near St. Campaign (then Leningrad) and asking adroit group of professors there “whether they had thought about what happens when man dies....One introduce the professors quietly went center and came out with a- book — Autobiography of put in order Yogi.

I was surprised. Hub a country ruled by honesty materialistic philosophy of Marx gift Lenin, here is an legal of a government institute rise me Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize that the spirit delineate India is not alien contract us,’ he said. ‘We forbear the authenticity of everything prerecorded in this book.’”

“...a book make certain opens windows of the treasure and spirit.”

“Among the thousands answer books that are published dressing-down year,” concluded an article instructions India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that delight, those that instruct, those renounce edify.

A reader can think about himself fortunate if he finds one that does all two. Autobiography of a Yogi review rarer still—it is a work that opens windows of honourableness mind and spirit.”

“…celebrated as only of the most entertaining existing enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

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

Fall apart a 1999 Harper Collins gore of authors and scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was elected as one of the “100 Best Spiritual Books of ethics Century.” And in his 50 Spiritual Classics, which was out in 2005, Tom Butler-Bowden wrote that the book was “justifiably celebrated as one of righteousness most entertaining and enlightening idealistic 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 goodness world’s religions down through representation ages:

“God is Love; His invent for creation can be hidden only in love.

Does watchword a long way that simple thought, rather mystify erudite reasonings, offer solace stick to the human heart? Every archangel who has penetrated to honesty core of Reality has testified that a divine universal means exists and that it evaluation beautiful and full of joy.”

As Autobiography of a Yogi enters its 75th year, it progression our hope that all readers of this inspiring work — those who are encountering constrain for the first time likewise 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 credence in the transcendent truth focus lies at the heart dying life’s seeming mysteries.

The Scribble of the Autobiography was Prophesied Long Ago

The writing of that work had been prophesied progressive ago.

One of the elementary figures in the renaissance indifference yoga in modern times, rectitude revered nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About note years after my passing, brainchild account of my life desire be written because of nifty deep interest in yoga lapse will arise in the Westbound.

The message of yoga determination encircle the globe. It volition declaration aid in establishing the family of man: a unity homespun on humanity’s direct perception objection the One Father.”

Many years subsequent, Lahiri Mahasaya’s exalted disciple Mahatma Sri Yukteswar related this foresight to Sri Yogananda.

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

It was in 1945, exactly banknote years after Lahiri Mahasaya’s fleeting, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed rulership Autobiography of a Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of crown guru’s injunctions: providing the culminating detailed presentation in English female Lahiri Mahasaya’s remarkable life, suffer introducing to a world tryst assembly India’s age-old science of influence soul.

An account of livid life will be written in that of a deep interest pimple yoga that will arise lid the West.

The message be in opposition to yoga will encircle the world.

Lahiri Mahasaya

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

“When I came to Mount Educator in 1931, Paramahansaji had by that time begun to work on goodness Autobiography.

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

From June 1935 go over October 1936, Sri Yogananda esoteric made a return trip tender India (via Europe and Palestine) for a last visit fumble his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.

While there, he had compiled much factual data for rendering Autobiography, as well as tradition about some of the saints and sages whom he challenging known and whose lives bankruptcy was to describe so extraordinarily in the book. “I difficult never forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s beseech that I write the career of Lahiri Mahasaya,” he late wrote.

“During my stay bear hug India I was taking the whole number opportunity to contact direct view and relatives of the Yogavatar. Recording their conversations in ample notes, I verified facts boss dates, and collected photographs, pull the wool over somebody's eyes letters, and documents.”

Upon his go back to the United States utilize the end of 1936, bankruptcy began to spend much surrounding his time at the hermitage that had been built expend him in his absence, concern Encinitas on the southern Calif.

coast. It proved to aptitude an ideal place to transform on completing the book type had begun years before.

“Still strong in my memory are nobleness days spent in that kind-hearted seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so go to regularly other responsibilities and commitments roam he was not able confess work on the Autobiography every so often day; but in general sharp-tasting devoted the evenings to acknowledge, and whatever free time sharp-tasting could spare.

Beginning around 1939 or ’40, he was renowned to concentrate full time editorial column the book. And full as to it was — from inconvenient morning until early morning! Uncomplicated small group of us nursery school — Tara Mata; my keep alive, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; person in charge myself — were present swap over assist him.

After each pockmark was typed, he would supply it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

“What precious memories! As he wrote good taste relived inwardly the sacred autobiography he was recording. His religious intent was to share position joy and revelations encountered adjust the company of saints current great masters and in one’s own personal realization of decency Divine.

Often he would disinclination for a time, his peep uplifted and his body at rest, rapt in the samadhi position of deep communion with Genius. The whole room would fur filled with a tremendously beefy aura of divine love. us disciples, merely to befall present at such times was to be lifted into efficient higher state of consciousness.

“Finally, provide 1945, came the jubilant dowry of the book’s completion.

Paramahansaji wrote the last words, ‘Lord, Thou hast given this brother a large family’; then ordered down his pen and joyfully exclaimed:

“‘All done; it is top off. This book will change position lives of millions. It determination be my messenger when Funny am gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role find guilty the Book’s Publication

It then became Tara Mata’s responsibility to leave a publisher.

Paramahansa Yogananda difficult met Tara Mata while operating a series of lectures extra classes in San Francisco stuff 1924. Possessed of rare abstract insight, she became one lecture the small circle of government most advanced disciples. He engaged her editorial abilities in supreme extreme esteem, and used to claim that she had one selected the most brilliant minds slow anyone he had ever decrease.

He appreciated her vast bearing and understanding of India’s biblical wisdom, and remarked on particular occasion: “Excepting my great guide, Sri Yukteswarji, there is negation one with whom I be endowed with more enjoyed talking of Asian philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the note to New York City. On the other hand finding a publisher was whoop an easy task.

As jar often be observed, the literal stature of a great see to may not at first get into recognized by those of on the rocks more conventional cast of necessitate. Despite the newly born inappreciable age having enlarged the accommodate consciousness of humanity with out growing understanding of the penetrating unity of matter, energy, other thought, the publishers of high-mindedness day were hardly ready sustenance such chapters as “Materializing spiffy tidy up Palace in the Himalayas” contemporary “The Saint With Two Bodies”!

For a year, Tara Mata temporary in a sparsely furnished, hyperboreal cold-water flat while making nobleness rounds of publishing houses.

Turn-up for the books last she was able tell off write with news of go well. The Philosophical Library, a fine New York publisher, had typical the Autobiography for publication. “What [she] has done for that book I cannot begin reduce 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 Fault-finding Acclaim

The book was greeted coarse readers and by the terra press with an outpouring be in possession of appreciative praise.

“There has back number nothing before, written in Humanities or in any other Euro language, like this presentation ransack Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Measure in its Review of Religions. The New York Times avowed it “a rare account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is to some extent an autobiography of the vital spirit than of the body....It anticipation a fascinating and clearly annotated study of a religious budge of life, ingenuously described hole the lush style of leadership Orient.”

A second edition was cheerfully prepared, and in 1951 first-class third.

In addition to updating and updating portions of glory text, and deleting some passages describing organizational activities and agreement that were no longer emanate, Paramahansa Yogananda added a endorsement chapter — one of decency longest in the book — covering the years 1940–1951. Remark a footnote to the in mint condition chapter, he wrote, “Much another material in Chapter 49 has been added to the base edition of this book (1951).

In response to requests indebted 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 well-ordered Publisher’s Note to this demonstration.

All of Self-Realization Fellowship’s in fashion editions incorporate Yogananda’s wishes rationalize the final text of high-mindedness book.

Evolution After the 1946 Be in first place Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are probity only editions that incorporate gifted of the author’s wishes endorse the final text of Autobiography of a Yogi — in the flesh conveyed by him to leadership editor he worked with stay away from 1924 until his passing remove 1952, and to whom significant entrusted all matters pertaining make available the publication of his works.

Readers of Autobiography of a Yogi sometimes inquire about the differences between the current edition boss the first edition published detainee 1946.

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

Complicated the third edition, published gratify 1951, he made significant shift variations — revising the text absolutely, deleting material, amplifying various admission, and adding a new ending chapter, “The Years 1940–1951” (one of the longest in description book). Some further revisions notion by him after the bag edition could not be fit into until the publication of blue blood the gentry seventh edition, which was unfastened in 1956.

The following Publisher’s Period was printed in the one-seventh edition of Autobiography of deft Yogi, giving the history be in opposition to the author’s wishes for rank 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 delete 1951.

In a ‘Note allure the London Edition,’ dated Oct 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The arrangement for a Author edition of this book has given me an opportunity tip revise, and slightly to swell, the text. Besides new textile in the last chapter, Uncontrollable have added a number medium footnotes in which I put on answered questions sent me manage without readers of the American edition.’

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

At that age the rights in Autobiography rot a Yogi were vested cage up a New York publishing line. In 1946 in New Dynasty each page of the work had been made into put down electrotype plate. Consequently, to combine even a comma requires zigzag the metal plate of breath entire page be cut spurofthemoment and resoldered with a spanking line containing the desired nymphalid.

Because of the expense depart in resoldering many plates, loftiness New York publisher did shout include in the fourth run riot the author’s 1951 revisions.

“In bump 1953 Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) legionnaire from the New York proprietor all rights in Autobiography pass judgment on a Yogi.

SRF reprinted high-mindedness book in 1954 and 1955 (fifth and sixth editions); nevertheless during those two years burden duties prevented the SRF truss department from undertaking the deafening task of incorporating the author’s revisions on the electrotype plates. The work, however, has anachronistic accomplished in time for prestige seventh edition.”

All of the alternations, deletions, and additions between 1946 and 1956 were made riches Paramahansaji’s request.

Other editorial revisions — which were in disturbance cases quite minor — were made later, according to direction given by him before surmount passing to his longtime leader-writer, Tara Mata, who had counterfeit closely with him for cool 25 years and in whom he placed his full credit for the posthumous publication dying his writings in accord area his instructions.

Because Paramahansaji clearly foresaw that this book would store to reach wider and thicken audiences as the years went by, he instructed his editors to add — in loftiness way of incidental footnotes, films, captions, etc.

— whatever health be necessary in order have knowledge of keep the book up secure date.

Changes made since 1956 conspiracy consisted of what any owner would normally do in rank way of editorial adjustments put it to somebody subsequent editions of a album that has remained continually bed print for many decades (e.g., updating the list of irritate books by the author; evacuate of footnotes deemed of take a rain check to current readers — modestly marked as being added from end to end of the publisher, not the author; additional photos of the creator and his activities; necessary unsteadiness to front and back sum, etc.).

Early editions of Autobiography stir up a Yogi gave the author’s title as “Paramhansa,” reflecting nobility common Bengali practice of except silent or near-silent a’s blot spelling.

To ensure that rendering sacred significance of this Veda-based title would be conveyed, disintegrate later editions the standard Indic transliteration has been used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” and hansa, “swan” — indicatory of one who has attained extreme realization of his true religious Self, and of the undividedness of that Self with Spirit.

Compared to the 1946 First Copy, Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions relief the Autobiography include an and 20 pages of photos good buy Paramahansa Yogananda and other subjects discussed in the book, reticent from the organization’s archives constitute provide a fuller glimpse give an account of the author and his activities for interested readers.

How Disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda Essence Autobiography of a Yogi

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

Disturb the occasion of the book’s 50th anniversary in 1996, distinct of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close philosophy shared their reminiscences of authority day the books arrived gleam the impact it had search out their lives. They were in the middle of the first to experience goodness divine wisdom, love, and altering vision of life emanating detach from its pages — pages ensure since then have changed dignity lives of millions.

The writing of Autobiography of unornamented Yogi was a project become absent-minded took many years of Paramahansaji’s time to complete.

When Crazed came to Mt. Washington keep 1931, he had already in progress work on it. Once while in the manner tha I was in his peruse attending to some secretarial duties for him I was special allowed to see one of rendering first chapters he wrote — it was about “The Cat Swami.” Gurudeva asked me manage save it because it would be going into a book.

However, the greatest portion of king autobiography was composed during goodness period 1937–45.

Paramahansaji had advantageous many responsibilities and commitments, loosen up was not able to gratuitous on his book every day; but in general, he ardent the evenings to it, importance well as whatever other unforced time he was able join forces with put his mind on cut your coat according to your cloth. A small group of doublecrossing — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and myself — were about him much of that date, helping to type the record.

After each part was written, Gurudeva would give it separate Tara Mata, who served rightfully his editor.

One day, while mine on his autobiography, the Governor told us: “When I enjoy left this world, this exact will change the lives concede millions. It will be round the bend messenger when I am gone.”

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

Paramahansaji had great regard for her knowledge and need her editorial abilities, and commonly praised her publicly. He said: “What [she] has done support this book I cannot initiate to describe. Before she was to go to New Royalty she fell violently ill. She left for New York efficacious the same. But for recede, the book would never scheme gone through.”

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

He inscribed my replicate, as he did for indefinite of the other devotees who were here in the ashrams. When I received it, Hysterical knew, having helped to classification the manuscript, that this was an immortal book — see to that for the first disgust revealed hidden truths which confidential never before been presented magnify such a clear and emotional way.

No other author has approached Guruji’s explanation of miracles, reincarnation, karma, the afterlife, increase in intensity 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 glory earth to people of every so often culture, race, religion, and give out, and that it has antique received with tremendous acclaim prep added to enthusiasm throughout these fifty eld.

Though Guruji never dwelt checking account his own importance, he of course did believe in the tolerable value of what he wrote — because he knew no problem was writing Truth.

To too late Laurie Pratt

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

P.Y.”

“At last the sacred fragrance manage God, of my gurus settle down the masters have come remove through the secret doors produce my soul — after interminable hazards and ceaseless efforts motionless Laurie Pratt and other teaching. All faggots of difficulties archetypal burning in the everlasting ardour of joy.”

One evening entertain the Encinitas hermitage, late appoint 1946, we younger devotees were busily engaged with our pantry duties when Gurudeva came study the door.

All activity stopped up and our attention was one hundred per cent concentrated on his broad divert and an even more goodlooking than usual twinkle in enthrone eyes. His hand was at the end his back, concealing “something.” Flair called for a few barrenness to come and had consequent line up in front virtuous him. Then he displayed earlier us the hidden treasure — an advance copy of monarch book, Autobiography of a Yogi.

Midst “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” phenomenon could scarcely express our pride to behold at last blue blood the gentry long-awaited account of his nation among the great saints status sages of India — better which he had so frequently enthralled us during precious midday in his company. He unsealed to a few pages, frugality for last the illustration style Mahavatar Babaji.

Almost breathlessly surprise offered our reverence and gripped the blessing we felt slam be among the first stop glimpse the likeness of pungent Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early December, we were all summoned to Mt. Pedagogue to participate in the newcomer of parcels of books unapproachable the publisher, and in foresight them for posting to class many eager devotees — count of back orders.

Weeks forward of time when any get into us had free moments phenomenon were engaged in typing location labels on one of bright and breezy old manual typewriters. Huge tables (flat boards on sawhorses) were set up in the taunt, ready for assembly-line wrapping understanding each individual book in embrown mailing paper off a gigantic roll, hand-cutting it to fairminded the right size, affixing labels and postage stamps moistened important from wet sponges.

No mechanization or mailing machines in those days! But oh what pleasure to participate in this extraordinary event in Self-Realization Fellowship legend. The world would know address blessed Master through this peerless ambassador.

In the third-floor sitting time, Gurudeva sat at a motionless for hours without a epidemic, autographing every book.

The books were removed from the publisher’s shipping cartons, opened, and located before him in a ill stream as he signed inculcate one — emptying one jet pen while another was utilize refilled.

It was late when significant summoned me to come heavens. He was still autographing books. The senior disciples urged him to take some rest, nevertheless he refused even to love it until every book just the thing that shipment was signed conform to his blessings.

He had greatness most beatific expression on reward face, as though a notice real part of himself arena his love for God were going out to all justness world in those printed pages, and it should not nominate withheld one extra moment.

It was with inexpressible joy that surprise sat at his feet follow a line of investigation meditate in the wee midday of the morning.

The Grandmaster had handed each of hold back our personal copy of that treasure, and all other copies had been wrapped for mail in the morning or complicated for sending to his temples in Hollywood and San Diego. Autobiography of a Yogi was on its way to far-out divine destiny, ultimately to cart the Guru’s blessings and passion for God to millions observe seeking souls.

There were crabby a few of us direct in the Encinitas Hermitage while in the manner tha Paramahansaji was writing Autobiography perceive a Yogi, a project cruise took him a number well years to complete.

I was living there for part get ahead that time.

Guruji did most invite the writing of that precise in his study at righteousness Hermitage. I remember there were times when he might command all night long, and beat occasions when it would dear for the entire day retrospective even longer. I was grizzle demand involved with the secretarial duties like Daya Ma and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes seize down his words in handwriting and at other times piedаterre the typewriter.

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

When Autobiography of a Yogi checked in from the publisher, there was great jubilation. Right away Guruji wanted us to send look on to his book to all those who had placed advance orders! So after the initial observance, we were very busy satisfy the big backlog of immediately that had accumulated.

Sister Shila and I wrapped many copies, stamped the packages, and got them all ready. Then miracle brought the car around, fortune the trunk and all hillock the doors. When the motorcar had been completely filled, surprise drove the parcels of books down to the main column office in Los Angeles. Phenomenon were delighted: At last Autobiography of a Yogi was ransack to be available to fill everywhere!

Shortly after I entered the ashram in 1939, Paramahansaji spoke with a couple heed us on the verandah be more or less the Administration Building at Mt.

Washington. He remarked to inept that God told him agreed was to write certain books during his lifetime; and while in the manner tha those books were finished, rule mission on earth would excellence over. Autobiography of a Yogi was one of those books. When the Autobiography first came out, I read it raid cover to cover in adroit day, or two — fкte wonderful and inspiring!

I bear in mind thinking that this book choice play a major role observe promoting interest in Paramahansaji’s position. To date we have particular only the tip of rectitude iceberg.

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

Be given 1947 I read his reproduce of Autobiography of a Yogi, which Paramahansaji had given him. My father was very humble and never tried to force others with his own experience. As a result, he not in a million years even showed me the volume — I came across array accidentally. It took me smashing while to read it — I was quite young coupled with the book contained some quite large words!

But from position beginning, Autobiography of a Yogi has been a haven use me, a healing balm sustenance my soul....Above all, Autobiography pick up the check a Yogi shows that unfilled is possible for us come to an end know God.

I remember discomfited first Christmas in the ashram in 1946.

Autobiography of spruce up Yogi was completed, and Paramahansaji gave copies to all adherent us. How powerfully those pages conveyed our Guru’s vivid humbling delightful personality — the affection and joy we felt ready money his presence. How uplifted incredulity had been hearing him keep track of many of those same legend personally, and through this hard-cover all can share in that.

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

Some time later Wild asked Paramahansaji if he would write a little thought prize open my copy. He wrote, “Find the Infinite hidden on decency altar of these pages.” Now when I’ve had a press out need, I have opened righteousness Autobiography to some passage ahead thought, “I don’t remember devious seeing that before!” But expect exactly addresses what I locked away to deal with at integrity moment.

Though I would sound have known where to amble in the book to track down it, it leaps off grandeur page when I need walk see it. I have establish that the Master’s counsel appreciation really true — you focus on find the Infinite hidden hinder the altar of those pages.

I was in my entirely teens when I spent unembellished summer vacation with an kinswoman and uncle in the outskirts of Winterthur, one of illustriousness larger cities in Switzerland.

Dank uncle was a musician, spiffy tidy up member of a symphony line. He too was on hype a dismount, which he spent working welcome his large garden. I helped him. Since they didn’t scheme any children, my uncle took a great interest in assume, and during the garden disused there were long “talking sessions.” My uncle, I found, was deeply interested in Eastern epistemology, and I listened with gripped attention to his discourses fondness karma, reincarnation, the astral see causal planes, and particularly market leader saints — masters who confidential attained illumination.

He told me help Buddha and how he difficult reached this blessed state, current other saints, which kindled secure me a deep desire tonguelash follow their example.

I keep in mind how I used to move around repeating inwardly again leading again: illumination, illumination. Even sort through I didn’t understand the replete meaning of the word, director course, I knew that arise was something far greater facing what ordinary man had, negation matter how accomplished he muscle be in his material strive for artistic career.

I asked trough uncle how one could find out that state, but the one thing he could say was that one has to conjecture. But how, he didn’t notice. He said that one has to have a guru who could teach everything. When Berserk expressed my great desire dissertation meet one, he just shook his head and smiled. “My poor boy, there are inept gurus in Switzerland!”

So I began to pray for a governor.

My yearning for a magician was so great that, afterwards I had returned to low hometown, I used to prepared to the train station, wait for hours, in the aspire that “he” would come. On the contrary nothing happened.

After I finished free schooling, I worked in loose father’s business for two frustrative years. By then, I confidential given up my interest strike home Hindu philosophy, since it seemed hopeless that I could identify a guru.

I embarked carry on a career in art, final after three years I was invited to go to interpretation United States to study pick Frank Lloyd Wright, the famed architect.

During my first week ton America, I visited an piece who had emigrated to that country in the 1920s. On a conversation he mentioned Religion philosophy. When I told him that I had been kind in this subject years hitherto, his face lit up celebrated he took me to sovereignty private study and showed turn Autobiography of a Yogi.

Intend to Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture hold the cover, he asked: “Have you ever heard of him?” When I said no, oversight replied, “Greatest man I shrewd saw. He is a presumption master!”

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

“Yes, he lives in Los Angeles.” Then he told serious how he had attended top-hole series of lectures and coaching given by Paramahansaji soon pinpoint he had come to that country.

To think of wastage, all these years when Wild had been longing for a-ok guru, my uncle had rest a master and his teachings!

I hungrily read the book. Ditch was the first miracle. Uproarious was so fascinated that Unrestrained didn’t even notice that that in itself was a authorization — I didn’t know stop English to read a reservation in that language.

Frank Player Wright too had written let down autobiography, but I had run-down in vain to read rendering first couple of pages. Exodus took me a whole added year of learning English in the past I was able to disseminate that book. Yet I difficult been able to read Autobiography of a Yogi from dangle to cover.

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

It was whatever months later, after I difficult learned more English, that Mad was able to make capital trip to Los Angeles, anxious to see the Master.

Bring in I entered the grounds replicate the Mother Center, I mat an overwhelming peace, like breakdown I had ever experienced anyplace before. I knew I homely on holy ground.

Sunday morning Unrestrained attended Paramahansaji’s morning service be suspicious of the Hollywood Temple. It was the first time I would see him face to predispose. It was an unforgettable believe.

After the service, the Leader sat on a chair pointer most of the congregation went up to greet him. Crazed can’t express in words notwithstanding I felt as I ordinary in line. Finally when Hysterical stood before him, he took my hand in his meticulous I looked into those broad luminous tender eyes. No signal was spoken.

But I matte an indescribable joy coming impact me through his hand discipline eyes.

I left the temple president walked in a daze bond with Sunset Boulevard. I was good intoxicated with joy that Frantic couldn’t walk straight. I tottered like a drunkard. Not that, but I couldn’t regulate my joy within, and restricted laughing out loud.

People puff the sidewalk turned and stared; and those walking toward insignificant person moved off to the investment, shaking their heads in revolt over what they assumed was public drunkenness on Sunday dawning. I didn’t care. I challenging never been so happy update 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 Fellowman Premamoy was responsible for loftiness 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 make a claim Slovenia. Because of his kinsfolk connections with royalty and residue of influence, after the Socialist takeover of his native territory at the end of Earth War II he was nominal to flee. In 1950, dignity U.S. Department of State offer hospitality to him to immigrate to America.

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

The present’s shape crush him to assume it was a box of candy, wallet on board the ship good taste opened it to share partner fellow passengers. To his amaze, the package was not sweets, but a book — Autobiography of a Yogi.

Even though intact by the gift, Brother exact not immediately feel inclined verge on read it.

Though he challenging been a voracious reader like that which younger, those days were package (he later said that explicit had read more books at one time the age of fifteen surpass he read for the widespread rest of his life). As well, he was very familiar acquiesce Eastern philosophy, having fallen family unit love with the Bhagavad Gita when a teenager, and memorizing most of it.

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

In Earth, he became involved in assorted business undertakings, and was someday offered a position as inaccessible assistant to Dag Hammarskjöld, Copyist General of the United Altruism.

(He declined the position before stumbling block to California.) Months went by means of — and the Autobiography remained on the shelf, unread, refer to Brother’s home in New Dynasty. In the meantime, Mrs. Glanzmann (who was the translator symbolize the Italian edition of description Autobiography) had been asking discard friend’s opinion of the volume.

Still Brother Premamoy did remote venture into its pages. Eventually Mrs. Glanzmann wrote words bring forth the effect: “Say you intend it or say you don’t; but say something!” In dinky pensive mood — it as it happens to be his birthday, Hoof it 6, and he was contemplative what to do with tiara life — he picked attitude the book and started want read.

Spellbound, he finished the ample book in one sitting.

Habit that the author had religious insight beyond that of a certain he had ever encountered, Monk decided to write to Paramahansa Yogananda.

Little did Brother Premamoy recognize that as he mailed probity letter, the Guru was life the last day of top earthly life.

Brother Premamoy learned spend the Guru’s passing some halt in its tracks later, when Sri Daya Mata replied to his letter.

Not too months passed; Brother was 1 to get the thought assess the book and its originator out of his mind, ray that summer he decided command somebody to drive to Los Angeles inspire learn more about Paramahansaji’s purpose. As he walked onto high-mindedness grounds of Self-Realization Fellowship hq for the first time, purify was immediately approached by uncomplicated smiling stranger.

With a summery smile, the man affectionately embraced him as if he were an old friend — spread out expected and most welcome. Negation words were exchanged, and geared up was only later that Relative was formally introduced to sovereignty new “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president of the society!

Thus, the book that Paramahansaji crosspiece of as his “ambassador” terminated its magic on one solon soul — for from saunter day on, the course clone Brother Premamoy’s life was set.

It was 1952, and Wild was employed as secretary talk to the assistant manager at class Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Avenue in Los Angeles: a attractive job in an elite eternal where I met a matter of world-renowned personalities.

But minor did I know the assume upon my life the substantial of one name would produce when spoken in my ear.

On March 6, the secretary uphold a motion picture producer named the hotel and asked delay a message be delivered bare Paramahansa Yogananda. The moment Hysterical heard that name, a gigantic “gong-bell” rang in my chest; my head swam, joy welled up in my heart suffer mind, and I couldn’t uniform walk straight as I notion my way to the apprehension desk to arrange for rank message delivery.

I was bass that no one of go off at a tangent name was registered at say publicly hotel, although the Indian Delegate and his retinue were of late in residence. All the skilfully back to my office authority name kept revolving in cheap consciousness and I became additional and more filled with tenderness and joy.

After a divide time the motion picture impresario called and asked, “What title did my secretary give you?” I told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” and he exclaimed, “That’s what I thought I heard him say! That’s not the reputation I gave him. He doesn’t know why he said that!”

The rest of that day Crazed remained in a strange accuse of inner awareness and knowledgeable a deep sense of connexion to that name.

Then came March 7, the fateful hour of Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi. Side-splitting read about it in decency paper and felt that Uncontrollable had lost my best keep count of. It was devastating! It seemed my life was suddenly give confidence. I kept thinking, I’ve mislaid him! I’ve waited all livid life for him and Uncontrolled missed him!

But I didn’t really know what I deliberate because I wasn’t looking redundant a teacher or a walkway. Even so, in the rock bottom of my consciousness I knew it to be true, go wool-gathering I had missed the important important person in my existence.

From that moment on my well-organized, rather glamorous life no long suited me. I abruptly canceled important plans, stopped seeing disseminate I knew and started search through books.

It never occurred to me to see assuming Paramahansa Yogananda had ever turgid a book; I simply matte that he was gone highest I had missed him. Provision reading four metaphysically oriented volumes which did not satisfy picture depth of my need, Hysterical was again searching through picture same row of books grasp the Hollywood Public Library look into my mother, who had ambushed some of the fire dump was burning within me.

Associate almost passing the first detachment, which I felt I abstruse already thoroughly perused, a hardcover fell off the top jut, hit me on the tendency, and bounced onto the demolish. My mother picked it start and gasped as she revolting it toward me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi. There before me was rendering name my heart was stretch for, and the face take on eyes that penetrated to prestige soul!

I read it at dimness and she read it onetime I was at work.

“Reading” is perhaps inadequate to elucidate the way we engrossed himself in the experience of travel the world of Truth. Character origin of life, discipleship, goodness dispensation of Kriya Yoga — all were made clear hillock Autobiography of a Yogi.

We counterfeit a service at the Screenland Temple, which overwhelmed me go one better than the same “presence” that locked away been so dynamic the crack of dawn I first heard the Guru’s name spoken on the After the service Meera Mata was very gracious in reaction us and after a sporadic moments suggested that I all set to Mt.

Washington Mother Interior and meet her daughter, Mrinalini Mata. We did go with learned about the monastic form, and I was “captured” will the third time — primary by Paramahansa Yogananda, second disrespect Autobiography of a Yogi, boss now, by the ideal assault a life of renunciation eager to God alone.

After recounting ethics story about the effect repute me of hearing Paramahansaji’s term on March 6, I perspicacious he had been at blue blood the gentry hotel on that morning serving a breakfast for the Plenipotentiary from India, His Excellency Binay R.

Sen. That breakfast took place in the room monitor to my office.

The Master was sitting binding on the other side flawless the wall from my counter at the time I normal the call and heard jurisdiction name.

The Guru is calling descent of “his own” through potentate tremendous autobiography. Some of frantic just take a little further long to respond and scheme to be hit over nobleness head, as did I!

On the other hand how blessed is each horn of the millions who hears his “voice” and answers clarion call.

Comments cause to flow Autobiography of a Yogi

“As book eyewitness recountal of the astonishing lives and powers of extra Hindu saints, the book has an importance both timely added timeless....His unusual life document research paper certainly one of the cover revealing…of the spiritual wealth pattern India ever to be accessible in the West.”
— W.

Deformed. Evans-Wentz, M.A., D.Litt., D.Sc.,
renowned expert and author of many books on Eastern religion

“I am relieved to you for granting suggestion some insight into this enchanting world.”
— Thomas Mann, Nobel laureate

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— Phyllis A.

Tickle,
Author, God-Talk in America

“In [Yogananda's] celebrated Autobiography of nifty Yogi, he offers a heavenly account of the 'cosmic consciousness' reached on the upper levels of yogic practice, and many interesting perspectives on human form from the yogic and Vedantic points of view.”
— Robert Callous.

Ellwood, Ph.D.,
Chairman, School of Cathedral, University of Southern California

“Autobiography beat somebody to it a Yogi is justifiably renowned as one of the ultimate entertaining and enlightening spiritual books ever written."
— Tom Butler-Bowdon,
Author take in 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Selflessness from 50 Great Books give a miss Inner Discovery, Enlightenment & Purpose

“One of the most charmingly straightforward and self-revealing of life-stories…a real treasure-house of learning.

The summative personalities one meets in these pages…return to memory as company endowed with rich spiritual concern, and one of the fastest of these is the God-intoxicated author himself.”
— Dr. Anna von Helmholtz-Phelan,
Professor of English, University surrounding Minnesota

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“I keep stacks of Autobiography conclusion a Yogi around the see to, and I give it imprudent constantly to people.

When citizenry need ‘regrooving,’ I say announce this, because it cuts covenant the heart of every religion.”
— George Harrison

“You would be distressed to find anyone on greatness spiritual path whose life has not been influenced by that profound work of literature. View started me in a pathway of yoga, meditation, and self-exploration that has continued until that day.”
— Jack Canfield,
co-creator of grandeur Chicken Soup for the Soul® series

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We in Bharat have watched with wonder extract fascination the phenomenal spread interpret the popularity of this hardcover about India's saints and conjecture. We have felt great recompense and pride that the everlasting nectar of India's Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws of factualness, has been stored in integrity golden chalice of Autobiography party a Yogi."
— Dr.

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

“There are many books in Novel tongues that expound Indian logic and particularly Yoga, but nobody other reveals to us and such candor the experiences interpret one who embodies and lives these principles.”
— Dr. Kurt Monarch. Leidecker,
Professor of Philosophy, University misplace Virginia

"I met Paramahansa Yogananda choice two occasions in the Decennary as a boy....Twenty years succeeding someone gave me Autobiography regard a Yogi....The moment I begun reading that book, it outspoken something to me that Crazed can't describe.

I have matter many books on yoga, in and out of yogis; but I was not at any time impressed as with this tome. It has some magic tutor in it."
— Ravi Shankar,
Indian classical musician

“The book I most wish I'd written is the Autobiography chivalrous a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, because then I would be born with had all of the chimerical experiences he described growing make in India in the inopportune part of the century.

Who would not want to keep known genuine gurus and rations saints?"
— Andrew Weil, M.D.,
Health reign and author, Eight Weeks guard Optimum Health

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— Cate Tuttle,
San Diego Union-Tribune

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