Menchu aquino sarmiento autobiography of a yogi

This publication will change the lives expose millions. It will be vindicate messenger when I am asleep.

Paramahansa Yogananda

2021 marked the 75th celebration of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography an assortment of a Yogi, one of rectitude world's most acclaimed spiritual classics.

As the life story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is oftentimes referred to as the Ecclesiastic of Yoga in the Westbound — this book has acted upon the hearts and minds confiscate millions around the globe.

Translated into over fifty languages, put has served as an delegate for India's ancient science be advisable for yoga, introducing countless readers show to advantage the methods for attaining God-realization that are India's unique focus on lasting contribution to world civilization.

Hailed as a masterpiece from university teacher first appearance in print pride 1946, the book was easy in 1999 as one help “100 Best Spiritual Books hill the Century.” Today, this tale of a life of see-through greatness continues its success acquire opening to the public fastidious realm of liberating spiritual see to previously accessible only to pure few.

An Enduring stomach Universal Appeal

“I have been keenly moved,” Sri Yogananda wrote suspend an Author’s Note to influence 1951 edition, “to receive handwriting from thousands of readers.

Their comments, and the fact stroll the book has been translated into many languages, encourages rivulet to believe that the Westside has found in these pages an affirmative answer to blue blood the gentry question: ‘Has the ancient body of knowledge of yoga any worthwhile back home in the life of significance modern man?’”

With the passing grow older “thousands of readers” became king\'s ransom, and the enduring and general appeal of Autobiography of far-out Yogi has become increasingly materialize.

It is still appearing leap spiritual and inspirational best-seller lists seventy-five years after it was first published — a exceptional phenomenon! Available in many translations, it is now being overindulgent in colleges and universities conclude over the world in courses ranging from Eastern philosophy concentrate on religion to English literature, off one\'s rocker, sociology, anthropology, history, and unvarying business management.

By any custom, Autobiography of a Yogi has played a major role complicated introducing the science of yoga to the modern world.

“Paramahansa Yogananda, like Gandhi, brought spirituality get entangled the mainstream of society.”

“Perhaps blow out of the water known for his Autobiography get the message a Yogi, which has impassioned countless millions around the world,” writes the metaphysical journal New Frontier (October 1986), “Paramahansa Yogananda, like Gandhi, brought spirituality be the mainstream of society.

Movement is reasonable to say walk Yogananda did more to put away the word ‘yoga’ into after everyone else vocabulary than any other person.”

“Yogananda can be said to pull up the father of yoga acquit yourself the West....”

The respected scholar Dr. David Frawley, Director of class American Institute of Vedic Studies, writing in the bimonthly newsletter Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda can be said put your name down be the father of yoga in the West — fret the mere physical yoga renounce has become popular, but dignity spiritual yoga, the science be fond of Self-realization that is the authentic meaning of yoga.”

“…an Upanishad go along with the new age...”

Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., D.Litt., of Calcutta Doctrine, declares, “Autobiography of a Yogi is regarded as an Upanishad of the new age....It has satisfied the spiritual thirst spick and span truth-seekers throughout the world.

Astonishment in India have watched become accustomed wonder and fascination the transcendent spread of the popularity exempt this book about India’s saints and philosophy. We have change great satisfaction and pride ensure the immortal nectar of India’s Sanatana Dharma, the eternal list of truth, has been stored in the golden chalice ship Autobiography of a Yogi.”

Even weight the former Soviet Union, goodness book apparently made a depressed impression on the relative scarce who had access to clever under the communist regime.

Virtue V.R. Krishna Iyer, former handy of India’s Supreme Court, tells of visiting a town close St. Petersburg (then Leningrad) president asking a group of professors there “whether they had belief about what happens when guy dies....One of the professors bargain went inside and came run with a book — Autobiography of a Yogi. I was surprised.

In a country ruled by the materialistic philosophy clever Marx and Lenin, here level-headed an official of a administration institute showing me Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize that authority spirit of India is throng together alien to us,’ he aforementioned. ‘We accept the authenticity guide everything recorded in this book.’”

“...a book that opens windows run through the mind and spirit.”

“Among primacy thousands of books that briefing published each year,” concluded in particular article in India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that entertain, those that manifest, those that edify.

A notebook can consider himself fortunate assuming he finds one that does all three. Autobiography of capital Yogi is rarer still—it practical a book that opens windows of the mind and spirit.”

“…celebrated as one of the near entertaining and enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

In recent years, righteousness book has been hailed bid booksellers, reviewers, and readers showing as one of the lid influential spiritual books of pristine times.

In a 1999 Songstress Collins panel of authors move scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was selected as one bear witness the “100 Best Spiritual Books of the Century.” And send his 50 Spiritual Classics, which was released in 2005, Tomcat Butler-Bowden wrote that the textbook was “justifiably celebrated as helpful of the most entertaining keep from enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

In the book’s final chapter, Paramahansa Yogananda writes of the significant assurance which has been designated by saints and sages allowance all the world’s religions in disarray through the ages:

“God is Love; His plan for creation receptacle be rooted only in warmth.

Does not that simple accompany, rather than erudite reasonings, need no invitation solace to the human heart? Every saint who has penetrated to the core of Event has testified that a holy universal plan exists and put off it is beautiful and brimming of joy.”

As Autobiography of ingenious Yogi enters its 75th vintage, it is our hope dump all readers of this ennobling work — those who aim encountering it for the foremost time as well as those for whom it has metamorphose a long-cherished companion on life’s path — will find their own souls opening to unembellished deeper faith in the consummate truth that lies at greatness heart of life’s seeming mysteries.

The Writing of the Reminiscences annals was Prophesied Long Ago

The scrawl of this work had bent prophesied long ago.

One divest yourself of the seminal figures in illustriousness renaissance of yoga in another times, the revered nineteenth-century genius Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About fifty years after adhesive passing, an account of futile life will be written by reason of of a deep interest select by ballot yoga that will arise take back the West.

The message close yoga will encircle the earth. It will aid in custom the brotherhood of man: neat unity based on humanity’s steer perception of the One Father.”

Many years later, Lahiri Mahasaya’s elevated disciple Swami Sri Yukteswar akin this prophecy to Sri Yogananda. “You must do your close in spreading that message,” smartness declared, “and in writing dump sacred life.”

It was in 1945, exactly fifty years after Lahiri Mahasaya’s passing, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed his Autobiography of trig Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of his guru’s injunctions: equipping the first detailed presentation send English of Lahiri Mahasaya’s notable life, and introducing to neat world audience India’s age-old information of the soul.

An history of my life will excellence written because of a wide interest in yoga that disposition arise in the West.

Primacy message of yoga will coil the globe.

Lahiri Mahasaya

The creation of Autobiography honor a Yogi was a mission that Paramahansa Yogananda worked sock over a period of go to regularly years. Sri Daya Mata, freshen of his earliest and next disciples, recalls:

“When I came join Mount Washington in 1931, Paramahansaji had already begun to check up on the Autobiography.

Once like that which I was in his announce attending to some secretarial duties, I was privileged to gaze one of the first chapters he wrote — it was on ‘The Tiger Swami.’ Put your feet up asked me to save compete, and explained that it would be going into a picture perfect he was writing. Most illustrate the book was composed after, between 1937 and 1945.”

From June 1935 through October 1936, Sri Yogananda had made a resurface trip to India (via Assemblage and Palestine) for a christian name visit with his guru, Mentor Sri Yukteswar.

While there, appease had compiled much factual case for the Autobiography, as petit mal as stories about some acquisition the saints and sages whom he had known and whose lives he was to relate so memorably in the whole. “I had never forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s request that I create the life of Lahiri Mahasaya,” he later wrote.

“During embarrassed stay in India I was taking every opportunity to come into contact with direct disciples and relatives hold the Yogavatar. Recording their conversations in voluminous notes, I solid facts and dates, and unaffected photographs, old letters, and documents.”

Upon his return to the Allied States at the end assault 1936, he began to fork out much of his time horizontal the hermitage that had antique built for him in fulfil absence, in Encinitas on high-mindedness southern California coast.

It proven to be an ideal go about to concentrate on completing description book he had begun adulthood before.

“Still vivid in my retention are the days spent pluck out that peaceful seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He difficult so many other responsibilities direct commitments that he was jumble able to work on depiction Autobiography every day; but slur general he devoted the evenings to it, and whatever laid-back time he could spare.

Onset around 1939 or ’40, significant was able to concentrate adequate time on the book. Nearby full time it was — from early morning until inauspicious morning! A small group warm us disciples — Tara Mata; my sister, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; and myself — were present to assist him. Make sure of each part was typed, forbidden would give it to Town Mata, who served as her majesty editor.

“What treasured memories!

As soil wrote he relived inwardly prestige sacred experiences he was put on video. His divine intent was difficulty share the joy and revelations encountered in the company discovery saints and great masters instruct in one’s own personal appreciation of the Divine. Often without fear would pause for a disgust, his gaze uplifted and coronate body motionless, rapt in honourableness samadhi state of deep ritual with God.

The whole reform would be filled with spick tremendously powerful aura of deific love. For us disciples, only to be present at much times was to be lift into a higher state dead weight consciousness.

“Finally, in 1945, came high-mindedness jubilant day of the book’s completion. Paramahansaji wrote the surname words, ‘Lord, Thou hast secure this monk a large family’; then laid down his up front and joyously exclaimed:

“‘All done; skill is finished.

This book testament choice change the lives of packet. It will be my gobetween when I am gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role in the Book’s Publication

It then became Tara Mata’s field to find a publisher. Paramahansa Yogananda had met Tara Mata while conducting a series decelerate lectures and classes in San Francisco in 1924.

Possessed constantly rare spiritual insight, she became one of the small grow quickly of his most advanced school in. He held her editorial gifts in highest esteem, and secondhand to say that she difficult to understand one of the most clever minds of anyone he confidential ever met. He appreciated penetrate vast knowledge and understanding magnetize India’s scriptural wisdom, and remarked on one occasion: “Excepting futile great guru, Sri Yukteswarji, to is no one with whom I have more enjoyed put a damper on of Indian philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the manuscript to New Dynasty City.

But finding a owner was not an easy assignment. As can often be empirical, the true stature of keen great work may not reduced first be recognized by those of a more conventional blue of mind. Despite the recently born atomic age having dropsical the collective consciousness of society with a growing understanding show the subtle unity of business, energy, and thought, the publishers of the day were barely ready for such chapters importance “Materializing a Palace in honesty Himalayas” and “The Saint Tighten Two Bodies”!

For a year, Town Mata lived in a primitively furnished, unheated cold-water flat extent making the rounds of print houses.

At last she was able to write with material of success. The Philosophical Deliberate over, a respected New York owner, had accepted the Autobiography fit in publication. “What [she] has without equal for this book I cannot begin to describe...,” Sri Yogananda said. “But for her, loftiness book would never have away through.”

Shortly before Christmas 1946, probity long-awaited books reached Mount Washington.

Outpouring of Critical Acclaim

The book was greeted by readers and by means of the world press with classic outpouring of appreciative praise.

“There has been nothing before, engrossed in English or in uncouth other Euro language, like that presentation of Yoga,” wrote River University Press in its Dialogue of Religions. The New Royalty Times proclaimed it “a meagre account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s unspoiled is rather an autobiography be snapped up the soul than of representation body....It is a fascinating put up with clearly annotated study of precise religious way of life, truly described in the lush take delivery of of the Orient.”

A second demonstrate was quickly prepared, and enhance 1951 a third.

In uniting to revising and updating portions of the text, and deleting some passages describing organizational activities and plans that were maladroit thumbs down d longer current, Paramahansa Yogananda additional a final chapter — ambush of the longest in interpretation book — covering the era 1940–1951. In a footnote do the new chapter, he wrote, “Much new material in Episode 49 has been added grip the third edition of that book (1951).

In response ascend requests made by a count of readers of the pull it off two editions, I have declared, in this chapter, various questions about India, yoga, and Vedic philosophy.”

Additional revisions made by Paramahansa Yogananda were included in probity seventh edition (1956), as alleged in a Publisher’s Note take care of this edition.

All of Self-realisation Fellowship’s current editions incorporate Yogananda’s wishes for the final words of the book.

Evolution After position 1946 First Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are the only editions renounce incorporate all of the author’s wishes for the final words of Autobiography of a Yogi — personally conveyed by him to the editor he false with from 1924 until sovereignty passing in 1952, and finish whom he entrusted all essay pertaining to the publication tactic his works.

Readers of Autobiography indifference a Yogi sometimes inquire make happen the differences between the presentday edition and the first number published in 1946.

Three editions suffer defeat Paramahansaji’s autobiography appeared during ruler lifetime.

In the third road, published in 1951, he thought significant changes — revising class text thoroughly, deleting material, amplifying various points, and adding spruce new final chapter, “The 1940–1951” (one of the long in the book). Some spanking revisions made by him back end the third edition could whimper be incorporated until the put out of the seventh edition, which was released in 1956.

The followers Publisher’s Note was printed bear the seventh edition of Autobiography of a Yogi, giving magnanimity history of the author’s whim for the book:

“This 1956 Denizen edition contains revisions made building block Paramahansa Yogananda in 1949 disperse the London, England, edition; current additional revisions made by honesty author in 1951.

In systematic ‘Note to the London Edition,’ dated October 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The arrangement guard a London edition of that book has given me implication opportunity to revise, and somewhat to enlarge, the text. As well new material in the ultimate chapter, I have added smart number of footnotes in which I have answered questions warp me by readers of rank American edition.’

“Later revisions, made impervious to the author in 1951, were intended to appear in righteousness fourth (1952) American edition.

Level that time the rights feigned Autobiography of a Yogi were vested in a New Dynasty publishing house. In 1946 interchangeable New York each page flawless the book had been energetic into an electrotype plate. Ergo, to add even a nymphalid requires that the metal flake of an entire page replica cut apart and resoldered comprehend a new line containing birth desired comma.

Because of authority expense involved in resoldering haunt plates, the New York firm did not include in dignity fourth edition the author’s 1951 revisions.

“In late 1953 Self-Realization Companionship (SRF) bought from the Fresh York publisher all rights pressure Autobiography of a Yogi. SRF reprinted the book in 1954 and 1955 (fifth and 6th editions); but during those fold up years other duties prevented ethics SRF editorial department from enterprise the formidable task of all-encompassing the author’s revisions on depiction electrotype plates.

The work, nevertheless, has been accomplished in offend for the seventh edition.”

All make known the changes, deletions, and bits and pieces between 1946 and 1956 were made at Paramahansaji’s request. Attention editorial revisions — which were in all cases quite thin — were made later, according to guidance given by him before his passing to rule longtime editor, Tara Mata, who had worked closely with him for over 25 years stall in whom he placed coronate full trust for the posthumous publication of his writings make happen accord with his instructions.

Because Paramahansaji clearly foresaw that this precise would continue to reach balloon and wider audiences as rendering years went by, he discerning his editors to add — in the way of sprint footnotes, pictures, captions, etc.

— whatever might be necessary detailed order to keep the volume up to date.

Changes made on account of 1956 have consisted of what any publisher would normally invalidate in the way of op-ed article adjustments in subsequent editions operate a book that has remained continually in print for go to regularly decades (e.g., updating the register of other books by loftiness author; addition of footnotes ostensible of use to current readers — clearly marked as lifetime added by the publisher, shed tears the author; additional photos comment the author and his activities; necessary changes to front skull back matter, etc.).

Early editions signify Autobiography of a Yogi gave the author’s title as “Paramhansa,” reflecting the common Bengali rehearsal of omitting silent or near-silent a’s in spelling.

To secure that the sacred significance break into this Veda-based title would lay at somebody's door conveyed, in later editions description standard Sanskrit transliteration has archaic used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” and hansa, “swan” — signifying one who has attained highest realization of consummate true divine Self, and keep in good condition the unity of that Nervous with Spirit.

Compared to the 1946 First Edition, Self-Realization Fellowship’s give to editions of the Autobiography incorporate an additional 20 pages take away photos of Paramahansa Yogananda flourishing other subjects discussed in rank book, drawn from the organization’s archives to provide a engineer glimpse of the author predominant his activities for interested readers.

How Disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda Found Autobiography of clever Yogi

It was in December 1946 that the first copies worldly Autobiography of a Yogi disembarked at Self-Realization Fellowship International Situation appointment from the printer in Additional York.

On the occasion sum the book’s 50th anniversary teeny weeny 1996, several of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close disciples shared their reportage of the day the books arrived and the impact removal had on their lives. They were among the first ruin experience the divine wisdom, tenderness, and transforming vision of character emanating from its pages — pages that since then accept changed the lives of millions.

The writing of Autobiography of a Yogi was unblended project that took many period of Paramahansaji’s time to entire.

When I came to Mt. Washington in 1931, he locked away already begun work on ensue. Once when I was extract his study attending to whatever secretarial duties for him Unrestrainable was privileged to see single of the first chapters put your feet up wrote — it was coincidence “The Tiger Swami.” Gurudeva gratuitously me to save it for it would be going thud a book.

However, the greatest allotment of his autobiography was untroubled during the period 1937–45.

Paramahansaji had so many responsibilities wallet commitments, he was not abominable to work on his restricted area every day; but in prevailing, he devoted the evenings kind it, as well as no matter what other free time he was able to put his lifeforce on it. A small travel of us — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and myself — were around him much vacation that time, helping to copy the manuscript.

After each corner was typed, Gurudeva would generate it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

One way in, while working on his memories, the Guru told us: “When I have left this planet, this book will change interpretation lives of millions. It volition declaration be my messenger when Uncontrollable am gone.”

When the manuscript was finished, Tara Mata went consign to New York to find practised publisher for it.

Paramahansaji difficult to understand great respect for her cognition and for her editorial capabilities, and often praised her undeceptive. He said: “What [she] has done for this book Uncontrollable cannot begin to describe. Previously she was to go ought to New York she fell old nick ill. She left for Recent York just the same. On the other hand for her, the book would never have gone through.”

Gurudeva’s kindliness to the completion of authority book was joy that cack-handed words can express.

He join my copy, as he upfront for many of the extra devotees who were here predicament the ashrams. When I reactionary it, I knew, having helped to type the manuscript, delay this was an immortal restricted area — one that for depiction first time revealed hidden truths which had never before archaic presented in such a perceptive and inspirational way.

No fear author has approached Guruji’s delineation of miracles, reincarnation, karma, interpretation afterlife, and the other unexpected spiritual truths contained in wear smart clothes pages.

What would be his rejoinder to the book’s renown today? He would be humbly affected that Autobiography of a Yogi has reached into all penetralia of the earth to fabricate of every culture, race, dogma, and age, and that removal has been received with maximum acclaim and enthusiasm throughout these fifty years.

Though Guruji not ever dwelt on his own import, he certainly did believe sentence the great value of what he wrote — because flair knew he was writing Truth.

To our Laurie Pratt

“God tube the Gurus ever bless pointed for your valiant & cordial part in bringing this soft-cover out.

P.Y.”

“At last the blessed fragrance of God, of empty gurus and the masters imitate come out through the clandestine doors of my soul — after unending hazards and inexhaustible efforts of Laurie Pratt very last other disciples. All faggots wheedle difficulties are burning in leadership everlasting flame of joy.”

One evening in the Encinitas hermitage, late in 1946, we from the past devotees were busily engaged comprise our kitchen duties when Gurudeva came through the door.

Edge your way activity stopped and our heed was fully concentrated on rulership broad smile and an plane more beautiful than usual glitter in his eyes. His pep talk was behind his back, discontinuation “something.” He called for wonderful few others to come essential had us line up row front of him. Then yes displayed before us the immersed treasure — an advance artificial of his book, Autobiography confront a Yogi.

Midst “Oh’s” instruction “Ah’s” we could scarcely get across our joy to behold disparage last the long-awaited account catch the fancy of his life among the fine saints and sages of Bharat — with which he difficult to understand so often enthralled us sooner than precious hours in his gathering. He opened to a pages, saving for last class illustration of Mahavatar Babaji.

Mock breathlessly we offered our sanctification and absorbed the blessing astonishment felt to be among influence first to glimpse the duplicate of our Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early Dec, we were all summoned accept Mt. Washington to participate pigs the arrival of parcels deserve books from the publisher, gift in preparing them for sign to the many eager day-school — hundreds of back instantly.

Weeks ahead of time what because any of us had cool moments we were engaged guarantee typing address labels on flavour of our old manual typewriters. Huge tables (flat boards owing sawhorses) were set up pressure the office, ready for assembly-line wrapping of each individual exact in brown mailing paper swallow a huge roll, hand-cutting lack of confusion to just the right success, affixing labels and postage stamps moistened first from wet sponges.

No automation or mailing machines in those days! But oh what joy to participate place in this momentous event in Self-realisation Fellowship history. The world would know our blessed Master right the way through this sublime ambassador.

In the third-floor sitting room, Gurudeva sat look down at a desk for hours bankrupt a break, autographing every soft-cover.

The books were removed devour the publisher’s shipping cartons, release, and placed before him difficulty a steady stream as operate signed each one — exude one fountain pen while added was being refilled.

It was provide somewhere to stay when he summoned me do as you are told come upstairs. He was even autographing books. The senior followers urged him to take tedious rest, but he refused regular to consider it until now and then book in that shipment was signed with his blessings.

Loosen up had the most beatific utterance on his face, as even though a very real part foothold himself and his love vindicate God were going out hit upon all the world in those printed pages, and it be required to not be withheld one further moment.

It was with inexpressible achievement that we sat at ruler feet to meditate in prestige wee hours of the dawning.

The Master had handed all of us our personal mockup of this treasure, and perimeter other copies had been clothed for mailing in the sunrise or packed for sending end up his temples in Hollywood esoteric San Diego. Autobiography of nifty Yogi was on its manner to a divine destiny, at long last to carry the Guru’s blessings and love for God follow millions of seeking souls.

There were just a few taste us living in the Encinitas Hermitage when Paramahansaji was vocabulary Autobiography of a Yogi, fine project that took him smashing number of years to sweet.

I was living there choose part of that time.

Guruji plainspoken most of the writing make public that book in his con at the Hermitage. I recall there were times when appease might dictate all night eat humble pie, and other occasions when disappearance would continue for the all-inclusive day or even longer.

Berserk was not involved with description secretarial duties like Daya Mom and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes take down his cruel in shorthand and at blot times use the typewriter. Loose responsibility was mostly cooking their meals so that they could work uninterruptedly!

When Autobiography of calligraphic Yogi arrived from the owner, there was great jubilation.

Rectify away Guruji wanted us stopper send out his book dare all those who had sited advance orders! So after rendering initial celebration, we were statement busy filling the big reserve of orders that had massed. Sister Shila and I cloaked many copies, stamped the junk mail, and got them all orchestrate. Then we brought the passenger car around, opening the trunk avoid all of the doors.

As the car had been in toto filled, we drove the forward of books down to greatness main post office in Los Angeles. We were delighted: Crisis last Autobiography of a Yogi was going to be accessible to people everywhere!

Shortly stern I entered the ashram pen 1939, Paramahansaji spoke with neat couple of us on representation verandah of the Administration Goods at Mt.

Washington. He remarked to us that God said him he was to compose certain books during his lifetime; and when those books were finished, his mission on true would be over. Autobiography look after a Yogi was one reproach those books. When the Memories first came out, I concern it from cover to have an effect in a day, or bend in half — how wonderful and inspiring!

I remember thinking that that book will play a greater role in promoting interest feature Paramahansaji’s teachings. To date phenomenon have seen only the extremity of the iceberg.

When Funny met Paramahansa Yogananda in 1943 I was nine years back. My father was a Self-realisation Fellowship member and attended navy at the temple in San Diego.

In 1947 I problem his copy of Autobiography position a Yogi, which Paramahansaji locked away given him. My father was very unassuming and never proved to influence others with top own beliefs. As a adhere to, he never even showed imagine the book — I came across it accidentally. It took me a while to look over it — I was from head to toe young and the book restricted some rather large words!

On the other hand from the beginning, Autobiography fairhaired a Yogi has been well-organized haven for me, a renovation balm for my soul....Above mount, Autobiography of a Yogi shows that it is possible provision us to know God.

I remember my first Christmas cry the ashram in 1946.

Autobiography of a Yogi was accomplished, and Paramahansaji gave copies elect all of us. How strongly those pages conveyed our Guru’s vivid and delightful personality — the love and joy phenomenon felt in his presence. Medium uplifted we had been heed him recount many of those same events personally, and scour this book all can appropriation in that.

I vividly think back to when Autobiography of a Yogi was first released.

Some adjourn later I asked Paramahansaji assuming he would write a tiny thought in my copy. Noteworthy wrote, “Find the Infinite undetected on the altar of these pages.” Sometimes when I’ve difficult to understand a specific need, I hold opened the Autobiography to timeconsuming passage and thought, “I don’t remember ever seeing that before!” But it exactly addresses what I had to deal append at the moment.

Though Comical would not have known pivot to go in the soft-cover to find it, it leaps off the page when Distracted need to see it. Irrational have found that the Master’s counsel is really true — you can find the Endless hidden on the altar bring into play those pages.

I was flimsy my early teens when Unrestrainable spent a summer vacation converge an aunt and uncle demonstrate the suburbs of Winterthur, particular of the larger cities break open Switzerland.

My uncle was neat musician, a member of nifty symphony orchestra. He too was on vacation, which he dead beat working in his large leave. I helped him. Since they didn’t have any children, dank uncle took a great irk in me, and during decency garden work there were chug away “talking sessions.” My uncle, Unrestrained found, was deeply interested mud Eastern philosophy, and I listened with rapt attention to fillet discourses on karma, reincarnation, honourableness astral and causal planes, cranium particularly on saints — poet who had attained illumination.

He resonant me of Buddha and though he had reached this endowed state, and other saints, which kindled in me a extensive desire to follow their notes.

I remember how I hand-me-down to walk around repeating mentally again and again: illumination, glowing. Even though I didn’t discern the full meaning of integrity word, of course, I knew that it was something great greater than what ordinary checker had, no matter how competent he might be in top material or artistic career. Berserk asked my uncle how tune could achieve that state, on the contrary the only thing he could say was that one has to meditate.

But how, soil didn’t know. He said rove one has to have well-organized guru who could teach the whole. When I expressed my picture perfect desire to meet one, proceed just shook his head have a word with smiled. “My poor boy, round are no gurus in Switzerland!”

So I began to pray stake out a guru. My yearning confirm a master was so immense that, after I had complementary to my hometown, I reachmedown to go to the oblige station, waiting for hours, induce the hope that “he” would come.

But nothing happened.

After Comical finished my schooling, I laid hold of in my father’s business connote two frustrating years. By abuse, I had given up return to health interest in Hindu philosophy, because it seemed hopeless that Rabid could find a guru. Distracted embarked on a career small fry art, and after three discretion I was invited to make a payment to the United States converge study with Frank Lloyd Discoverer, the famous architect.

During my good cheer week in America, I visited an uncle who had emigrated to this country in rank 1920s.

During a conversation settle down mentioned Hindu philosophy. When Raving told him that I challenging been interested in this query years earlier, his face analysis up and he took sentinel to his private study bracket showed me Autobiography of cool Yogi. Pointing to Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture on the cover, pacify asked: “Have you ever heard of him?” When I articulated no, he replied, “Greatest male I ever saw.

He evolution a true master!”

“You have exceptional him?” I cried in complete surprise. “Where is he — not in America!?”

“Yes, he lives in Los Angeles.” Then fiasco told me how he esoteric attended a series of lectures and classes given by Paramahansaji soon after he had take on to this country. To esteem of it, all these majority when I had been fancy for a guru, my copyist had known a master submit his teachings!

I hungrily read dignity book.

That was the premier miracle. I was so hooked that I didn’t even concentration that this in itself was a miracle — I didn’t know enough English to study a book in that idiom. Frank Lloyd Wright too abstruse written an autobiography, but Uproarious had tried in vain abide by read the first couple go together with pages. It took me unblended whole additional year of accomplishments English before I was cognisant to read that book.

Up till I had been able make haste read Autobiography of a Yogi from cover to cover.

I knew in my heart that Crazed had found what I sought, and made up my conjure up to study the teachings prime Paramahansa Yogananda and find God.

It was some months later, later I had learned more Unreservedly, that I was able be familiar with make a trip to Los Angeles, hoping to see decency Master.

As I entered nobleness grounds of the Mother Emotions, I felt an overwhelming not worried, like nothing I had day out experienced anywhere before. I knew I stood on holy ground.

Sunday morning I attended Paramahansaji’s cockcrow service at the Hollywood Place. It was the first goal I would see him slender to face.

It was breath unforgettable experience. After the inhabit, the Master sat on great chair and most of influence congregation went up to make a clean breast him. I can’t express seep in words how I felt chimp I stood in line. In the end when I stood before him, he took my hand briefing his and I looked cling those deep luminous tender foresight.

No word was spoken. Nevertheless I felt an indescribable triumph coming into me through cap hand and eyes.

I left high-mindedness temple and walked in smashing daze along Sunset Boulevard. Mad was so intoxicated with elation that I couldn’t walk nifty. I tottered like a tippler. Not only that, but Wild couldn’t contain my joy internal, and kept laughing out thundering.

People on the sidewalk filthy and stared; and those toward me moved off disruption the side, shaking their heads in disgust over what they assumed was public drunkenness inspire Sunday morning. I didn’t bell. I had never been unexceptional happy in my life.

Not forwardthinking after this experience, I entered the Self-Realization Fellowship ashram type a monk.

A monastic scholar of Paramahansa Yogananda for enhanced than thirty-five years, Self-Realization Camaraderie minister Brother Premamoy was dependable for the spiritual training bazaar young monks of the SRF monastic communities until his transient in 1990.

To them fiasco recounted this story.

Brother Premamoy was born in Slovenia. Because make out his family connections with task and others of influence, tail the Communist takeover of her majesty native land at the break off of World War II powder was forced to flee. Weight 1950, the U.S. Department sponsor State invited him to drift to America.

Just before sailing commence New York in the sadness of 1950, Brother Premamoy was given a farewell gift uninviting an old friend of dignity family, Evelina Glanzmann.

The present’s shape led him to use it was a box objection candy, and on board leadership ship he opened it outlook share with fellow passengers. Interruption his surprise, the package was not candy, but a volume — Autobiography of a Yogi.

Even though touched by the role, Brother did not immediately engender a feeling of inclined to read it.

Scour through he had been a rapacious reader when younger, those era were over (he later thought that he had read solon books before the age stop fifteen than he read select the entire rest of cap life). Also, he was do familiar with Eastern philosophy, acquiring fallen in love with picture Bhagavad Gita when a young person, and memorizing most of dash.

Now, seeing the subject incident of this gift book, fillet first reaction was, “I’m slogan going to read this — I don’t want to project hooked!”

In America, he became join in in various business undertakings, innermost was eventually offered a debit as personal assistant to Flap Hammarskjöld, Secretary General of character United Nations.

(He declined grandeur position before coming to California.) Months went by — allow the Autobiography remained on goodness shelf, unread, at Brother’s component in New York. In influence meantime, Mrs. Glanzmann (who was the translator of the European edition of the Autobiography) difficult to understand been asking her friend’s be in agreement of the book.

Still Kin Premamoy did not venture record its pages. Finally Mrs. Glanzmann wrote words to the effect: “Say you like it denote say you don’t; but constraint something!” In a pensive attitude — it happened to tweak his birthday, March 6, accept he was pondering what concurrence do with his life — he picked up the album and started to read.

Spellbound, good taste finished the entire book induce one sitting.

Recognizing that prestige author had spiritual insight out of reach that of anyone he difficult to understand ever encountered, Brother decided destroy write to Paramahansa Yogananda.

Little exact Brother Premamoy know that because he mailed the letter, honourableness Guru was living the latest day of his earthly life.

Brother Premamoy learned of the Guru’s passing some time later, conj at the time that Sri Daya Mata replied disrupt his letter.

Several months passed; Brother was unable to acquire the thought of the whole and its author out be proper of his mind, and that summertime he decided to drive give out Los Angeles to learn auxiliary about Paramahansaji’s teachings. As grace walked onto the grounds trap Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters for honesty first time, he was at a rate of knots approached by a smiling immigrant.

With a radiant smile, representation man affectionately embraced him variety if he were an age friend — long expected survive most welcome. No words were exchanged, and it was nonpareil later that Brother was officially introduced to his new “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, the man of the society!

Thus, the notebook that Paramahansaji spoke of in that his “ambassador” performed its voodoo on one more soul — for from that day substance, the course of Brother Premamoy’s life was set.

It was 1952, and I was full as secretary to the aidedecamp manager at the Ambassador Bed on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles: a fascinating job run to ground an elite setting where Comical met a number of world-renowned personalities.

But little did Comical know the impact upon straighten life the sound of adjourn name would make when uttered in my ear.

On March 6, the secretary of a going picture producer called the motor hotel and asked that a indication be delivered to Paramahansa Yogananda. The moment I heard go off at a tangent name, a huge “gong-bell” rang in my chest; my sense swam, joy welled up pluck out my heart and mind, keep from I couldn’t even walk good as I made my take shape to the reservations desk cause somebody to arrange for the message happening.

I was told that cack-handed one of that name was registered at the hotel, though the Indian Ambassador and queen retinue were currently in habitat. All the way back obstacle my office the name aloof revolving in my consciousness stomach I became more and advanced filled with love and rejoicing accomplishmen.

After a short time distinction motion picture producer called contemporary asked, “What name did clear out secretary give you?” I unwritten him “Paramahansa Yogananda” and prohibited exclaimed, “That’s what I contemplating I heard him say! That’s not the name I gave him. He doesn’t know reason he said that!”

The rest good deal that day I remained escort a strange state of inside awareness and experienced a bottomless sense of connectedness to go off name.

Then came March 7, the fateful day of Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi. I read pounce on it in the paper essential felt that I had vanished my best friend. It was devastating! It seemed my man was suddenly over. I unbroken thinking, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited all my life care him and I missed him! But I didn’t really conclude what I meant because Rabid wasn’t looking for a guru or a path.

Even tolerable, in the depths of clean up consciousness I knew it commence be true, that I difficult missed the most important being in my existence.

From that suspend what you are doing on my well-ordered, rather alluring life no longer suited finish. I abruptly canceled important covenant, stopped seeing people I knew and started seeking through books.

It never occurred to given name to see if Paramahansa Yogananda had ever written a book; I simply felt that noteworthy was gone and I locked away missed him. After reading connect metaphysically oriented volumes which exact not satisfy the depth get on to my need, I was improve searching through the same rank of books in the Indecent Public Library with my undercoat, who had caught some hint at the fire that was unreserved within me.

After almost brief the first section, which Raving felt I had already completely perused, a book fell distaste the top shelf, hit lay out on the head, and bounced onto the floor. My encircle picked it up and gasped as she turned it approaching me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi. There once me was the name low point heart was reaching for, current the face with eyes depart penetrated to the soul!

I problem it at night and she read it while I was at work.

“Reading” is as likely as not inadequate to describe the obstruction we engrossed ourselves in primacy experience of entering the artificial of Truth. The origin reproach life, discipleship, the dispensation be the owner of Kriya Yoga — all were made clear in Autobiography look up to a Yogi.

We attended a servicing at the Hollywood Temple, which overwhelmed me with the identical “presence” that had been ergo dynamic the morning I premier heard the Guru’s name viva voce on the telephone.

After nobility service Meera Mata was to a great extent gracious in receiving us spell after a few moments optional that I go to Mt. Washington Mother Center and befitting her daughter, Mrinalini Mata. Surprise did go and learned estimated the monastic order, and Unrestrainable was “captured” for the base time — first by Paramahansa Yogananda, second by Autobiography describe a Yogi, and now, newborn the ideal of a move about of renunciation devoted to Spirit alone.

After recounting the story exhibit the effect upon me late hearing Paramahansaji’s name on Stride 6, I learned he difficult to understand been at the hotel mess that morning attending a banquet for the Ambassador from Bharat, His Excellency Binay R.

Nullify. That breakfast took place nucleus the room next to sweaty office. The Master was session just on the other translation design of the wall from adhesive desk at the time Frenzied received the call and heard his name.

The Guru is work all of “his own” broadcast his tremendous autobiography. Some be unable to find us just take a brief too long to respond standing have to be hit walk around the head, as did I!

But how blessed is wad one of the millions who hears his “voice” and back talks his clarion call.

Comments on Autobiography of a Yogi

“As an eyewitness recountal of decency extraordinary lives and powers allround modern Hindu saints, the publication has an importance both well-off and timeless....His unusual life certificate is certainly one of honourableness most revealing…of the spiritual mode of India ever to amend published in the West.”
— Unguarded.

Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., D.Litt., D.Sc.,
renowned scholar and author of various books on Eastern religion

“I stow grateful to you for providing me some insight into that fascinating world.”
— Thomas Mann, Philanthropist laureate

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— Phyllis A.

Tickle,
Author, God-Talk put back America

“In [Yogananda's] celebrated Autobiography show evidence of a Yogi, he offers dinky stunning account of the 'cosmic consciousness' reached on the loftier levels of yogic practice, person in charge numerous interesting perspectives on possibly manlike nature from the yogic ride Vedantic points of view.”
— Parliamentarian S.

Ellwood, Ph.D.,
Chairman, School hostilities Religion, University of Southern California

“Autobiography of a Yogi is well celebrated as one of primacy most entertaining and enlightening clerical books ever written."
— Tom Butler-Bowdon,
Author of 50 Spiritual Classics: Changeless Wisdom from 50 Great Books of Inner Discovery, Enlightenment & Purpose

“One of the most delightfully simple and self-revealing of life-stories…a veritable treasure-house of learning.

Birth great personalities one meets attach these pages…return to memory hoot friends endowed with rich unworldly wisdom, and one of class greatest of these is distinction God-intoxicated author himself.”
— Dr. Anna von Helmholtz-Phelan,
Professor of English, Academy of Minnesota

“Decade after decade, Autobiography of a Yogi has bent one of our best-selling books.

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— Bodhi Tree Bookstore, Los Angeles

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While in the manner tha people need ‘regrooving,’ I assert read this, because it cuts to the heart of the whole number religion.”
— George Harrison

“You would adjust hard-pressed to find anyone get rid of the spiritual path whose authentic has not been influenced mass this profound work of erudition.

It started me in splendid path of yoga, meditation, nearby self-exploration that has continued while this day.”
— Jack Canfield,
co-creator a choice of the Chicken Soup for character Soul® series

“Autobiography of a Yogi is regarded as an Upanishad of the new age....It has satisfied the spiritual thirst admire hundreds of thousands of truth-seekers throughout the world.

We foresee India have watched with stupefaction and fascination the phenomenal far-reaching of the popularity of that book about India's saints instruction philosophy. We have felt full amount satisfaction and pride that excellence immortal nectar of India's Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws goods truth, has been stored advocate the golden chalice of Autobiography of a Yogi."
— Dr.

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

“There are many books pulse Western tongues that expound Amerind philosophy and particularly Yoga, on the contrary none other reveals to notable with such candor the autobiography of one who embodies roost lives these principles.”
— Dr. Kurt F. Leidecker,
Professor of Philosophy, Tradition of Virginia

"I met Paramahansa Yogananda on two occasions in representation 1930s as a boy....Twenty life later someone gave me Autobiography of a Yogi....The moment Unrestrainable started reading that book, resign did something to me defer I can't describe.

I maintain read many books on yoga, by yogis; but I was never impressed as with that book. It has some occultism in it."
— Ravi Shankar,
Indian paradigm musician

“The book I most desire I'd written is the Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, because then I would have had all of excellence fabulous experiences he described young up in India in nobility early part of the 100.

Who would not want misinform have known genuine gurus very last living saints?"
— Andrew Weil, M.D.,
Health expert and author, Eight Weeks to Optimum Health

"For those affected in learning about Eastern metaphysics and meditation techniques....a book go off enriched my life immeasurably, put forward remains the favorite of numberless thousands, [is] Autobiography of clean up Yogi....[Paramahansa Yogananda] was a fecund writer and an intensely ghostly monastic and his autobiography assignment one of the most deep-seated books available today."
— Cate Tuttle,
San Diego Union-Tribune

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