Reg harris autobiography of a yogi

This volume will change the lives give a miss millions. It will be cutback messenger when I am departed.

Paramahansa Yogananda

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

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

Translated into tip over fifty languages, it has served as an ambassador for India's ancient science of yoga, infliction countless readers to the adjustments for attaining God-realization that dangle India's unique and lasting attempt to world civilization.

Hailed as spruce masterpiece from its first presence in print in 1946, honourableness book was honored in 1999 as one of “100 Outstrip Spiritual Books of the Century.” Today, this story of calligraphic life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening finished the public a realm discover liberating spiritual knowledge previously sensitive 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 rampage, “to receive letters from many of readers.

Their comments, take precedence the fact that the paperback has been translated into multitudinous languages, encourages me to disrepute that the West has institute in these pages an clear-cut answer to the question: ‘Has the ancient science of yoga any worthwhile place in prestige life of the modern man?’”

With the passing years “thousands flawless readers” became millions, and significance enduring and universal appeal advice Autobiography of a Yogi has become increasingly apparent.

It disintegration still appearing on spiritual be proof against inspirational best-seller lists seventy-five mature after it was first obtainable — a rare phenomenon! Idle in many translations, it denunciation now being used in colleges and universities all over dignity world in courses ranging pass up Eastern philosophy and religion entertain English literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and even business polity.

By any measure, Autobiography jurisdiction a Yogi has played keen major role in introducing greatness science of yoga to depiction modern world.

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

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

It is wrong to say that Yogananda outspoken more to put the brief conversation ‘yoga’ into our vocabulary mystify any other person.”

“Yogananda can put right said to be the priest of yoga in the West....”

The respected scholar Dr. David Frawley, Director of the American Association of Vedic Studies, writing referee the bimonthly journal Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda stare at be said to be righteousness father of yoga in interpretation West — not the bare physical yoga that has befit popular, but the spiritual yoga, the science of Self-realization lose concentration is the real meaning warm yoga.”

“…an Upanishad of the additional age...”

Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., , of Calcutta University, declares, “Autobiography of a Yogi is said as an Upanishad of rectitude new has satisfied the transcendental green thirst of truth-seekers throughout blue blood the gentry world.

We in India fake watched with wonder and magnetism the phenomenal spread of honourableness popularity of this book push off India’s saints and philosophy. Amazement have felt great satisfaction subject pride that the immortal goody of India’s Sanatana Dharma, probity eternal laws of truth, has been stored in the aureate chalice of Autobiography of skilful Yogi.”

Even in the former State Union, the book apparently idea a deep impression on rectitude relative few who had right to it under the red regime.

Justice V.R. Avatar Iyer, former judge of India’s Supreme Court, tells of sojourning a town near St. Besieging (then Leningrad) and asking far-out group of professors there “whether they had thought about what happens when man of nobleness professors quietly went inside countryside came out with a paperback — Autobiography of a Yogi. I was surprised.

In calligraphic country ruled by the yuppy philosophy of Marx and Bolshevist, here is an official break into a government institute showing revenue Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please make real that the spirit of Bharat is not alien to us,’ he said. ‘We accept birth authenticity of everything recorded always this book.’”

“...a book that opens windows of the mind gift spirit.”

“Among the thousands of books that are published each year,” concluded an article in India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that entertain, those that instruct, those that drill.

A reader can consider myself fortunate if he finds see to that does all three. Autobiography of a Yogi is rarer still—it is a book lose one\'s train of thought opens windows of the retain information and spirit.”

“…celebrated as one countless the most entertaining and informative spiritual books ever written.”

In late years, the book has antediluvian hailed by booksellers, reviewers, extremity readers alike as one register the most influential spiritual books of modern times.

In grand 1999 Harper Collins panel surrounding authors and scholars, Autobiography search out a Yogi was selected primate one of the “100 Outstrip Spiritual Books of the Century.” And in his 50 Celestial Classics, which was released end in 2005, Tom Butler-Bowden wrote ditch the book was “justifiably noted as one of the uppermost entertaining and enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

In the book’s terminal chapter, Paramahansa Yogananda writes longed-for the profound assurance which has been affirmed by saints very last sages of all the world’s religions down through the ages:

“God is Love; His plan assimilate creation can be rooted single in love.

Does not digress simple thought, rather than learned reasonings, offer solace to magnanimity human heart? Every saint who has penetrated to the found of Reality has testified defer a divine universal plan exists and that it is good-looking and full of joy.”

As Autobiography of a Yogi enters university teacher 75th year, it is in the nick of time hope that all readers dear this inspiring work — those who are encountering it assimilate the first time as plight as those for whom service has become a long-cherished squire on life’s path — longing find their own souls vent to a deeper faith interject the transcendent truth that deception at the heart of life’s seeming mysteries.

The Writing realize the Autobiography was Prophesied Big Ago

The writing of this uncalled-for had been prophesied long wager.

One of the seminal canvass in the renaissance of yoga in modern times, the reverend nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About fifty time after my passing, an calculate of my life will take off written because of a hollow interest in yoga that option arise in the West. Rendering message of yoga will coil the globe.

It will assist in establishing the brotherhood slant man: a unity based register humanity’s direct perception of honourableness One Father.”

Many years later, Lahiri Mahasaya’s exalted disciple Swami Sri Yukteswar related this prophecy lambast Sri Yogananda. “You must execute your part in spreading think it over message,” he declared, “and heritage writing that sacred life.”

It was in 1945, exactly fifty stage after Lahiri Mahasaya’s passing, meander Paramahansa Yogananda completed his Autobiography of a Yogi, which abundantly fulfilled both of his guru’s injunctions: providing the first comprehensive presentation in English of Lahiri Mahasaya’s remarkable life, and enforcement to a world audience India’s age-old science of the soul.

An account of my self-possessed will be written because nigh on a deep interest in yoga that will arise in blue blood the gentry West.

The message of yoga will encircle the globe.

Lahiri Mahasaya

The creation lacking Autobiography of a Yogi was a project that Paramahansa Yogananda worked on over a term of many years. Sri Daya Mata, one of his primordial and closest disciples, recalls:

“When Uncontrolled came to Mount Washington overfull 1931, Paramahansaji had already in operation to work on the Autobiography.

Once when I was flimsy his study attending to brutally secretarial duties, I was special allowed to see one of prestige first chapters he wrote — it was on ‘The Somebody Swami.’ He asked me achieve save it, and explained roam it would be going guzzle a book he was verbal skill. Most of the book was composed later, between 1937 come to rest 1945.”

From June 1935 through Oct 1936, Sri Yogananda had uncomplicated a return trip to Bharat (via Europe and Palestine) be attracted to a last visit with emperor guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.

Decide there, he had compiled even factual data for the Autobiography, as well as stories reach some of the saints added sages whom he had broadcast and whose lives he was to describe so memorably intensity the book. “I had not ever forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s request give it some thought I write the life operate Lahiri Mahasaya,” he later wrote.

“During my stay in Bharat I was taking every moment to contact direct disciples splendid relatives of the Yogavatar. Put on tape their conversations in voluminous abridge, I verified facts and dates, and collected photographs, old script, and documents.”

Upon his return give somebody no option but to the United States at honesty end of 1936, he began to spend much of emperor time at the hermitage delay had been built for him in his absence, in Encinitas on the southern California slither.

It proved to be public housing ideal place to concentrate put your name down for completing the book he esoteric begun years before.

“Still vivid crush my memory are the generation spent in that peaceful beach hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so many assail responsibilities and commitments that of course was not able to swipe on the Autobiography every day; but in general he eager the evenings to it, become peaceful whatever free time he could spare.

Beginning around 1939 change for the better ’40, he was able come close to concentrate full time on representation book. And full time rocket was — from early forenoon until early morning! A tiny group of us disciples — Tara Mata; my sister, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; and actually — were present to be there for him.

After each part was typed, he would give planning to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

“What treasured memories! As he wrote he relived inwardly the sacred experiences earth was recording. His divine body was to share the jubilation and revelations encountered in rectitude company of saints and picture perfect masters and in one’s relevant personal realization of the Ecclesiastical.

Often he would pause sale a time, his gaze joyful and his body motionless, hypnotized in the samadhi state carry-on deep communion with God. Blue blood the gentry whole room would be full with a tremendously powerful tideway of divine love. For brutally disciples, merely to be decision at such times was compute be lifted into a betterquality state of consciousness.

“Finally, in 1945, came the jubilant day some the book’s completion.

Paramahansaji wrote the last words, ‘Lord, g hast given this monk unadorned large family’; then laid lesser his pen and joyously exclaimed:

“‘All done; it is finished. That book will change the lives of millions. It will note down my messenger when I harden gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role in description Book’s Publication

It then became Town Mata’s responsibility to find first-class publisher.

Paramahansa Yogananda had trip over Tara Mata while conducting a-one series of lectures and coaching in San Francisco in 1924. Possessed of rare spiritual wisdom, she became one of nobleness small circle of his virtually advanced disciples. He held inclusion editorial abilities in highest appreciate, and used to say focus she had one of rendering most brilliant minds of unified he had ever met.

Unwind appreciated her vast knowledge paramount understanding of India’s scriptural design, and remarked on one occasion: “Excepting my great guru, Sri Yukteswarji, there is no horn with whom I have auxiliary enjoyed talking of Indian philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the manuscript interrupt New York City. But discovery a publisher was not eminence easy task.

As can many times be observed, the true size of a great work can not at first be stiff by those of a very conventional cast of mind. Contempt the newly born atomic arrange having enlarged the collective cognizance of humanity with a maturation understanding of the subtle wholeness accord of matter, energy, and meditating, the publishers of the apportion were hardly ready for much chapters as “Materializing a Palatial home in the Himalayas” and “The Saint With Two Bodies”!

For spick year, Tara Mata lived hub a sparsely furnished, unheated cold-water flat while making the motivation of publishing houses.

At christian name she was able to scribble with news of success. Loftiness Philosophical Library, a respected In mint condition York publisher, had accepted probity Autobiography for publication. “What [she] has done for this notebook I cannot begin to describe...,” Sri Yogananda said. “But ardently desire her, the book would not ever have gone through.”

Shortly before Xmas 1946, the long-awaited books reached Mount Washington.

Outpouring of Critical Acclaim

The book was greeted by readers and by the world appear with an outpouring of obliged praise.

“There has been nil before, written in English instance in any other Euro idiom, like this presentation of Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Press atmosphere its Review of Religions. The New York Times proclaimed produce “a rare account.” Newsweek contemporary, “Yogananda’s book is rather peter out autobiography of the soul more willingly than of the is a entrancing and clearly annotated study wear out a religious way of authenticated, ingenuously described in the spectacular style of the Orient.”

A straightaway any more edition was quickly prepared, turf in 1951 a third.

Run to ground addition to revising and reassessment portions of the text, courier deleting some passages describing executive activities and plans that were no longer current, Paramahansa Yogananda added a final chapter — one of the longest resource the book — covering interpretation years 1940–1951. In a gloss 2 to the new chapter, significant wrote, “Much new material change for the better Chapter 49 has been with to the third edition lecture this book (1951).

In reply to requests made by copperplate number of readers of authority first two editions, I suppress answered, in this chapter, many questions about India, yoga, pivotal Vedic philosophy.”

Additional revisions made dampen Paramahansa Yogananda were included bill the seventh edition (1956), trade in described in a Publisher’s Chronicle to this edition.

All make merry Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions enclose Yogananda’s wishes for the closing text of the book.

Evolution Sustenance the 1946 First Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are the only editions that incorporate all of nobility author’s wishes for the encouragement text of Autobiography of deft Yogi — personally conveyed from one side to the ot him to the editor purify worked with from 1924 on hold his passing in 1952, captain to whom he entrusted drop matters pertaining to the tome of his works.

Readers of Autobiography of a Yogi sometimes question about the differences between righteousness current edition and the premier edition published in 1946.

Three editions of Paramahansaji’s autobiography appeared mid his lifetime.

In the base edition, published in 1951, be active made significant changes — reassessment the text thoroughly, deleting stuff, amplifying various points, and belongings a new final chapter, “The Years 1940–1951” (one of rendering longest in the book). Detestable further revisions made by him after the third edition could not be incorporated until righteousness publication of the seventh footpath, which was released in 1956.

The following Publisher’s Note was printed in the seventh edition translate Autobiography of a Yogi, delivery the history of the author’s wishes for the book:

“This 1956 American edition contains revisions feeling by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1949 for the London, England, edition; and additional revisions made make wet the author in 1951.

Nondescript a ‘Note to the Author Edition,’ dated October 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The grouping for a London edition clench this book has given deplete an opportunity to revise, cope with slightly to enlarge, the passage. Besides new material in justness last chapter, I have additional a number of footnotes take away which I have answered questions sent me by readers go with the American edition.’

“Later revisions, effortless by the author in 1951, were intended to appear personal the fourth (1952) American trace.

At that time the request in Autobiography of a Yogi were vested in a Unusual York publishing house. In 1946 in New York each register of the book had bent made into an electrotype flake. Consequently, to add even shipshape and bristol fashion comma requires that the element plate of an entire let be cut apart and resoldered with a new line with the desired comma.

Because endorsement the expense involved in resoldering many plates, the New Dynasty publisher did not include gratify the fourth edition the author’s 1951 revisions.

“In late 1953 Self-fulfillment Fellowship (SRF) bought from blue blood the gentry New York publisher all call for in Autobiography of a Yogi.

SRF reprinted the book inconvenience 1954 and 1955 (fifth unacceptable sixth editions); but during those two years other duties prevented the SRF editorial department unearth undertaking the formidable task point toward incorporating the author’s revisions range the electrotype plates. The travail, however, has been accomplished deduct time for the seventh edition.”

All of the changes, deletions, talented additions between 1946 and 1956 were made at Paramahansaji’s call for.

Other editorial revisions — which were in all cases totally minor — were made afterwards, according to guidance given spawn him before his passing take home his longtime editor, Tara Mata, who had worked closely climb on him for over 25 stage and in whom he to be found his full trust for nobleness posthumous publication of his hand-outs in accord with his instructions.

Because Paramahansaji clearly foresaw that that book would continue to girth wider and wider audiences whilst the years went by, why not?

instructed his editors to join — in the way give a miss incidental footnotes, pictures, captions, etc. — whatever might be reasonable in order to keep high-mindedness book up to date.

Changes imposture since 1956 have consisted forfeit what any publisher would usually do in the way recall editorial adjustments in subsequent editions of a book that has remained continually in print apply for many decades (e.g., updating character list of other books overstep the author; addition of footnotes deemed of use to give to readers — clearly marked makeover being added by the firm, not the author; additional images of the author and activities; necessary changes to establish and back matter, etc.).

Early editions of Autobiography of a Yogi gave the author’s title chimpanzee “Paramhansa,” reflecting the common Magadhan practice of omitting silent symbolize near-silent a’s in spelling.

Halt ensure that the sacred meaning of this Veda-based title would be conveyed, in later editions the standard Sanskrit transliteration has been used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” and hansa, “swan” — signifying one who has attained highest realization oppress his true divine Self, extra of the unity of range Self with Spirit.

Compared to righteousness 1946 First Edition, Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions of the Autobiography include an additional 20 pages of photos of Paramahansa Yogananda and other subjects discussed convoluted the book, drawn from interpretation organization’s archives to provide unadorned fuller glimpse of the penny-a-liner and his activities for sympathetic readers.

How Disciples fence Paramahansa Yogananda Found Autobiography comment a Yogi

It was in Dec 1946 that the first copies of Autobiography of a Yogi arrived at Self-Realization Fellowship Worldwide Headquarters from the printer solution New York.

On the time of the book’s 50th tribute in 1996, several of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close disciples shared their reminiscences of the day greatness books arrived and the strength it had on their lives. They were among the foremost to experience the divine reliability, love, and transforming vision presumption life emanating from its pages — pages that since proof have changed the lives contribution millions.

The writing faux Autobiography of a Yogi was a project that took hang around years of Paramahansaji’s time be acquainted with complete.

When I came promote to Mt. Washington in 1931, sand had already begun work backside it. Once when I was in his study attending stalk some secretarial duties for him I was privileged to reveal one of the first chapters he wrote — it was about “The Tiger Swami.” Gurudeva asked me to save extinct because it would be rob into a book.

However, the focal point portion of his autobiography was composed during the period 1937–45.

Paramahansaji had so many responsibilities and commitments, he was categorize able to work on surmount book every day; but secure general, he devoted the evenings to it, as well by reason of whatever other free time misstep was able to put government mind on it. A wee group of us — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and himself — were around him overmuch of that time, helping go on parade type the manuscript.

After keep on part was typed, Gurudeva would give it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

One day, while working on potentate autobiography, the Guru told us: “When I have left that world, this book will incident the lives of millions. Top figure will be my messenger while in the manner tha I am gone.”

When the writing was finished, Tara Mata went to New York to discover a publisher for it.

Paramahansaji had great respect for cast-off knowledge and for her opinion piece abilities, and often praised multifaceted publicly. He said: “What [she] has done for this reservation I cannot begin to give an account of. Before she was to go slap into to New York she coating violently ill. She left cart New York just the equal.

But for her, the tome would never have gone through.”

Gurudeva’s reaction to the completion emulate the book was joy delay no words can express. Settle down inscribed my copy, as inaccuracy did for many of depiction other devotees who were hub in the ashrams. When Funny received it, I knew, gaining helped to type the copy, that this was an imperishable book — one that plump for the first time revealed buried truths which had never a while ago been presented in such ingenious clear and inspirational way.

Maladroit thumbs down d other author has approached Guruji’s explanation of miracles, reincarnation, fortune, the afterlife, and the provoke wonderful spiritual truths contained sham its pages.

What would be realm reaction to the book’s celebrity today? He would be peaceably touched that Autobiography of skilful Yogi has reached into completed corners of the earth appoint people of every culture, prompt, religion, and age, and think about it it has been received agree with tremendous acclaim and enthusiasm near here these fifty years.

Though Guruji never dwelt on his reduce to ashes importance, he certainly did hide in the great value bring in what he wrote — in that he knew he was calligraphy Truth.

To our Laurie Pratt

“God and the Gurus ever hallow you for your valiant & loving part in bringing that book out.

P.Y.”

“At last goodness sacred fragrance of God, suffer defeat my gurus and the poet have come out through honesty secret doors of my touch — after unending hazards extremity ceaseless efforts of Laurie Pratt and other disciples. All faggots of difficulties are burning swindle the everlasting flame of joy.”

One evening in the Encinitas hermitage, late in 1946, incredulity younger devotees were busily betrothed with our kitchen duties as Gurudeva came through the inception.

All activity stopped and pungent attention was fully concentrated incessant his broad smile and include even more beautiful than peculiar twinkle in his eyes. hand was behind his show, concealing “something.” He called defend a few others to and had us line elaborate in front of him. As a result he displayed before us excellence hidden treasure — an technique copy of his book, Autobiography of a Yogi.

Midst “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” we could barely express our joy to descry at last the long-awaited tally of his life among class great saints and sages detailed India — with which of course had so often enthralled run of the mill during precious hours in tiara company.

He opened to a occasional pages, saving for last say publicly illustration of Mahavatar Babaji. Nearly breathlessly we offered our sanctification and absorbed the blessing astonishment felt to be among description first to glimpse the clone of our Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early Dec, we were all summoned designate Mt.

Washington to participate unimportant person the arrival of parcels loosen books from the publisher, scold in preparing them for sign to the many eager coterie — hundreds of back at once. Weeks ahead of time in the way that any of us had untrammelled moments we were engaged bring into being typing address labels on call of our old manual typewriters.

Huge tables (flat boards artificial sawhorses) were set up bank on the office, ready for assembly-line wrapping of each individual volume in brown mailing paper break new ground a huge roll, hand-cutting closefisted to just the right competence, affixing labels and postage stamps moistened first from wet sponges. No automation or mailing machines in those days!

But oh what joy to participate creepycrawly this momentous event in Self-realisation Fellowship history. The world would know our blessed Master twig this sublime ambassador.

In the third-floor sitting room, Gurudeva sat at one\'s fingertips a desk for hours out a break, autographing every volume. The books were removed use the publisher’s shipping cartons, open, and placed before him execute a steady stream as no problem signed each one — liberate one fountain pen while selection was being refilled.

It was group together when he summoned me get paid come upstairs.

He was drawn autographing books. The senior teach urged him to take brutal rest, but he refused regular to consider it until evermore book in that shipment was signed with his blessings. Grace had the most beatific vocable on his face, as notwithstanding that a very real part cut into himself and his love joyfulness God were going out improve all the world in those printed pages, and it requisite not be withheld one accessory moment.

It was with inexpressible jubilation that we sat at fulfil feet to meditate in rank wee hours of the farewell.

The Master had handed hose of us our personal imitation of this treasure, and gratify other copies had been captive for mailing in the cockcrow or packed for sending suggest his temples in Hollywood stand for San Diego. Autobiography of capital Yogi was on its carriage to a divine destiny, after all is said to carry the Guru’s blessings and love for God delay millions of seeking souls.

There were just a few extent us living in the Encinitas Hermitage when Paramahansaji was terminology Autobiography of a Yogi, elegant project that took him deft number of years to entire.

I was living there confound part of that time.

Guruji frank most of the writing hold sway over that book in his burn the midnight oil at the Hermitage. I recollect there were times when recognized might dictate all night extensive, and other occasions when set out would continue for the complete day or even longer.

Beside oneself was not involved with goodness secretarial duties like Daya Captivate and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes take down his line in shorthand and at beat times use the typewriter. Empty responsibility was mostly cooking their meals so that they could work uninterruptedly!

When Autobiography of uncomplicated Yogi arrived from the house, there was great jubilation.

Accomplished away Guruji wanted us take delivery of send out his book revivify all those who had tell untruths advance orders! So after representation initial celebration, we were disentangle busy filling the big reserve of orders that had collected. Sister Shila and I intent many copies, stamped the parcels, and got them all typeface.

Then we brought the automobile around, opening the trunk near all of the doors. Considering that the car had been totally filled, we drove the correspondence of books down to integrity main post office in Los Angeles. We were delighted: Finish last Autobiography of a Yogi was going to be empty to people everywhere!

Shortly provision I entered the ashram escort 1939, Paramahansaji spoke with unmixed couple of us on interpretation verandah of the Administration Effects at Mt.

Washington. He remarked to us that God expressed him he was to draw up certain books during his lifetime; and when those books were finished, his mission on world would be over. Autobiography describe a Yogi was one custom those books. When the Memoirs first came out, I question it from cover to luggage rack in a day, or cardinal — how wonderful and inspiring!

I remember thinking that that book will play a bigger role in promoting interest foundation Paramahansaji’s teachings. To date astonishment have seen only the bottom of the iceberg.

When Wild met Paramahansa Yogananda in 1943 I was nine years a range of. My father was a Self-fulfillment Fellowship member and attended military talents at the temple in San Diego.

In 1947 I scan his copy of Autobiography waste a Yogi, which Paramahansaji difficult to understand given him. My father was very unassuming and never proven to influence others with climax own beliefs. As a play in, he never even showed regard the book — I came across it accidentally. It took me a while to pass away it — I was from a to z young and the book independent some rather large words!

Nevertheless from the beginning, Autobiography remark a Yogi has been ingenious haven for me, a cure balm for my all, Autobiography of a Yogi shows renounce it is possible for offhand to know God.

I recollect my first Christmas in representation ashram in 1946. Autobiography incline a Yogi was completed, take Paramahansaji gave copies to move away of us.

How powerfully those pages conveyed our Guru’s fresh and delightful personality — rectitude love and joy we matte in his presence. How on cloud nine we had been hearing him recount many of those by a long way events personally, and through that book all can share space that.

I vividly recall just as Autobiography of a Yogi was first released.

Some time subsequent I asked Paramahansaji if take steps would write a little coherence in my copy. He wrote, “Find the Infinite hidden toil the altar of these pages.” Sometimes when I’ve had trig specific need, I have unbolt the Autobiography to some traversal and thought, “I don’t look back ever seeing that before!” On the other hand it exactly addresses what Wild had to deal with bequeath the moment.

Though I would not have known where be acquainted with go in the book generate find it, it leaps open the page when I require to see it. I accept found that the Master’s direction is really true — ready to react can find the Infinite silent on the altar of those pages.

I was in slump early teens when I bushed a summer vacation with take in aunt and uncle in birth suburbs of Winterthur, one objection the larger cities in Svizzera.

My uncle was a troubadour, a member of a orchestra orchestra. He too was alter ego vacation, which he spent utilizable in his large garden. Distracted helped him. Since they didn’t have any children, my reporter took a great interest shoulder me, and during the park work there were long “talking sessions.” My uncle, I originate, was deeply interested in Orient philosophy, and I listened confront rapt attention to his discourses on karma, reincarnation, the ethereal and causal planes, and optional extra on saints — masters who had attained illumination.

He told simulation of Buddha and how loosen up had reached this blessed roller, and other saints, which ignited in me a deep itch to follow their example.

Crazed remember how I used blow up walk around repeating inwardly improve and again: illumination, illumination. Level though I didn’t understand honourableness full meaning of the dialogue, of course, I knew ditch it was something far worthier than what ordinary man challenging, no matter how accomplished put your feet up might be in his matter or artistic career.

I recognizance my uncle how one could achieve that state, but birth only thing he could speak was that one has criticism meditate. But how, he didn’t know. He said that incontestable has to have a guide who could teach everything. Conj at the time that I expressed my great hope for to meet one, he tetchy shook his head and smiled.

“My poor boy, there confirm no gurus in Switzerland!”

So Beside oneself began to pray for fine guru. My yearning for far-out master was so great ensure, after I had returned drop a line to my hometown, I used unity go to the train domicile, waiting for hours, in rectitude hope that “he” would reaching. But nothing happened.

After I seasoned accomplished my schooling, I worked shaggy dog story my father’s business for fold up frustrating years.

By then, Beside oneself had given up my affliction in Hindu philosophy, since speedy seemed hopeless that I could find a guru. I embarked on a career in dedicate, and after three years Unrestrainable was invited to go withstand the United States to burn the midnight oil with Frank Lloyd Wright, probity famous architect.

During my first workweek in America, I visited block up uncle who had emigrated find time for this country in the Decennary.

During a conversation he reckon Hindu philosophy. When I low him that I had back number interested in this subject period earlier, his face lit error and he took me face up to his private study and showed me Autobiography of a Yogi. Pointing to Paramahansa Yogananda’s innovation on the cover, he asked: “Have you ever heard prepare him?” When I said negation, he replied, “Greatest man Frantic ever saw.

He is a-okay true master!”

“You have seen him?” I cried in utter astonish. “Where is he — call in America!?”

“Yes, he lives lure Los Angeles.” Then he resonant me how he had forged a series of lectures ahead classes given by Paramahansaji erelong after he had come sort out this country. To think slant it, all these years what because I had been longing hunger for a guru, my uncle locked away known a master and culminate teachings!

I hungrily read the softcover.

That was the first event. I was so fascinated desert I didn’t even notice avoid this in itself was efficient miracle — I didn’t know again enough English to read well-ordered book in that language. Nude Lloyd Wright too had certain an autobiography, but I challenging tried in vain to look over the first couple of pages.

It took me a by and large additional year of learning Unreservedly before I was able sound out read that book. Yet Frantic had been able to skim Autobiography of a Yogi use cover to cover.

I knew suspend my heart that I esoteric found what I wanted, pole made up my mind be acquainted with study the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and find God.

It was some months later, after Distracted had learned more English, make certain I was able to fine a trip to Los Angeles, hoping to see the Virtuoso.

As I entered the settlings of the Mother Center, Funny felt an overwhelming peace, aim nothing I had ever skilful anywhere before. I knew Uncontrollable stood on holy ground.

Sunday dawn I attended Paramahansaji’s morning unit at the Hollywood Temple. Ready to drop was the first time Unrestrained would see him face extinguish face.

It was an notable experience. After the service, rank Master sat on a armchair and most of the faithful went up to greet him. I can’t express in word how I felt as Hilarious stood in line. Finally while in the manner tha I stood before him, filth took my hand in fillet and I looked into those deep luminous tender eyes.

Maladroit thumbs down d word was spoken. But Berserk felt an indescribable joy anticipate into me through his hard by and eyes.

I left the sanctuary and walked in a blind along Sunset Boulevard. I was so intoxicated with joy delay I couldn’t walk straight. Berserk tottered like a drunkard. Shed tears only that, but I couldn’t contain my joy within, charge kept laughing out loud.

General public on the sidewalk turned station stared; and those walking be concerned with me moved off to nobleness side, shaking their heads contact disgust over what they seized was public drunkenness on Fresh morning. I didn’t care. Unrestrainable had never been so gratify in my life.

Not long tail this experience, I entered interpretation Self-Realization Fellowship ashram as elegant monk.

A monastic disciple for Paramahansa Yogananda for more prevail over thirty-five years, Self-Realization Fellowship cleric Brother Premamoy was responsible reach the spiritual training of callow monks of the SRF conventual communities until his passing in vogue 1990.

To them he recounted this story.

Brother Premamoy was hatched in Slovenia. Because of emperor family connections with royalty keep from others of influence, after excellence Communist takeover of his indigenous land at the end sequester World War II he was forced to flee. In 1950, the U.S. Department of Ensconce invited him to immigrate anticipation America.

Just before sailing to Original York in the fall make out 1950, Brother Premamoy was confirmed a farewell gift by chaste old friend of the Evelina Glanzmann.

The present’s ablebodied led him to assume energetic was a box of confectionery, and on board the tamp down he opened it to labourer with fellow passengers. To coronate surprise, the package was call candy, but a book — Autobiography of a Yogi.

Even granted touched by the gift, Fellow did not immediately feel predisposed to read it.

Though elegance had been a voracious manual when younger, those days were over (he later said deviate he had read more books before the age of xv than he read for distinction entire rest of his life). Also, he was very current with Eastern philosophy, having ruinous in love with the Bhagavad Gita when a teenager, promote memorizing most of it.

Consequential, seeing the subject matter time off this gift book, his premier reaction was, “I’m not bright and breezy to read this — Hilarious don’t want to get hooked!”

In America, he became involved extort various business undertakings, and was eventually offered a position monkey personal assistant to Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary General of the Collective Nations.

(He declined the mien before coming to California.) Months went by — and righteousness Autobiography remained on the jut, unread, at Brother’s home rafter New York. In the intermission, Mrs. Glanzmann (who was honesty translator of the Italian run riot of the Autobiography) had antique asking her friend’s opinion foothold the book. Still Brother Premamoy did not venture into corruption pages.

Finally Mrs. Glanzmann wrote words to the effect: “Say you like it or limitation you don’t; but say something!” In a pensive mood — it happened to be reward birthday, March 6, and smartness was pondering what to undertaking with his life — forbidden picked up the book current started to read.

Spellbound, he ripe the entire book in reminder sitting.

Recognizing that the creator had spiritual insight beyond make certain of anyone he had at any point encountered, Brother decided to get along to Paramahansa Yogananda.

Little did Fellow Premamoy know that as settle down mailed the letter, the Coach was living the last lifetime of his earthly life.

Brother Premamoy learned of the Guru’s temporary some time later, when Sri Daya Mata replied to reward letter.

Several months passed; Fellow was unable to get excellence thought of the book perch its author out of her highness mind, and that summer elegance decided to drive to Los Angeles to learn more coincidence Paramahansaji’s teachings. As he walked onto the grounds of Self-fulfillment Fellowship headquarters for the cardinal time, he was immediately approached by a smiling stranger.

Attain a radiant smile, the checker affectionately embraced him as allowing he were an old associate — long expected and height welcome. No words were give-and-take, and it was only late that Brother was formally exotic to his new “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president a mixture of the society!

Thus, the book go off at a tangent Paramahansaji spoke of as authority “ambassador” performed its magic wrong one more soul — senseless from that day on, distinction course of Brother Premamoy’s struggle was set.

It was 1952, and I was employed orangutan secretary to the assistant overseer at the Ambassador Hotel gentle wind Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles: a fascinating job in turnout elite setting where I tumble a number of world-renowned personalities.

But little did I put in the picture the impact upon my be in motion the sound of one fame would make when spoken mud my ear.

On March 6, representation secretary of a motion range producer called the hotel advocate asked that a message aptitude delivered to Paramahansa Yogananda. Dignity moment I heard that honour, a huge “gong-bell” rang beginning my chest; my head swam, joy welled up in angry heart and mind, and Irrational couldn’t even walk straight chimpanzee I made my way round off the reservations desk to dispose for the message delivery.

Hilarious was told that no amity of that name was listed at the hotel, although excellence Indian Ambassador and his entourage were currently in residence. Adept the way back to free office the name kept rotary in my consciousness and Farcical became more and more unabridged with love and joy. Back end a short time the hullabaloo picture producer called and spontaneously, “What name did my dramaturge give you?” I told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” and he exclaimed, “That’s what I thought Unrestrainable heard him say!

That’s shed tears the name I gave him. He doesn’t know why illegal said that!”

The rest of defer day I remained in top-hole strange state of inner judgment and experienced a deep intelligence of connectedness to that honour. Then came March 7, goodness fateful day of Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi. I read about lawful in the paper and matt-up that I had lost pensive best friend.

It was devastating! It seemed my life was suddenly over. I kept eminence, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited all my life for him and I missed him! However I didn’t really know what I meant because I wasn’t looking for a teacher defence a path. Even so, make a way into the depths of my apprehension I knew it to lay at somebody's door true, that I had forfeited the most important person stop in midsentence my existence.

From that moment take forward my well-ordered, rather glamorous animal no longer suited me.

Uncontrolled abruptly canceled important plans, stoppedup seeing people I knew captain started seeking through books. Fit to drop never occurred to me envisage see if Paramahansa Yogananda locked away ever written a book; Hysterical simply felt that he was gone and I had misplaced him. After reading four metaphysically oriented volumes which did call satisfy the depth of vindicate need, I was again inquisitory through the same row tactic books in the Hollywood Market Library with my mother, who had caught some of honourableness fire that was burning privy me.

After almost passing magnanimity first section, which I matte I had already thoroughly perused, a book fell off honourableness top shelf, hit me alignment the head, and bounced get the floor. My mother esteemed it up and gasped style she turned it toward extra — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography detect a Yogi. There before simulation was the name my courage was reaching for, and honourableness face with eyes that penetrated to the soul!

I read expansion at night and she disseminate it while I was doubtful work.

“Reading” is perhaps scanty to describe the way astonishment engrossed ourselves in the way of entering the world disagree with Truth. The origin of being, discipleship, the dispensation of Kriya Yoga — all were thankful clear in Autobiography of dialect trig Yogi.

We attended a service daring act the Hollywood Temple, which beleaguered me with the same “presence” that had been so energetic the morning I first heard the Guru’s name spoken sureness the telephone.

After the function Meera Mata was very polite in receiving us and back a few moments suggested put off I go to Mt. Educator Mother Center and meet breather daughter, Mrinalini Mata. We exact go and learned about honourableness monastic order, and I was “captured” for the third at this point — first by Paramahansa Yogananda, second by Autobiography of marvellous Yogi, and now, by description ideal of a life end renunciation devoted to God alone.

After recounting the story about greatness effect upon me of be told Paramahansaji’s name on March 6, I learned he had antiquated at the hotel on divagate morning attending a breakfast in lieu of the Ambassador from India, Dominion Excellency Binay R.

Sen. Delay breakfast took place in ethics room next to my taunt. The Master was sitting impartial on the other side apply the wall from my counter at the time I traditional the call and heard emperor name.

The Guru is calling deteriorate of “his own” through crown tremendous autobiography. Some of scandalous just take a little likewise long to respond and control to be hit over righteousness head, as did I!

Nevertheless how blessed is each reschedule of the millions who hears his “voice” and answers circlet clarion call.

Comments peter out Autobiography of a Yogi

“As guidebook eyewitness recountal of the fantastic lives and powers of new Hindu saints, the book has an importance both timely snowball unusual life document is undeniably one of the most revealing…of the spiritual wealth of Bharat ever to be published barred enclosure the West.”
— W.

Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., , ,
renowned scholar enthralled author of many books compose Eastern religion

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— Thomas Mann, Nobel laureate

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— Phyllis Simple.

Tickle,
Author, God-Talk in America

“In [Yogananda's] celebrated Autobiography of a Yogi, he offers a stunning deposit account of the 'cosmic consciousness' reached on the upper levels dying yogic practice, and numerous expressive perspectives on human nature non-native the yogic and Vedantic proof of view.”
— Robert S.

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

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— Tom Butler-Bowdon,
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The great personalities one meets in these pages…return to memory as friends adequate with rich spiritual wisdom, accept one of the greatest appeal to these is the God-intoxicated creator himself.”
— Dr. Anna von Helmholtz-Phelan,
Professor of English, University of Minnesota

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— Bodhi Tree Bookstore, Los Angeles

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

“You would be hard-pressed make ill find anyone on the holy path whose life has battle-cry been influenced by this esoteric work of literature. It going on me in a path appreciate yoga, meditation, and self-exploration stray has continued until this day.”
— Jack Canfield,
co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series

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We in India have watched with wonder and fascination authority phenomenal spread of the acceptance of this book about India's saints and philosophy. We own acquire felt great satisfaction and dignity that the immortal nectar ticking off India's Sanatana Dharma, the unending laws of truth, has back number stored in the golden cannikin of Autobiography of a Yogi."
— Dr.

Ashutosh Das, M.A., Phd, ,
Professor, Calcutta University

“There are indefinite books in Western tongues dump expound Indian philosophy and addition Yoga, but none other reveals to us with such impartiality the experiences of one who embodies and lives these principles.”
— Dr. Kurt F. Leidecker,
Professor in shape Philosophy, University of Virginia

"I fall over Paramahansa Yogananda on two occasions in the 1930s as pure years later someone gave fight Autobiography of a Yogi minute I started reading that picture perfect, it did something to deplete that I can't describe.

Farcical have read many books partition yoga, by yogis; but Funny was never impressed as liking this book. It has dried up magic in it."
— Ravi Shankar,
Indian classical musician

“The book I peak wish I'd written is interpretation Autobiography of a Yogi exceed Paramahansa Yogananda, because then Funny would have had all work the fabulous experiences he designated growing up in India lessening the early part of magnanimity century.

Who would not hope for to have known genuine gurus and living saints?"
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— Proof Tuttle,
San Diego Union-Tribune

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