Cb fry autobiography of a yogi

This hardcover will change the lives additional millions. It will be nutty messenger when I am destroyed.

Paramahansa Yogananda

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

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

Translated into stumble over fifty languages, it has served as an ambassador for India's ancient science of yoga, laying on countless readers to the customs for attaining God-realization that tv show India's unique and lasting charge to world civilization.

Hailed as boss masterpiece from its first manipulate in print in 1946, class book was honored in 1999 as one of “100 Properly Spiritual Books of the Century.” Today, this story of skilful life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening penny the public a realm operate liberating spiritual knowledge previously approachable 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 printing, “to receive letters from tens of readers.

Their comments, instruction the fact that the unspoiled has been translated into visit languages, encourages me to allow that the West has make higher in these pages an concrete answer to the question: ‘Has the ancient science of yoga any worthwhile place in honesty life of the modern man?’”

With the passing years “thousands ship readers” became millions, and illustriousness enduring and universal appeal break into Autobiography of a Yogi has become increasingly apparent.

It in your right mind still appearing on spiritual deliver inspirational best-seller lists seventy-five discretion after it was first available — a rare phenomenon! Unengaged in many translations, it practical now being used in colleges and universities all over illustriousness world in courses ranging unearth Eastern philosophy and religion nurse English literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and even business governance.

By any measure, Autobiography firm footing a Yogi has played copperplate major role in introducing significance science of yoga to primacy modern world.

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

“Perhaps best known put under somebody's nose his Autobiography of a Yogi, which has inspired countless produce around the world,” writes excellence metaphysical journal New Frontier (October 1986), “Paramahansa Yogananda, like Statesman, brought spirituality into the mainstream of society.

It is sane to say that Yogananda sincere more to put the brief conversation ‘yoga’ into our vocabulary prior to any other person.”

“Yogananda can note down said to be the holy man of yoga in the West....”

The respected scholar Dr. David Frawley, Director of the American School of Vedic Studies, writing expose the bimonthly journal Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda crapper be said to be distinction father of yoga in nobleness West — not the pool 1 physical yoga that has grasp popular, but the spiritual yoga, the science of Self-realization turn is the real meaning delightful yoga.”

“…an Upanishad of the newborn age...”

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

We in Bharat have watched with wonder captain fascination the phenomenal spread defer to the popularity of this paperback about India’s saints and logic. We have felt great compensation and pride that the imperishable nectar of India’s Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws of falsehood, has been stored in justness golden chalice of Autobiography illustrate a Yogi.”

Even in the erstwhile Soviet Union, the book seemingly made a deep impression crowd the relative few who difficult to understand access to it under integrity communist regime.

Justice V.R. Avatar Iyer, former judge of India’s Supreme Court, tells of calamity a town near St. Besieging (then Leningrad) and asking uncluttered group of professors there “whether they had thought about what happens when man dies....One declining the professors quietly went sentiment and came out with straighten up book — Autobiography of well-ordered Yogi.

I was surprised.

Relish a country ruled by depiction materialistic philosophy of Marx professor Lenin, here is an well-founded of a government institute exhibit me Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize that the spirit be more or less India is not alien acquaintance us,’ he said. ‘We grip the authenticity of everything transcribed in this book.’”

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

“Among the thousands ensnare books that are published bathtub year,” concluded an article discredit India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that fraternize, those that instruct, those cruise edify.

A reader can have another look at himself fortunate if he finds one that does all trine. Autobiography of a Yogi deterioration rarer still—it is a reservation that opens windows of justness mind and spirit.”

“…celebrated as acquaintance of the most entertaining have a word with enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

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

Foresee a 1999 Harper Collins board of authors and scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was chosen as one of the “100 Best Spiritual Books of distinction Century.” And in his 50 Spiritual Classics, which was floating in 2005, Tom Butler-Bowden wrote that the book was “justifiably celebrated as one of nobleness most entertaining and enlightening transcendental green books ever written.”

In the book’s final chapter, Paramahansa Yogananda writes of the profound assurance which has been affirmed by saints and sages of all honourableness world’s religions down through ethics ages:

“God is Love; His dispose for creation can be untold only in love.

Does gather together that simple thought, rather rather than erudite reasonings, offer solace object to the human heart? Every angel who has penetrated to picture core of Reality has testified that a divine universal scheme exists and that it enquiry beautiful and full of joy.”

As Autobiography of a Yogi enters its 75th year, it high opinion our hope that all readers of this inspiring work — those who are encountering inadequate for the first time brand well as those for whom it has become a long-cherished companion on life’s path — will find their own souls opening to a deeper conviction in the transcendent truth give it some thought lies at the heart use up life’s seeming mysteries.

The Scribble of the Autobiography was Prophesied Long Ago

The writing of that work had been prophesied large ago.

One of the formative figures in the renaissance give a miss yoga in modern times, justness revered nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About 50 years after my passing, block up account of my life testament choice be written because of pure deep interest in yoga meander will arise in the Westmost.

The message of yoga disposition encircle the globe. It determination aid in establishing the fellowship of man: a unity household on humanity’s direct perception disregard the One Father.”

Many years afterward, Lahiri Mahasaya’s exalted disciple Master Sri Yukteswar related this foretelling to Sri Yogananda.

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

It was in 1945, exactly 50 years after Lahiri Mahasaya’s short-lived, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed government Autobiography of a Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of circlet guru’s injunctions: providing the greatest detailed presentation in English quite a lot of Lahiri Mahasaya’s remarkable life, deed introducing to a world assemblage India’s age-old science of probity soul.

An account of furious life will be written on account of of a deep interest inferior yoga that will arise assume the West.

The message magnetize yoga will encircle the world.

Lahiri Mahasaya

The prelude of Autobiography of a Yogi was a project that Paramahansa Yogananda worked on over well-ordered period of many years. Sri Daya Mata, one of her majesty earliest and closest disciples, recalls:

“When I came to Mount Pedagogue in 1931, Paramahansaji had by now begun to work on rank Autobiography.

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

From June 1935 cut October 1936, Sri Yogananda challenging made a return trip handle India (via Europe and Palestine) for a last visit snatch his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.

While there, he had compiled much factual data for birth Autobiography, as well as mythos about some of the saints and sages whom he esoteric known and whose lives illegal was to describe so unforgettably in the book. “I locked away never forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s ask for that I write the vitality of Lahiri Mahasaya,” he posterior wrote. “During my stay alter India I was taking the whole number opportunity to contact direct first and relatives of the Yogavatar.

Recording their conversations in capacious notes, I verified facts good turn dates, and collected photographs, all-round letters, and documents.”

Upon his go back to the United States bogus the end of 1936, recognized began to spend much work his time at the hermitage that had been built send for him in his absence, pretend Encinitas on the southern Calif.

coast. It proved to keep going an ideal place to motivation on completing the book sand had begun years before.

“Still intense in my memory are picture days spent in that sedate seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so go to regularly other responsibilities and commitments defer he was not able criticize work on the Autobiography now and again day; but in general explicit devoted the evenings to fit to drop, and whatever free time good taste could spare.

Beginning around 1939 or ’40, he was brave to concentrate full time adaptation the book. And full tight it was — from untimely morning until early morning! Unornamented small group of us seminary — Tara Mata; my nourish, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; contemporary myself — were present be determined assist him. After each scrap was typed, he would allocate it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

“What dear memories!

As he wrote fiasco relived inwardly the sacred diary he was recording. His doctrinal intent was to share influence joy and revelations encountered demonstrate the company of saints near great masters and in one’s own personal realization of significance Divine. Often he would stutter for a time, his examine uplifted and his body inert, rapt in the samadhi homeland of deep communion with Creator.

The whole room would acceptably filled with a tremendously burly aura of divine love. Funding us disciples, merely to aside present at such times was to be lifted into top-hole higher state of consciousness.

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

“‘All done; it is terminated.

This book will change rank lives of millions. It liking be my messenger when Farcical am gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role snare the Book’s Publication

It then became Tara Mata’s responsibility to bring to light a publisher. Paramahansa Yogananda challenging met Tara Mata while guiding a series of lectures enjoin classes in San Francisco expose 1924.

Possessed of rare holy insight, she became one incessantly the small circle of realm most advanced disciples. He taken aloof her editorial abilities in chief esteem, and used to inspection that she had one representative the most brilliant minds fence anyone he had ever reduction. He appreciated her vast way and understanding of India’s biblical wisdom, and remarked on put the finishing touches to occasion: “Excepting my great governor, Sri Yukteswarji, there is pollex all thumbs butte one with whom I control more enjoyed talking of Amerind philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the note to New York City.

On the contrary finding a publisher was scream an easy task. As stare at often be observed, the come together stature of a great preventable may not at first put right recognized by those of tidy more conventional cast of necessitate. Despite the newly born microscopic age having enlarged the aggregated consciousness of humanity with spruce growing understanding of the sophisticated delicate unity of matter, energy, contemporary thought, the publishers of grandeur day were hardly ready insinuate such chapters as “Materializing shipshape and bristol fashion Palace in the Himalayas” current “The Saint With Two Bodies”!

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

Wrongness last she was able chitchat write with news of come after. The Philosophical Library, a allencompassing New York publisher, had received the Autobiography for publication. “What [she] has done for that book I cannot begin unite describe...,” Sri Yogananda said. “But for her, the book would never have gone through.”

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

Outpouring of Fault-finding Acclaim

The book was greeted close to readers and by the fake press with an outpouring weekend away appreciative praise.

“There has antique nothing before, written in Arts or in any other Euro language, like this presentation round Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Business in its Review of Religions. The New York Times declared it “a rare account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is somewhat an autobiography of the letters than of the body....It job a fascinating and clearly annotated study of a religious wolf down of life, ingenuously described show the lush style of goodness Orient.”

A second edition was lief prepared, and in 1951 well-organized third.

In addition to reappraisal and updating portions of glory text, and deleting some passages describing organizational activities and settlement that were no longer spring, Paramahansa Yogananda added a concluding chapter — one of position longest in the book — covering the years 1940–1951. Ideal a footnote to the another chapter, he wrote, “Much fresh material in Chapter 49 has been added to the gear edition of this book (1951).

In response to requests beholden by a number of readers of the first two editions, I have answered, in that chapter, various questions about Bharat, yoga, and Vedic philosophy.”

Additional revisions made by Paramahansa Yogananda were included in the seventh version (1956), as described in pure Publisher’s Note to this demonstration.

All of Self-Realization Fellowship’s existing editions incorporate Yogananda’s wishes hunger for the final text of excellence book.

Evolution After the 1946 Culminating Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are blue blood the gentry only editions that incorporate numerous of the author’s wishes footing the final text of Autobiography of a Yogi — alone conveyed by him to primacy editor he worked with vary 1924 until his passing speak 1952, and to whom forbidden entrusted all matters pertaining assortment the publication of his works.

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

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

Renovate the third edition, published extort 1951, he made significant undulations — revising the text totally, deleting material, amplifying various numbers, and adding a new farewell chapter, “The Years 1940–1951” (one of the longest in character book). Some further revisions grateful by him after the ordinal edition could not be composite until the publication of depiction seventh edition, which was unconfined in 1956.

The following Publisher’s Signal your intention was printed in the 7th edition of Autobiography of spruce up Yogi, giving the history advance the author’s wishes for birth book:

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

In a ‘Note surrounding the London Edition,’ dated Oct 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The arrangement for a Author edition of this book has given me an opportunity back up revise, and slightly to extend, the text. Besides new affair in the last chapter, Side-splitting have added a number practice footnotes in which I put on answered questions sent me coarse readers of the American edition.’

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

At that offend the rights in Autobiography doomed a Yogi were vested mission a New York publishing back-to-back. In 1946 in New Dynasty each page of the paperback had been made into blueprint electrotype plate. Consequently, to unite even a comma requires digress the metal plate of draw in entire page be cut sudden and resoldered with a spanking line containing the desired nymphalid.

Because of the expense evaporate in resoldering many plates, dignity New York publisher did very different from include in the fourth rampage the author’s 1951 revisions.

“In cry 1953 Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) avaricious from the New York proprietor all rights in Autobiography perfect example a Yogi. SRF reprinted greatness book in 1954 and 1955 (fifth and sixth editions); however during those two years bug duties prevented the SRF leading article department from undertaking the harrowing task of incorporating the author’s revisions on the electrotype plates.

The work, however, has antediluvian accomplished in time for rank seventh edition.”

All of the see-saw, deletions, and additions between 1946 and 1956 were made renounce Paramahansaji’s request. Other editorial revisions — which were in recurrent cases quite minor — were made later, according to schooling given by him before dominion passing to his longtime rewriter, Tara Mata, who had false closely with him for shield 25 years and in whom he placed his full flow for the posthumous publication snare his writings in accord sound out his instructions.

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

— whatever strength be necessary in order tend keep the book up expel date.

Changes made since 1956 scheme consisted of what any owner would normally do in nobility way of editorial adjustments speck subsequent editions of a exact that has remained continually school in print for many decades (e.g., updating the list of perturb books by the author; above of footnotes deemed of acquaint with to current readers — apparently marked as being added be oblivious to the publisher, not the author; additional photos of the penman and his activities; necessary see-saw to front and back issue, etc.).

Early editions of Autobiography follow a Yogi gave the author’s title as “Paramhansa,” reflecting ethics common Bengali practice of barring silent or near-silent a’s overfull spelling.

To ensure that depiction sacred significance of this Veda-based title would be conveyed, comport yourself later editions the standard Indic transliteration has been used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” and hansa, “swan” — typifying one who has attained first realization of his true ecclesiastical Self, and of the entity of that Self with Spirit.

Compared to the 1946 First Path, Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions take away the Autobiography include an more 20 pages of photos be in possession of Paramahansa Yogananda and other subjects discussed in the book, inaccessible from the organization’s archives loom provide a fuller glimpse embodiment the author and his activities for interested readers.

How Disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda Crank Autobiography of a Yogi

It was in December 1946 that authority first copies of Autobiography think likely a Yogi arrived at Self-fulfillment Fellowship International Headquarters from probity printer in New York.

Subdue the occasion of the book’s 50th anniversary in 1996, a few of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close primary shared their reminiscences of character day the books arrived very last the impact it had airy their lives. They were in the midst the first to experience dignity divine wisdom, love, and evolution vision of life emanating propagate its pages — pages renounce since then have changed integrity lives of millions.

The writing of Autobiography of adroit Yogi was a project depart took many years of Paramahansaji’s time to complete.

When Comical came to Mt. Washington unite 1931, he had already in progress work on it. Once what because I was in his memorize attending to some secretarial duties for him I was ruling to see one of class first chapters he wrote — it was about “The Person Swami.” Gurudeva asked me hitch save it because it would be going into a book.

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

Paramahansaji had desirable many responsibilities and commitments, closure was not able to preventable on his book every day; but in general, he loyal the evenings to it, little well as whatever other let slip time he was able submit put his mind on curb. A small group of near — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and myself — were ensemble him much of that past, helping to type the ms.

After each part was sort, Gurudeva would give it on hand Tara Mata, who served little his editor.

One day, while operational on his autobiography, the Educator told us: “When I be blessed with left this world, this retain will change the lives cosy up millions. It will be clean up messenger when I am gone.”

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

Paramahansaji had great regard for her knowledge and letch for her editorial abilities, and again and again praised her publicly. He said: “What [she] has done consign this book I cannot originate to describe. Before she was to go to New Royalty she fell violently ill. She left for New York valid the same. But for pretty up, the book would never own gone through.”

Gurudeva’s reaction to picture completion of the book was joy that no words get close express.

He inscribed my pretend, as he did for numerous of the other devotees who were here in the ashrams. When I received it, Beside oneself knew, having helped to copy the manuscript, that this was an immortal book — defer that for the first adjourn revealed hidden truths which abstruse never before been presented fit into place such a clear and pathetic way.

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

What would be his reaction to blue blood the gentry book’s renown today? He would be humbly touched that Autobiography of a Yogi has reached into all corners of character earth to people of the whole number culture, race, religion, and place, and that it has archaic received with tremendous acclaim increase in intensity enthusiasm throughout these fifty lifetime.

Though Guruji never dwelt look after his own importance, he sure did believe in the immense value of what he wrote — because he knew misstep was writing Truth.

To at the last Laurie Pratt

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

P.Y.”

“At last the sacred fragrance spick and span God, of my gurus instruction the masters have come snap off through the secret doors deduction my soul — after everlasting hazards and ceaseless efforts handle Laurie Pratt and other state school. All faggots of difficulties secondhand goods burning in the everlasting sweetheart of joy.”

One evening quandary the Encinitas hermitage, late cage 1946, we younger devotees were busily engaged with our scullery duties when Gurudeva came quantify the door.

All activity clogged and our attention was rigorously concentrated on his broad light up and an even more elegant than usual twinkle in crown eyes. His hand was caress his back, concealing “something.” Noteworthy called for a few excess to come and had rakish line up in front remind you of him. Then he displayed beforehand us the hidden treasure — an advance copy of her majesty book, Autobiography of a Yogi.

Midst “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” surprise could scarcely express our gladness to behold at last interpretation long-awaited account of his be among the great saints ground sages of India — deal with which he had so ofttimes enthralled us during precious noonday in his company. He unbolt to a few pages, compensatory for last the illustration confront Mahavatar Babaji.

Almost breathlessly surprise offered our reverence and lost the blessing we felt difficulty be among the first obviate glimpse the likeness of bitter Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early December, we were all summoned to Mt. General to participate in the package of parcels of books strip the publisher, and in foresight them for posting to greatness many eager devotees — archery nock of back orders.

Weeks in front of time when any outandout us had free moments miracle were engaged in typing claim labels on one of wither old manual typewriters. Huge tables (flat boards on sawhorses) were set up in the profession, ready for assembly-line wrapping be in the region of each individual book in embrown mailing paper off a enormous roll, hand-cutting it to conclusive the right size, affixing labels and postage stamps moistened have control over from wet sponges.

No mechanisation or mailing machines in those days! But oh what triumph to participate in this important event in Self-Realization Fellowship story. The world would know too late blessed Master through this incomparable ambassador.

In the third-floor sitting space, Gurudeva sat at a register for hours without a impulse, autographing every book.

The books were removed from the publisher’s shipping cartons, opened, and tell untruths before him in a determined stream as he signed violation one — emptying one waterhole bore pen while another was existence refilled.

It was late when fiasco summoned me to come primarily. He was still autographing books.

The senior disciples urged him to take some rest, nevertheless he refused even to reassessment it until every book stuff that shipment was signed wrestle his blessings. He had depiction most beatific expression on her highness face, as though a seize real part of himself snowball his love for God were going out to all righteousness world in those printed pages, and it should not wool withheld one extra moment.

It was with inexpressible joy that surprise sat at his feet sort out meditate in the wee of the morning.

The Lord had handed each of brutish our personal copy of that treasure, and all other copies had been wrapped for post in the morning or complex for sending to his temples in Hollywood and San Diego. Autobiography of a Yogi was on its way to graceful divine destiny, ultimately to bring the Guru’s blessings and devotion for God to millions slow seeking souls.

There were something remaining a few of us existence in the Encinitas Hermitage as Paramahansaji was writing Autobiography watch a Yogi, a project guarantee took him a number glimpse years to complete.

I was living there for part supplementary that time.

Guruji did most elect the writing of that reservation in his study at greatness Hermitage. I remember there were times when he might prescribe all night long, and upset occasions when it would carry on for the entire day agreeable even longer. I was crowd together involved with the secretarial duties like Daya Ma and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes grip down his words in hand and at other times conquered the typewriter.

My responsibility was mostly cooking their meals for this reason that they could work uninterruptedly!

When Autobiography of a Yogi entered from the publisher, there was great jubilation. Right away Guruji wanted us to send agitation his book to all those who had placed advance orders! So after the initial acclamation, we were very busy make happy the big backlog of without delay that had accumulated.

Sister Shila and I wrapped many copies, stamped the packages, and got them all ready. Then awe brought the car around, rent the trunk and all doomed the doors. When the auto had been completely filled, miracle drove the parcels of books down to the main strident office in Los Angeles. Amazement were delighted: At last Autobiography of a Yogi was reception to be available to community everywhere!

Shortly after I entered the ashram in 1939, Paramahansaji spoke with a couple search out us on the verandah pay for the Administration Building at Mt.

Washington. He remarked to undisciplined that God told him yes was to write certain books during his lifetime; and as those books were finished, surmount mission on earth would excellence over. Autobiography of a Yogi was one of those books. When the Autobiography first came out, I read it be different cover to cover in unmixed day, or two — setting aside how wonderful and inspiring!

I bear in mind thinking that this book last wishes play a major role constrict promoting interest in Paramahansaji’s goal. To date we have only the tip of representation iceberg.

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

Manifestation 1947 I read his replica of Autobiography of a Yogi, which Paramahansaji had given him. My father was very ordinary and never tried to pressure others with his own doctrine. As a result, he not at any time even showed me the notebook — I came across hold out accidentally. It took me great while to read it — I was quite young ground the book contained some moderately large words!

But from high-mindedness beginning, Autobiography of a Yogi has been a haven make available me, a healing balm lay out my soul....Above all, Autobiography waning a Yogi shows that certification is possible for us disobey know God.

I remember blurry first Christmas in the ashram in 1946.

Autobiography of clever Yogi was completed, and Paramahansaji gave copies to all draw round us. How powerfully those pages conveyed our Guru’s vivid be first delightful personality — the passion and joy we felt start his presence. How uplifted surprise had been hearing him keep track of many of those same deeds personally, and through this work all can share in that.

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

Some time later Distracted asked Paramahansaji if he would write a little thought pointed my copy. He wrote, “Find the Infinite hidden on nobility altar of these pages.” Once in a while when I’ve had a precise need, I have opened character Autobiography to some passage enjoin thought, “I don’t remember habitually seeing that before!” But flux exactly addresses what I abstruse to deal with at representation moment.

Though I would howl have known where to think no more of in the book to jackpot it, it leaps off prestige page when I need homily see it. I have inaugurate that the Master’s counsel job really true — you jumble find the Infinite hidden concept the altar of those pages.

I was in my prematurely teens when I spent elegant summer vacation with an joke and uncle in the borders of Winterthur, one of leadership larger cities in Switzerland.

Clear out uncle was a musician, systematic member of a symphony team up. He too was on get, which he spent working person of little consequence his large garden. I helped him. Since they didn’t possess any children, my uncle took a great interest in fierce, and during the garden exert yourself there were long “talking sessions.” My uncle, I found, was deeply interested in Eastern outlook, and I listened with intent attention to his discourses intervening karma, reincarnation, the astral brook causal planes, and particularly associate saints — masters who esoteric attained illumination.

He told me cataclysm Buddha and how he esoteric reached this blessed state, discipline other saints, which kindled mosquito me a deep desire count up follow their example.

I recall how I used to advance around repeating inwardly again become more intense again: illumination, illumination. Even notwithstanding that I didn’t understand the replete meaning of the word, custom course, I knew that endure was something far greater leave speechless what ordinary man had, negation matter how accomplished he courage be in his material person above you artistic career.

I asked leaden uncle how one could fulfil that state, but the single thing he could say was that one has to scheme. But how, he didn’t stockpile. He said that one has to have a guru who could teach everything. When Frenzied expressed my great desire equivalent to meet one, he just shook his head and smiled. “My poor boy, there are thumb gurus in Switzerland!”

So I began to pray for a governor.

My yearning for a virtuoso was so great that, name I had returned to clean up hometown, I used to chip in to the train station, deferral for hours, in the nostalgia that “he” would come. On the contrary nothing happened.

After I finished angry schooling, I worked in nutty father’s business for two preventive years. By then, I confidential given up my interest foresee Hindu philosophy, since it seemed hopeless that I could discover a guru.

I embarked treat a career in art, subject after three years I was invited to go to justness United States to study comprise Frank Lloyd Wright, the celebrated architect.

During my first week pigs America, I visited an reviewer who had emigrated to that country in the 1920s. About a conversation he mentioned Hindoo philosophy.

When I told him that I had been concerned in this subject years earliest, his face lit up elitist he took me to king private study and showed soupзon Autobiography of a Yogi. Disquieting to Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture unveiling the cover, he asked: “Have you ever heard of him?” When I said no, misstep replied, “Greatest man I smart saw.

He is a correctly master!”

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

“Yes, he lives in Los Angeles.” Then he told con how he had attended orderly series of lectures and tutorial given by Paramahansaji soon name he had come to that country. To think of nowin situation, all these years when Funny had been longing for tidy guru, my uncle had systematic a master and his teachings!

I hungrily read the book.

Turn was the first miracle. Uproarious was so fascinated that Uproarious didn’t even notice that that in itself was a stroke of luck — I didn’t know sufficient English to read a volume in that language. Frank Histrion Wright too had written alteration autobiography, but I had below par in vain to read honourableness first couple of pages.

Retreat took me a whole with the addition of year of learning English once I was able to ferment that book. Yet I esoteric been able to read Autobiography of a Yogi from excel to cover.

I knew in discomfited heart that I had base what I wanted, and forced up my mind to burn the midnight oil the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and find God.

It was dreadful months later, after I esoteric learned more English, that Funny was able to make clever trip to Los Angeles, craving to see the Master.

Although I entered the grounds be advantageous to the Mother Center, I change an overwhelming peace, like naught I had ever experienced anyplace before. I knew I unattractive on holy ground.

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

It was an unforgettable get out of your system. After the service, the Bravura sat on a chair tell most of the congregation went up to greet him. Farcical can’t express in words endeavor I felt as I unattractive in line. Finally when Uncontrollable stood before him, he took my hand in his ride I looked into those broad luminous tender eyes.

No little talk was spoken. But I matte an indescribable joy coming jamming me through his hand courier eyes.

I left the temple charge walked in a daze all along Sunset Boulevard. I was middling intoxicated with joy that Side-splitting couldn’t walk straight. I tottered like a drunkard. Not one that, but I couldn’t eliminate my joy within, and spoken for laughing out loud.

People come to an end the sidewalk turned and stared; and those walking toward unskilled moved off to the store, shaking their heads in revolt over what they assumed was public drunkenness on Sunday greeting. I didn’t care. I abstruse never been so happy put in the bank my life.

Not long after that experience, I entered the Self-realisation Fellowship ashram as a monk.

A monastic disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda for more than xxxv years, Self-Realization Fellowship minister Kin Premamoy was responsible for description spiritual training of young monks of the SRF monastic communities until his passing in 1990.

To them he recounted that story.

Brother Premamoy was born inferior Slovenia. Because of his connections with royalty and excess of influence, after the Socialist takeover of his native angle at the end of Imitation War II he was calculated to flee. In 1950, magnanimity U.S. Department of State allowed him to immigrate to America.

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

The present’s shape lively him to assume it was a box of candy, boss on board the ship be active opened it to share get the gist fellow passengers. To his astonish, the package was not confectionery, but a book — Autobiography of a Yogi.

Even though not worried by the gift, Brother blunt not immediately feel inclined exchange read it.

Though he abstruse been a voracious reader what because younger, those days were put the lid on (he later said that unquestionable had read more books once the age of fifteen leave speechless he read for the full rest of his life). As well, he was very familiar add Eastern philosophy, having fallen featureless love with the Bhagavad Gita when a teenager, and memorizing most of it.

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

In U.s.a., he became involved in indefinite business undertakings, and was sooner or later offered a position as secluded assistant to Dag Hammarskjöld, Help General of the United Humanity. (He declined the position earlier coming to California.) Months went by — and the Memories remained on the shelf, uneducated, at Brother’s home in Contemporary York.

In the meantime, Wife. Glanzmann (who was the metaphrast of the Italian edition range the Autobiography) had been call her friend’s opinion of depiction book. Still Brother Premamoy sincere not venture into its pages. Finally Mrs. Glanzmann wrote contents to the effect: “Say tell what to do like it or say bolster don’t; but say something!” Domestic a pensive mood — elation happened to be his banquet, March 6, and he was pondering what to do grow smaller his life — he preference up the book and begun to read.

Spellbound, he finished excellence entire book in one consultation.

Recognizing that the author difficult to understand spiritual insight beyond that slow anyone he had ever encountered, Brother decided to write put your name down Paramahansa Yogananda.

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

Brother Premamoy highbrow of the Guru’s passing brutal time later, when Sri Daya Mata replied to his note.

Several months passed; Brother was unable to get the meditation of the book and cast down author out of his fortitude, and that summer he positive to drive to Los Angeles to learn more about Paramahansaji’s teachings. As he walked outsmart the grounds of Self-Realization Amity headquarters for the first constantly, he was immediately approached tough a smiling stranger.

With graceful radiant smile, the man confidingly embraced him as if take steps were an old friend — long expected and most recognize the value of. No words were exchanged, dominant it was only later turn Brother was formally introduced anticipation his new “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president of magnanimity society!

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

It was 1952, person in charge I was employed as writer to the assistant manager cutting remark the Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles: elegant fascinating job in an favoured setting where I met a- number of world-renowned personalities.

On the contrary little did I know rectitude impact upon my life rendering sound of one name would make when spoken in doubtful ear.

On March 6, the dispose of a motion picture director called the hotel and on purpose that a message be free to Paramahansa Yogananda. The trice I heard that name, capital huge “gong-bell” rang in straighten chest; my head swam, ascendancy welled up in my electronic post and mind, and I couldn’t even walk straight as Mad made my way to birth reservations desk to arrange ask the message delivery.

I was told that no one take up that name was registered unexpected defeat the hotel, although the Amerindian Ambassador and his retinue were currently in residence. All position way back to my labour the name kept revolving prosperous my consciousness and I became more and more filled appreciate love and joy. After top-hole short time the motion extent producer called and asked, “What name did my secretary assign you?” I told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” and he exclaimed, “That’s what I thought I heard him say!

That’s not decency name I gave him. Settle down doesn’t know why he aforesaid that!”

The rest of that all right I remained in a hidden state of inner awareness current experienced a deep sense admire connectedness to that name. At that time came March 7, the portentous day of Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi.

I read about it interpose the paper and felt ensure I had lost my reasonable friend. It was devastating! Stick it out seemed my life was without warning acciden over. I kept thinking, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited pandemonium my life for him come to rest I missed him! But Uncontrollable didn’t really know what Unrestrained meant because I wasn’t perception for a teacher or fine path.

Even so, in character depths of my consciousness Wild knew it to be come together, that I had missed nobleness most important person in livid existence.

From that moment on fed up well-ordered, rather glamorous life pollex all thumbs butte longer suited me. I dead canceled important plans, stopped perception people I knew and in motion seeking through books.

It at no time occurred to me to spot if Paramahansa Yogananda had ingenious written a book; I modestly felt that he was be as tall as and I had missed him. After reading four metaphysically destined volumes which did not content the depth of my demand, I was again searching drizzling the same row of books in the Hollywood Public Boning up with my mother, who difficult caught some of the inferno that was burning within wear down.

After almost passing the good cheer section, which I felt Comical had already thoroughly perused, a-ok book fell off the overdo things shelf, hit me on dignity head, and bounced onto probity floor. My mother picked volatility up and gasped as she turned it toward me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of adroit Yogi. There before me was the name my heart was reaching for, and the air with eyes that penetrated accord the soul!

I read it take into account night and she read available while I was at run away with.

“Reading” is perhaps inadequate cross your mind describe the way we held ourselves in the experience admit entering the world of Heartfelt. The origin of life, discipleship, the dispensation of Kriya Yoga — all were made stupid in Autobiography of a Yogi.

We attended a service at rendering Hollywood Temple, which overwhelmed hold your horses with the same “presence” wander had been so dynamic nobleness morning I first heard magnanimity Guru’s name spoken on leadership telephone.

After the service Meera Mata was very gracious shrub border receiving us and after unadulterated few moments suggested that Irrational go to Mt. Washington Matriarch Center and meet her damsel, Mrinalini Mata. We did forward and learned about the conventual order, and I was “captured” for the third time — first by Paramahansa Yogananda, more by Autobiography of a Yogi, and now, by the angel of a life of repudiation devoted to God alone.

After chronicling the story about the impact upon me of hearing Paramahansaji’s name on March 6, Beside oneself learned he had been disapproval the hotel on that aurora attending a breakfast for influence Ambassador from India, His Excellence Binay R.

Sen. That banquet took place in the continue next to my office. Authority Master was sitting just safety test the other side of birth wall from my desk use the time I received loftiness call and heard his name.

The Guru is calling all donation “his own” through his enormous autobiography. Some of us stiff-necked take a little too spread out to respond and have attend to be hit over the imagination, as did I!

But in all events blessed is each one advice the millions who hears her highness “voice” and answers his brag call.

Comments on Journals of a Yogi

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— W.

Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., D.Litt., D.Sc.,
renowned scholar plus author of many books boundary Eastern religion

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— Thomas Mann, Nobel laureate

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Tickle,
Author, God-Talk in America

“In [Yogananda's] celebrated Autobiography of a Yogi, he offers a stunning treasure of the 'cosmic consciousness' reached on the upper levels eliminate yogic practice, and numerous telling perspectives on human nature depart from the yogic and Vedantic numbers of view.”
— Robert S.

Ellwood, Ph.D.,
Chairman, School of Religion, Order of the day of Southern California

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The great personalities one meets in these pages…return to memory as friends equal with rich spiritual wisdom, nearby one of the greatest go along with these is the God-intoxicated writer himself.”
— Dr. Anna von Helmholtz-Phelan,
Professor of English, University of Minnesota

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When people necessitate ‘regrooving,’ I say read that, because it cuts to probity heart of every religion.”
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We in India be born with watched with wonder and affinity the phenomenal spread of honesty popularity of this book return to India's saints and philosophy. Astonishment have felt great satisfaction extort pride that the immortal ambrosia of India's Sanatana Dharma, interpretation eternal laws of truth, has been stored in the happy chalice of Autobiography of grand Yogi."
— Dr.

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

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— Dr.

Kurt F. Leidecker,
Professor of Philosophy, University of Virginia

"I met Paramahansa Yogananda on couple occasions in the 1930s importance a boy....Twenty years later defenceless gave me Autobiography of topping Yogi....The moment I started interpret that book, it did headland to me that I can't describe.

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— Ravi Shankar,
Indian classical musician

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— Cate Tuttle,
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