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Autobiography of a Yogi: Reprint of the original (1946) Edition — Mysticism

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Autobiography of a Yogi: Reprint of the original (1946) Edition

Name: Autobiography of a Yogi: Reprint of the original (1946) Edition
Price: 25.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Yogananda, Paramahansa
ISBN: 9781950330089

✍️ Yogananda, Paramahansa

Reader Score

4.6

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This seminal autobiography chronicles Paramahansa Yogananda's extraordinary life, from his formative years in India and his spiritual awakening under his guru's guidance, to his pioneering efforts in bringing Kriya Yoga meditation to the Western world. It details his influential travels across America, establishing vibrant spiritual centers, and his return to India, culminating in the creation of this very text. A profound introduction to Eastern spiritual wisdom, once reserved for a select few, is now accessible.

Yogananda, Paramahansa

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Mysticism

🏛 Ancient Wisdom Publications 📅 2019 📖 268 pages 🌐 en 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781950330089

Fun Fact

Autobiography of a Yogi remains a foundational text in Western esotericism, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the life of a modern saint. Its strength lies in Yogananda's captivating narrative and the clear articulation of profound spiritual concepts. While some may find its devotional tone intense, those seeking authentic Eastern wisdom and a compelling personal journey will find it indispensable. It sits as a cornerstone work for any serious student of Yoga and spiritual self-discovery.

📝 Description: Autobiography of a Yogi: Reprint of the original (1946) Edition

The book begins with his childhood family life, to finding his guru, to becoming a monk and establishing his teachings of Kriya Yoga meditation. The book continues in 1920 when Yogananda accepts an invitation to speak in a religious congress in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He then travels across America lecturing and establishing his teachings in Los Angeles, California. In 1935 he returns to India for a yearlong visit. When he returns to America, he continues to establish his teachings, including writing this book. The book is an introduction to the methods of attaining God-realization and to the spiritual thought of the East, which had only been available to a few in 1946. The author claims that the writing of the book was prophesied long ago by the nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (Paramguru of Yogananda) also known as the Yogiraj and Kashi baba. Before becoming a yogi, Lahiri Mahasaya's actual name was Shyama Charan Lahiri.

💎 Expert review

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Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This is an essential volume for anyone interested in the history of yoga in the West, offering a candid look at Yogananda’s odyssey and his return to India. However, readers expecting rigorous academic analysis or detached historical critique will likely find it lacking; it is a devotional narrative, not a scholarly treatise. Those who prefer purely secular literature or are skeptical of mystical experiences may struggle with its spiritual intensity. It suits individuals open to first-person accounts of supernatural phenomena and direct guru-disciple relationships, but it lacks the objectivity required for critical historical study.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a profound introduction to Eastern spiritual wisdom will find immense value in this seminal autobiography. It chronicles Paramahansa Yogananda’s extraordinary life, from his awakening under guru guidance to his pioneering efforts in bringing Kriya Yoga meditation to the Western world. Those who feel drawn to mysticism and desire a tangible example of the spiritual path will gain inspiration from his travels across America and establishment of vibrant centers. This book offers accessible wisdom once reserved for the few, illuminating the journey to enlightenment for all sincere seekers ready to explore these timeless truths.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you are drawn to tales of profound spiritual transformation, seek practical methods for inner peace, or wish to understand the pioneering efforts that introduced Eastern mysticism to the West, this autobiography is an essential read for your contemplative library.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This is an essential volume for anyone interested in the history of yoga in the West, offering a candid look at Yogananda’s odyssey and his return to India. However, readers expecting rigorous academic analysis or detached historical critique will likely find it lacking; it is a devotional narrative, not a scholarly treatise. Those who prefer purely secular literature or are skeptical of mystical experiences may struggle with its spiritual intensity. It suits individuals open to first-person accounts of supernatural phenomena and direct guru-disciple relationships, but it lacks the objectivity required for critical historical study.

❓ Frequently asked questions

This particular volume is a faithful reprint of the original 1946 edition, preserving the text as it first appeared, offering an authentic historical perspective on its initial presentation to the world, before subsequent revisions.

Within these pages, God-realization refers to the direct, experiential perception of the Divine, an ultimate state of spiritual union and awareness achieved through dedicated yogic practice and inner discipline, transcending intellectual understanding.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Spiritual Devotion's Path

Follow Yogananda's personal quest for divine truth, highlighting the transformative power of the guru-disciple relationship. This narrative showcases the profound impact of dedicated mentorship on one's spiritual evolution, emphasizing surrender and unwavering commitment to the inner journey towards self-realization, a core tenet of Eastern spirituality.

Kriya Yoga's Revelation

Discover the foundational principles and practical application of Kriya Yoga, a potent meditation technique for accelerating spiritual growth. The book unveils this ancient methodology as a direct pathway to experiencing God-realization, offering readers a glimpse into a systematic approach to inner awakening and profound peace through focused spiritual practice.

Bridging East and West

Witness the groundbreaking transmission of ancient Indian spiritual philosophy to a Western audience. Yogananda's journey exemplifies the universal appeal of these teachings, demonstrating how profound Eastern wisdom can resonate and flourish in new cultural contexts, fostering cross-cultural spiritual understanding and inspiring global spiritual movements.

📜 Historical context

Published in 1946, this work was revolutionary, offering the Western world its first accessible and comprehensive introduction to advanced yogic philosophy and practices. It established a direct lineage from the venerable Lahiri Mahasaya, anchoring Yogananda's teachings within a deep, authentic tradition that resonates strongly to this day, shaping modern spiritual thought.

📚 Glossary

Yogi
Kriya Yoga
God-realization

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a pivotal moment in your own life that significantly shifted your spiritual or personal perspective, similar to Yogananda's early awakenings.
How might a structured spiritual practice, like Kriya Yoga, contribute to your personal growth and understanding of the divine in your own life?
Consider the concept of a spiritual mentor or guru. What qualities would you seek in such a guide, and how might their influence potentially shape your path?