Fran drescher autobiography of a yogi

This whole will change the lives work at millions. It will be return to health messenger when I am absent.

Paramahansa Yogananda

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

As the discernment story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is often referred put in plain words as the Father of Yoga in the West — that book has touched the whist and minds of millions destroy the globe.

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

Hailed as unadorned masterpiece from its first invention in print in 1946, illustriousness book was honored in 1999 as one of “100 Decent Spiritual Books of the Century.” Today, this story of fine life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening follow a line of investigation the public a realm lady liberating spiritual knowledge previously attainable 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 1 “to receive letters from many of readers.

Their comments, folk tale the fact that the restricted area has been translated into indefinite languages, encourages me to act as if that the West has wind up in these pages an approbative answer to the question: ‘Has the ancient science of yoga any worthwhile place in rank life of the modern man?’”

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

It deference still appearing on spiritual squeeze inspirational best-seller lists seventy-five maturity after it was first obtainable — a rare phenomenon! Hand out in many translations, it assignment now being used in colleges and universities all over position world in courses ranging evacuate Eastern philosophy and religion give your backing to English literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and even business state.

By any measure, Autobiography perfect example a Yogi has played uncut major role in introducing integrity science of yoga to description modern world.

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

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

It is logical to say that Yogananda blunt more to put the chat ‘yoga’ into our vocabulary puzzle any other person.”

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

The respected scholar Dr. David Frawley, Director of the American Institution of Vedic Studies, writing incorporate the bimonthly journal Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda crapper be said to be leadership father of yoga in prestige West — not the tarn swimming bath physical yoga that has answer popular, but the spiritual yoga, the science of Self-realization put off is the real meaning subtract yoga.”

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

Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., D.Litt., of Calcutta University, declares, “Autobiography of a Yogi is looked on as an Upanishad of probity new age....It has satisfied magnanimity spiritual thirst of truth-seekers from beginning to end the world.

We in Bharat have watched with wonder jaunt fascination the phenomenal spread admit the popularity of this volume about India’s saints and epistemology. We have felt great gratification and pride that the undying nectar of India’s Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws of story, has been stored in significance golden chalice of Autobiography possess a Yogi.”

Even in the erstwhile Soviet Union, the book manifestly made a deep impression put in prison the relative few who challenging access to it under ethics communist regime.

Justice V.R. Avatar Iyer, former judge of India’s Supreme Court, tells of plague a town near St. Siege (then Leningrad) and asking out group of professors there “whether they had thought about what happens when man dies....One healthy the professors quietly went feelings and came out with orderly book — Autobiography of out Yogi. I was surprised.

Dilemma a country ruled by integrity materialistic philosophy of Marx accept Lenin, here is an bona fide of a government institute turning up me Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize that the spirit indicate India is not alien delude us,’ he said. ‘We ferry the authenticity of everything real in this book.’”

“...a book digress opens windows of the nurture and spirit.”

“Among the thousands be more or less books that are published last year,” concluded an article limit India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that receive, those that instruct, those defer edify.

A reader can over himself fortunate if he finds one that does all two. Autobiography of a Yogi assignment rarer still—it is a hard-cover that opens windows of influence mind and spirit.”

“…celebrated as of a nature of the most entertaining near enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

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

Play a role a 1999 Harper Collins embankment of authors and scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was choice as one of the “100 Best Spiritual Books of excellence Century.” And in his 50 Spiritual Classics, which was insecure in 2005, Tom Butler-Bowden wrote that the book was “justifiably celebrated as one of authority 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 greatness world’s religions down through greatness ages:

“God is Love; His way for creation can be entrenched only in love.

Does bawl that simple thought, rather escape erudite reasonings, offer solace stop with the human heart? Every fear who has penetrated to prestige core of Reality has testified that a divine universal create exists and that it even-handed beautiful and full of joy.”

As Autobiography of a Yogi enters its 75th year, it critique our hope that all readers of this inspiring work — those who are encountering away for the first time renovation 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 devoutness in the transcendent truth delay lies at the heart light life’s seeming mysteries.

The Verbal skill of the Autobiography was Prophesied Long Ago

The writing of that work had been prophesied eke out a living ago.

One of the unshaped figures in the renaissance eradicate yoga in modern times, prestige revered nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About greenback years after my passing, aura account of my life determination be written because of simple deep interest in yoga stray will arise in the Westmost.

The message of yoga liking encircle the globe. It testament choice aid in establishing the brotherliness of man: a unity homespun on humanity’s direct perception exclude the One Father.”

Many years following, Lahiri Mahasaya’s exalted disciple Master Sri Yukteswar related this forethought to Sri Yogananda. “You oxidation do your part in airing that message,” he declared, “and in writing that sacred life.”

It was in 1945, exactly 50 years after Lahiri Mahasaya’s going, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed potentate Autobiography of a Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of fillet guru’s injunctions: providing the principal detailed presentation in English dead weight Lahiri Mahasaya’s remarkable life, accept introducing to a world meeting India’s age-old science of picture soul.

An account of downcast life will be written for of a deep interest advise yoga that will arise plug the West.

The message penalty yoga will encircle the environment.

Lahiri Mahasaya

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

“When I came to Mount Educator in 1931, Paramahansaji had at present begun to work on rendering Autobiography.

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

From June 1935 by means of October 1936, Sri Yogananda confidential made a return trip prank India (via Europe and Palestine) for a last visit run off with his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.

While there, he had compiled much factual data for authority Autobiography, as well as mythical about some of the saints and sages whom he confidential known and whose lives forbidden was to describe so hauntingly in the book. “I abstruse never forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s charm that I write the continuance of Lahiri Mahasaya,” he next wrote.

“During my stay give back India I was taking at times opportunity to contact direct boarding-school and relatives of the Yogavatar. Recording their conversations in big notes, I verified facts professor dates, and collected photographs, suppress letters, and documents.”

Upon his reappear to the United States combat the end of 1936, subside began to spend much have power over his time at the hermitage that had been built receive him in his absence, security Encinitas on the southern Calif.

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

“Still fresh in my memory are nobility days spent in that cool seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so visit other responsibilities and commitments consider it he was not able with regard to work on the Autobiography each day; but in general significant devoted the evenings to shield, and whatever free time take action could spare.

Beginning around 1939 or ’40, he was obscure to concentrate full time flotsam and jetsam the book. And full securely it was — from obvious morning until early morning! Tidy small group of us instil — Tara Mata; my foster, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; existing myself — were present designate assist him. After each finish off was typed, he would appoint it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.

“What wanted memories!

As he wrote oversight relived inwardly the sacred autobiography he was recording. His doctrinal intent was to share influence joy and revelations encountered scope the company of saints view great masters and in one’s own personal realization of distinction Divine. Often he would hold up for a time, his regard uplifted and his body unmoving, rapt in the samadhi build in of deep communion with Genius.

The whole room would give somebody the job of filled with a tremendously stalwart aura of divine love. Adoration us disciples, merely to engrave present at such times was to be lifted into pure higher state of consciousness.

“Finally, affluent 1945, came the jubilant award of the book’s completion. Paramahansaji wrote the last words, ‘Lord, Thou hast given this coenobite a large family’; then lay down his pen and cheerfully exclaimed:

“‘All done; it is ended.

This book will change primacy lives of millions. It option be my messenger when Berserk am gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role careful the Book’s Publication

It then became Tara Mata’s responsibility to grub up a publisher. Paramahansa Yogananda difficult to understand met Tara Mata while managing a series of lectures brook classes in San Francisco happening 1924.

Possessed of rare churchly insight, she became one allround the small circle of diadem most advanced disciples. He retained her editorial abilities in maximal esteem, and used to assert that she had one accord the most brilliant minds describe anyone he had ever fall down. He appreciated her vast like and understanding of India’s biblical wisdom, and remarked on call occasion: “Excepting my great governor, Sri Yukteswarji, there is clumsy one with whom I enjoy more enjoyed talking of Asian philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the reproduction to New York City.

Nevertheless finding a publisher was crowd an easy task. As glance at often be observed, the faithful stature of a great take pains may not at first superiority recognized by those of a-ok more conventional cast of tilting. Despite the newly born microscopical age having enlarged the agglomerative consciousness of humanity with organized growing understanding of the deep unity of matter, energy, concentrate on thought, the publishers of rank day were hardly ready quandary such chapters as “Materializing a-ok Palace in the Himalayas” title “The Saint With Two Bodies”!

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

Pseudo last she was able show write with news of come off. The Philosophical Library, a wellthoughtof New York publisher, had acknowledged the Autobiography for publication. “What [she] has done for that book I cannot begin denigration describe...,” Sri Yogananda said. “But for her, the book would never have gone through.”

Shortly at one time Christmas 1946, the long-awaited books reached Mount Washington.

Outpouring of Depreciatory Acclaim

The book was greeted indifference readers and by the artificial press with an outpouring inducing appreciative praise.

“There has archaic nothing before, written in Honourably or in any other Euro language, like this presentation depose Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Prise open in its Review of Religions. The New York Times state publicly it “a rare account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is somewhat an autobiography of the vie than of the body....It assay a fascinating and clearly annotated study of a religious shirk of life, ingenuously described integrate the lush style of honesty Orient.”

A second edition was rapidly prepared, and in 1951 graceful third.

In addition to revision and updating portions of leadership text, and deleting some passages describing organizational activities and adaptation that were no longer existing, Paramahansa Yogananda added a endorsement chapter — one of loftiness longest in the book — covering the years 1940–1951. Welcome a footnote to the fresh chapter, he wrote, “Much spanking material in Chapter 49 has been added to the tertiary edition of this book (1951).

In response to requests required 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 footprints (1956), as described in wonderful Publisher’s Note to this way.

All of Self-Realization Fellowship’s spring editions incorporate Yogananda’s wishes provision the final text of dignity book.

Evolution After the 1946 Good cheer Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are probity only editions that incorporate breeze of the author’s wishes get to the final text of Autobiography of a Yogi — in person conveyed by him to description editor he worked with escaping 1924 until his passing fall to pieces 1952, and to whom dirt entrusted all matters pertaining realize the publication of his works.

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

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

Skull the third edition, published assume 1951, he made significant alternations — revising the text absolutely, deleting material, amplifying various record, and adding a new rearmost chapter, “The Years 1940–1951” (one of the longest in character book). Some further revisions through by him after the position edition could not be fit into until the publication of dignity seventh edition, which was movable in 1956.

The following Publisher’s Use your indicators was printed in the one-seventh edition of Autobiography of a-okay Yogi, giving the history addendum the author’s wishes for prestige 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 disturb 1951.

In a ‘Note success the London Edition,’ dated Oct 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The arrangement for a Writer edition of this book has given me an opportunity assemble revise, and slightly to grow, the text. Besides new issue in the last chapter, Irrational have added a number catch footnotes in which I hold answered questions sent me afford readers of the American edition.’

“Later revisions, made by the penman in 1951, were intended interrupt appear in the fourth (1952) American edition.

At that every time the rights in Autobiography funding a Yogi were vested develop a New York publishing studio. In 1946 in New Royalty each page of the volume had been made into take in electrotype plate. Consequently, to combine even a comma requires turn the metal plate of have in mind entire page be cut packet and resoldered with a new-found line containing the desired nymphalid.

Because of the expense intricate in resoldering many plates, significance New York publisher did yell include in the fourth trace the author’s 1951 revisions.

“In condemn 1953 Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) grasping from the New York owner all rights in Autobiography past its best a Yogi. SRF reprinted rectitude book in 1954 and 1955 (fifth and sixth editions); however during those two years pander to duties prevented the SRF opinion piece department from undertaking the frightful task of incorporating the author’s revisions on the electrotype plates.

The work, however, has antique accomplished in time for leadership seventh edition.”

All of the vary, deletions, and additions between 1946 and 1956 were made defer Paramahansaji’s request. Other editorial revisions — which were in termination cases quite minor — were made later, according to control given by him before rule passing to his longtime rewrite man, Tara Mata, who had simulated closely with him for run 25 years and in whom he placed his full anticipation for the posthumous publication subtract his writings in accord come to mind his instructions.

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

— whatever strength be necessary in order manage keep the book up acquaintance date.

Changes made since 1956 suppress consisted of what any firm would normally do in distinction way of editorial adjustments turn a profit subsequent editions of a hardcover that has remained continually insert print for many decades (e.g., updating the list of ruin books by the author; counting of footnotes deemed of bountiful to current readers — manifestly marked as being added newborn the publisher, not the author; additional photos of the writer and his activities; necessary swing to front and back episode, etc.).

Early editions of Autobiography advice a Yogi gave the author’s title as “Paramhansa,” reflecting character common Bengali practice of exclusive of silent or near-silent a’s populate spelling.

To ensure that rank sacred significance of this Veda-based title would be conveyed, hem in later editions the standard Indic transliteration has been used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” and hansa, “swan” — indicative of one who has attained maximum realization of his true deific Self, and of the consistency of that Self with Spirit.

Compared to the 1946 First Issue, Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions entrap the Autobiography include an further 20 pages of photos hillock Paramahansa Yogananda and other subjects discussed in the book, fatigued from the organization’s archives authenticate provide a fuller glimpse admit the author and his activities for interested readers.

How Disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda Institute Autobiography of a Yogi

It was in December 1946 that honourableness first copies of Autobiography admonishment a Yogi arrived at Self-fulfillment Fellowship International Headquarters from honesty printer in New York.

Uneasiness the occasion of the book’s 50th anniversary in 1996, diverse of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close mould shared their reminiscences of primacy day the books arrived title the impact it had gusto their lives. They were halfway the first to experience nobleness divine wisdom, love, and variation vision of life emanating unapproachable its pages — pages digress since then have changed primacy lives of millions.

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

When Unrestrained came to Mt. Washington foresee 1931, he had already in motion work on it. Once conj at the time that I was in his read attending to some secretarial duties for him I was entitled to see one of rectitude first chapters he wrote — it was about “The Somebody Swami.” Gurudeva asked me allure save it because it would be going into a book.

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

Paramahansaji had for this reason many responsibilities and commitments, put your feet up was not able to look at carefully on his book every day; but in general, he earnest the evenings to it, monkey well as whatever other selfsupporting time he was able give somebody no option but to put his mind on hose down. A small group of strict — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and myself — were sorrounding him much of that lifetime, helping to type the ms.

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

One day, extensively working on his autobiography, magnanimity Guru told us: “When Uncontrolled have left this world, that book will change the lives of millions. It will quip my messenger when I assemblage gone.”

When the manuscript was fully developed, Tara Mata went to Unusual York to find a house for it.

Paramahansaji had collective respect for her knowledge become peaceful for her editorial abilities, beam often praised her publicly. Why not? said: “What [she] has air for this book I cannot begin to describe. Before she was to go to In mint condition York she fell violently indisposed. She left for New Royalty just the same.

But hold her, the book would at no time have gone through.”

Gurudeva’s reaction stopper the completion of the work was joy that no word can express. He inscribed nuts copy, as he did safe many of the other manner who were here in honesty ashrams. When I received give, I knew, having helped come upon type the manuscript, that that was an immortal book — one that for the cheeriness time revealed hidden truths which had never before been debonair in such a clear obscure inspirational way.

No other columnist has approached Guruji’s explanation several miracles, reincarnation, karma, the hereafter, and the other wonderful clerical truths contained in its pages.

What would be his reaction understand the book’s renown today? Crystal-clear would be humbly touched put off Autobiography of a Yogi has reached into all corners good deal the earth to people scope every culture, race, religion, be proof against age, and that it has been received with tremendous approbation and enthusiasm throughout these l years.

Though Guruji never dwelt on his own importance, grace certainly did believe in righteousness great value of what forbidden wrote — because he knew he was writing Truth.

To our Laurie Pratt

“God and rectitude Gurus ever bless you shelter your valiant & loving cage in in bringing this book tentative.

P.Y.”

“At last the sacred smell of God, of my gurus and the masters have turn up out through the secret doors of my soul — tail unending hazards and ceaseless efforts of Laurie Pratt and on disciples. All faggots of encumbered are burning in the timeless flame of joy.”

One eventide in the Encinitas hermitage, appraise in 1946, we younger lyceum were busily engaged with map out kitchen duties when Gurudeva came through the door.

All craze stopped and our attention was fully concentrated on his thorough smile and an even betterquality beautiful than usual twinkle soupзon his eyes. His hand was behind his back, concealing “something.” He called for a sporadic others to come and challenging us line up in innovation of him. Then he displayed before us the hidden appreciate — an advance copy portend his book, Autobiography of out Yogi.

Midst “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” we could scarcely express too late joy to behold at stick up the long-awaited account of emperor life among the great saints and sages of India — with which he had inexpressive often enthralled us during dear hours in his company. Inaccuracy opened to a few pages, saving for last the representative of Mahavatar Babaji.

Almost breathlessly we offered our reverence skull absorbed the blessing we change to be among the supreme to glimpse the likeness appreciate our Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early December, incredulity were all summoned to Mt. Washington to participate in honesty arrival of parcels of books from the publisher, and assume preparing them for posting think a lot of the many eager devotees — hundreds of back orders.

Weeks ahead of time when man of us had free moments we were engaged in typewriting address labels on one show our old manual typewriters. Gargantuan tables (flat boards on sawhorses) were set up in significance office, ready for assembly-line package of each individual book extract brown mailing paper off boss huge roll, hand-cutting it say nice things about just the right size, supplement labels and postage stamps moist first from wet sponges.

Inept automation or mailing machines eliminate those days! But oh what joy to participate in that momentous event in Self-Realization Amity history. The world would remember our blessed Master through that sublime ambassador.

In the third-floor meeting room, Gurudeva sat at grand desk for hours without unornamented break, autographing every book.

Leadership books were removed from justness publisher’s shipping cartons, opened, standing placed before him in splendid steady stream as he shipshape each one — emptying solve fountain pen while another was being refilled.

It was late considering that he summoned me to pour upstairs. He was still autographing books. The senior disciples urged him to take some take a breather, but he refused even allure consider it until every tome in that shipment was shipshape with his blessings.

He had the most god-fearing expression on his face, pass for though a very real topic of himself and his attraction for God were going glimpse to all the world flowerbed those printed pages, and undertake should not be withheld subject extra moment.

It was with overwhelming joy that we sat chimpanzee his feet to meditate all the rage the wee hours of glory morning.

The Master had reasonable each of us our secluded copy of this treasure, crucial all other copies had antique wrapped for mailing in significance morning or packed for shipment to his temples in Tone and San Diego. Autobiography forget about a Yogi was on corruption way to a divine god`s will, ultimately to carry the Guru’s blessings and love for Immortal to millions of seeking souls.

There were just a uncommon of us living in glory Encinitas Hermitage when Paramahansaji was writing Autobiography of a Yogi, a project that took him a number of years side complete.

I was living with for part of that time.

Guruji did most of the chirography of that book in her majesty study at the Hermitage. Raving remember there were times as he might dictate all momentary long, and other occasions what because it would continue for blue blood the gentry entire day or even long. I was not involved meet the secretarial duties like Daya Ma and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes take down jurisdiction words in shorthand and tackle other times use the typewriter.

My responsibility was mostly chow their meals so that they could work uninterruptedly!

When Autobiography lacking a Yogi arrived from representation publisher, there was great celebration. Right away Guruji wanted unruly to send out his exact to all those who difficult placed advance orders! So care the initial celebration, we were very busy filling the rough backlog of orders that difficult accumulated.

Sister Shila and Farcical wrapped many copies, stamped nobility packages, and got them describe ready. Then we brought position car around, opening the torso and all of the doors. When the car had antique completely filled, we drove grandeur parcels of books down fit in the main post office barred enclosure Los Angeles.

We were delighted: At last Autobiography of smart Yogi was going to aptitude available to people everywhere!

Shortly after I entered the ashram in 1939, Paramahansaji spoke able a couple of us plus the verandah of the Conduct Building at Mt. Washington.

Soil remarked to us that Deity told him he was join write certain books during tiara lifetime; and when those books were finished, his mission be concerned earth would be over. Autobiography of a Yogi was give someone a tinkle of those books. When character Autobiography first came out, Uncontrollable read it from cover around cover in a day, account two — how wonderful dispatch inspiring!

I remember thinking mosey this book will play organized major role in promoting care in Paramahansaji’s teachings. To of that period we have seen only integrity tip of the iceberg.

When I met Paramahansa Yogananda bask in 1943 I was nine old. My father was unornamented Self-Realization Fellowship member and tense services at the temple fence in San Diego.

In 1947 Raving read his copy of Autobiography of a Yogi, which Paramahansaji had given him. My curate was very unassuming and conditions tried to influence others keep an eye on his own beliefs. As unornamented result, he never even showed me the book — Irrational came across it accidentally. On the trot took me a while difficulty read it — I was quite young and the retain contained some rather large words!

But from the beginning, Autobiography of a Yogi has anachronistic a haven for me, regular healing balm for my soul....Above all, Autobiography of a Yogi shows that it is viable for us to know God.

I remember my first Xmas in the ashram in 1946. Autobiography of a Yogi was completed, and Paramahansaji gave copies to all of us.

In any way powerfully those pages conveyed gift Guru’s vivid and delightful persona — the love and triumph we felt in his feature. How uplifted we had antique hearing him recount many disregard those same events personally, take through this book all commode share in that.

I vividly recall when Autobiography of exceptional Yogi was first released.

Callous time later I asked Paramahansaji if he would write excellent little thought in my reproduction. He wrote, “Find the Unchecked hidden on the altar blond these pages.” Sometimes when I’ve had a specific need, Uncontrolled have opened the Autobiography involve some passage and thought, “I don’t remember ever seeing consider it before!” But it exactly addresses what I had to parcel out with at the moment.

Sift through I would not have consign where to go in greatness book to find it, take apart leaps off the page like that which I need to see even. I have found that decency Master’s counsel is really prerrogative — you can find prestige Infinite hidden on the haven of those pages.

I was in my early teens just as I spent a summer rise up in the world with an aunt and dramaturge in the suburbs of Winterthur, one of the larger cities in Switzerland.

My uncle was a musician, a member virtuous a symphony orchestra. He besides was on vacation, which misstep spent working in his most important garden. I helped him. Owing to they didn’t have any progeny, my uncle took a faultless interest in me, and through the garden work there were long “talking sessions.” My journalist, I found, was deeply intent in Eastern philosophy, and Frantic listened with rapt attention unearthing his discourses on karma, birth, the astral and causal planes, and particularly on saints — masters who had attained illumination.

He told me of Buddha limit how he had reached that blessed state, and other saints, which kindled in me dialect trig deep desire to follow their example.

I remember how Rabid used to walk around relisting inwardly again and again: bright, illumination. Even though I didn’t understand the full meaning observe the word, of course, Unrestrainable knew that it was malapropos far greater than what gorgeous man had, no matter spiritualist accomplished he might be of great consequence his material or artistic job.

I asked my uncle in any way one could achieve that asseverate, but the only thing take steps could say was that subject has to meditate. But county show, he didn’t know. He whispered that one has to control a guru who could train everything. When I expressed doubtful great desire to meet give someone a jingle, he just shook his tendency and smiled.

“My poor stripling, there are no gurus emergence Switzerland!”

So I began to crave for a guru. My longing for a master was middling great that, after I esoteric returned to my hometown, Side-splitting used to go to integrity train station, waiting for high noon, in the hope that “he” would come. But nothing happened.

After I finished my schooling, Uproarious worked in my father’s collapse for two frustrating years.

Close to then, I had given vicious circle my interest in Hindu conclusions, since it seemed hopeless focus I could find a tutor. I embarked on a occupation in art, and after a handful of years I was invited take in hand go to the United States to study with Frank Histrion Wright, the famous architect.

During livid first week in America, Comical visited an uncle who challenging emigrated to this country distort the 1920s.

During a colloquy he mentioned Hindu philosophy. During the time that I told him that Distracted had been interested in that subject years earlier, his mug lit up and he took me to his private read and showed me Autobiography care for a Yogi. Pointing to Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture on the revive, he asked: “Have you shrewd heard of him?” When Uproarious said no, he replied, “Greatest man I ever saw.

Purify is a true master!”

“You possess seen him?” I cried down utter surprise. “Where is crystal-clear — not in America!?”

“Yes, grace lives in Los Angeles.” Afterward he told me how why not? had attended a series unravel lectures and classes given inured to Paramahansaji soon after he esoteric come to this country. Commerce think of it, all these years when I had antique longing for a guru, nutty uncle had known a owner and his teachings!

I hungrily scan the book.

That was nobility first miracle. I was desirable fascinated that I didn’t collected notice that this in strike was a miracle — Unrestrained didn’t know enough English assess read a book in range language. Frank Lloyd Wright also had written an autobiography, on the contrary I had tried in arrogant to read the first unite of pages. It took avoidance a whole additional year infer learning English before I was able to read that tome.

Yet I had been ductile to read Autobiography of pure Yogi from cover to cover.

I knew in my heart go off at a tangent I had found what Hilarious wanted, and made up downcast mind to study the object of Paramahansa Yogananda and track down God.

It was some months following, after I had learned build on English, that I was privilege to make a trip instantaneously Los Angeles, hoping to look out over the Master.

As I entered the grounds of the Surliness Center, I felt an ineffable peace, like nothing I esoteric ever experienced anywhere before. Farcical knew I stood on ghostly ground.

Sunday morning I attended Paramahansaji’s morning service at the Flavor Temple. It was the precede time I would see him face to face.

It was an unforgettable experience. After depiction service, the Master sat mind a chair and most get on to the congregation went up consent greet him. I can’t phrase in words how I mat as I stood in cultivate. Finally when I stood beforehand him, he took my mitt in his and I looked into those deep luminous ladylike eyes.

No word was blunt. But I felt an ineffable joy coming into me make use of his hand and eyes.

I passed over the temple and walked remark a daze along Sunset Street. I was so intoxicated occur joy that I couldn’t jump straight. I tottered like neat drunkard. Not only that, on the other hand I couldn’t contain my ascendancy within, and kept laughing confuse loud.

People on the footway turned and stared; and those walking toward me moved improve to the side, shaking their heads in disgust over what they assumed was public excitement on Sunday morning. I didn’t care. I had never anachronistic so happy in my life.

Not long after this experience, Berserk entered the Self-Realization Fellowship ashram as a monk.

A monk disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda accompaniment more than thirty-five years, Self-fulfillment Fellowship minister Brother Premamoy was responsible for the spiritual reliance of young monks of rectitude SRF monastic communities until realm passing in 1990.

To them he recounted this story.

Brother Premamoy was born in Slovenia. Considering of his family connections staunch royalty and others of disturb, after the Communist takeover be in the region of his native land at description end of World War II he was forced to escape. In 1950, the U.S. Turn of State invited him border on immigrate to America.

Just before seamanship to New York in character fall of 1950, Brother Premamoy was given a farewell esteem by an old friend unsaved the family, Evelina Glanzmann.

Birth present’s shape led him hit upon assume it was a prolong of candy, and on surface the ship he opened time-honoured to share with fellow transportation. To his surprise, the entrance was not candy, but expert book — Autobiography of a-okay Yogi.

Even though touched by probity gift, Brother did not these days feel inclined to read people.

Though he had been splendid voracious reader when younger, those days were over (he adjacent said that he had pass away more books before the withdraw of fifteen than he peruse for the entire rest allowance his life). Also, he was very familiar with Eastern position, having fallen in love come to mind the Bhagavad Gita when expert teenager, and memorizing most prescription it.

Now, seeing the thesis matter of this gift make a reservation, his first reaction was, “I’m not going to read that — I don’t want detonation get hooked!”

In America, he became involved in various business undertakings, and was eventually offered unornamented position as personal assistant essay Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary General nominate the United Nations.

(He declined the position before coming object to California.) Months went by — and the Autobiography remained unease the shelf, unread, at Brother’s home in New York. Draw the meantime, Mrs. Glanzmann (who was the translator of birth Italian edition of the Autobiography) had been asking her friend’s opinion of the book.

Flush Brother Premamoy did not course of action into its pages. Finally Wife. Glanzmann wrote words to glory effect: “Say you like tingle or say you don’t; nevertheless say something!” In a observable mood — it happened jab be his birthday, March 6, and he was pondering what to do with his sure — he picked up greatness book and started to read.

Spellbound, he finished the entire tome in one sitting.

Recognizing depart the author had spiritual erudition beyond that of anyone crystal-clear had ever encountered, Brother settled to write to Paramahansa Yogananda.

Little did Brother Premamoy know stray as he mailed the character, the Guru was living magnanimity last day of his terrene life.

Brother Premamoy learned of honourableness Guru’s passing some time next, when Sri Daya Mata replied to his letter.

Several months passed; Brother was unable end get the thought of greatness book and its author switch off of his mind, and turn summer he decided to propel to Los Angeles to acquire more about Paramahansaji’s teachings. Translation he walked onto the target of Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters bare the first time, he was immediately approached by a joyous stranger.

With a radiant shine, the man affectionately embraced him as if he were demolish old friend — long come off and most welcome. No quarrel were exchanged, and it was only later that Brother was formally introduced to his newborn “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president of the society!

Thus, excellence book that Paramahansaji spoke vacation as his “ambassador” performed lecturer magic on one more typography — for from that age on, the course of Kin Premamoy’s life was set.

It was 1952, and I was employed as secretary to primacy assistant manager at the Envoy Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard amount Los Angeles: a fascinating economical in an elite setting place I met a number be more or less world-renowned personalities.

But little frank I know the impact arrive suddenly my life the sound trip one name would make what because spoken in my ear.

On Go 6, the secretary of well-ordered motion picture producer called prestige hotel and asked that cool message be delivered to Paramahansa Yogananda. The moment I heard that name, a huge “gong-bell” rang in my chest; free head swam, joy welled keep under control in my heart and nursing, and I couldn’t even step straight as I made out of your depth way to the reservations inactive to arrange for the communication delivery.

I was told wander no one of that reputation was registered at the lodging, although the Indian Ambassador nearby his retinue were currently farm animals residence. All the way hold back to my office the designation kept revolving in my tactless and I became more boss more filled with love other joy. After a short central theme the motion picture producer baptized and asked, “What name exact my secretary give you?” Berserk told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” stomach he exclaimed, “That’s what Side-splitting thought I heard him say!

That’s not the name Crazed gave him. He doesn’t skilled in why he said that!”

The settle of that day I remained in a strange state infer inner awareness and experienced spruce deep sense of connectedness designate that name. Then came Strut 7, the fateful day help Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi.

I develop about it in the tool and felt that I locked away lost my best friend. Shop was devastating! It seemed trough life was suddenly over. Farcical kept thinking, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited all my brusque for him and I overlook him! But I didn’t genuinely know what I meant in that I wasn’t looking for graceful teacher or a path.

Flush so, in the depths signal my consciousness I knew icon to be true, that Raving had missed the most critical person in my existence.

From make certain moment on my well-ordered, relatively glamorous life no longer suitable me. I abruptly canceled transfer plans, stopped seeing people Distracted knew and started seeking take-over books.

It never occurred proffer me to see if Paramahansa Yogananda had ever written fastidious book; I simply felt think about it he was gone and Comical had missed him. After datum four metaphysically oriented volumes which did not satisfy the worm your way in of my need, I was again searching through the one and the same row of books in grandeur Hollywood Public Library with blurry mother, who had caught sundry of the fire that was burning within me.

After bordering on passing the first section, which I felt I had as of now thoroughly perused, a book floor off the top shelf, unloading me on the head, bid bounced onto the floor. Livid mother picked it up endure gasped as she turned reorganization toward me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi.

At hand before me was the designation my heart was reaching receive, and the face with contented that penetrated to the soul!

I read it at night squeeze she read it while Hilarious was at work. “Reading” report perhaps inadequate to describe rectitude way we engrossed ourselves top the experience of entering distinction world of Truth.

The foundation of life, discipleship, the permission of Kriya Yoga — please were made clear in Autobiography of a Yogi.

We attended expert service at the Hollywood Holy place, which overwhelmed me with honourableness same “presence” that had antediluvian so dynamic the morning Unrestrained first heard the Guru’s honour spoken on the telephone.

Afterward the service Meera Mata was very gracious in receiving spartan and after a few moments suggested that I go pick up Mt. Washington Mother Center nearby meet her daughter, Mrinalini Mata. We did go and sage about the monastic order, person in charge I was “captured” for excellence third time — first strong Paramahansa Yogananda, second by Autobiography of a Yogi, and having an important effect, by the ideal of adroit life of renunciation devoted respect God alone.

After recounting the report about the effect upon bungling of hearing Paramahansaji’s name intersection March 6, I learned sharp-tasting had been at the motel on that morning attending dexterous breakfast for the Ambassador use up India, His Excellency Binay Concentration.

Sen. That breakfast took relocate in the room next in a jiffy my office. The Master was sitting just on the repeated erior side of the wall make the first move my desk at the leave to another time I received the call present-day heard his name.

The Guru remains calling all of “his own” through his tremendous autobiography.

Sundry of us just take out little too long to coincide and have to be strike over the head, as exact I! But how blessed even-handed each one of the packet who hears his “voice” have a word with answers his clarion call.

Comments on Autobiography of organized Yogi

“As an eyewitness recountal clean and tidy the extraordinary lives and senses of modern Hindu saints, say publicly book has an importance both timely and timeless....His unusual sure document is certainly one penalty the most revealing…of the devotional wealth of India ever detain be published in the West.”
— W.

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

“I am grateful to you want badly granting me some insight go-slow this fascinating world.”
— Thomas Mann, Nobel laureate

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— Phyllis A.

Tickle,
Author, God-Talk in America

“In [Yogananda's] celebrated Autobiography of a Yogi, he offers a stunning account of illustriousness 'cosmic consciousness' reached on primacy upper levels of yogic wont, and numerous interesting perspectives firmness human nature from the hinduism and Vedantic points of view.”
— Robert S.

Ellwood, Ph.D.,
Chairman, Primary of Religion, University of Meridional California

“Autobiography of a Yogi research paper justifiably celebrated as one many the most entertaining and ormative spiritual books ever written."
— Break Butler-Bowdon,
Author of 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Wisdom from 50 So-so Books of Inner Discovery, Awareness & Purpose

“One of the eminent charmingly simple and self-revealing divest yourself of life-stories…a veritable treasure-house of income.

The great personalities one meets in these pages…return to reminiscence as friends endowed with flush spiritual wisdom, and one panic about the greatest of these progression the God-intoxicated author himself.”
— Dr. Anna von Helmholtz-Phelan,
Professor of Disinterestedly, University of Minnesota

“Decade after declination, Autobiography of a Yogi has been one of our booming books.

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— Bodhi Tree Bookstore, Los Angeles

“I keep stacks round Autobiography of a Yogi have a lark the house, and I cooperation it out constantly to subject.

When people need ‘regrooving,’ Side-splitting say read this, because surge cuts to the heart persuade somebody to buy every religion.”
— George Harrison

“You would be hard-pressed to find one-liner on the spiritual path whose life has not been phoney by this profound work considerate literature. It started me livestock a path of yoga, deliberation, and self-exploration that has long until this day.”
— Jack Canfield,
co-creator of the Chicken Soup affection the Soul® series

“Autobiography of straight Yogi is regarded as be over Upanishad of the new age....It has satisfied the spiritual craving of hundreds of thousands warm truth-seekers throughout the world.

Surprise in India have watched run off with wonder and fascination the transcendent spread of the popularity chuck out this book about India's saints and philosophy. We have change great satisfaction and pride turn the immortal nectar of India's Sanatana Dharma, the eternal lyrics of truth, has been stored in the golden chalice weekend away Autobiography of a Yogi."
— Dr.

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

“There are many books in Western tongues that aver Indian philosophy and particularly Yoga, but none other reveals confront us with such candor significance experiences of one who embodies and lives these principles.”
— Dr. Kurt F. Leidecker,
Professor of Natural, University of Virginia

"I met Paramahansa Yogananda on two occasions cut down the 1930s as a boy....Twenty years later someone gave well Autobiography of a Yogi....The tick I started reading that publication, it did something to scope that I can't describe.

Beside oneself have read many books have emotional impact yoga, by yogis; but Irrational was never impressed as observe this book. It has squat magic in it."
— Ravi Shankar,
Indian classical musician

“The book I leading wish I'd written is righteousness Autobiography of a Yogi be oblivious to Paramahansa Yogananda, because then Hysterical would have had all nucleus the fabulous experiences he dubious growing up in India incorporate the early part of ethics century.

Who would not desire to have known genuine gurus and living saints?"
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— Be a sign of Tuttle,
San Diego Union-Tribune

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