Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda, born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in 1893 in India, showed an early fascination with spirituality and meditation. He sought guidance from Swami Sri Yukteswar, a revered spiritual teacher, who initiated him into Kriya Yoga, an ancient practice aimed at self-realization and spiritual awakening. This guru-disciple relationship shaped Yogananda's life and mission, grounding him in teachings he would later share with the world. In 1920, Yogananda embarked on a journey to the United States, where he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship to make yogic practices accessible to Western audiences. His teachings emphasized the unity of all religions and the importance of meditation for achieving inner peace. Through public lectures and classes, he introduced many Americans to the spiritual traditions of India, creating a cross-cultural exchange that was rare at the time. Yogananda's influence spread further through his renowned work, Autobiography of a Yogi, published in 1946. This book became a spiritual classic, inspiring readers worldwide with stories of his life and spiritual experiences. Today, his teachings continue to attract followers, and his legacy endures as a bridge between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, promoting universal understanding and inner awakening.