Autobiography of a Yogi Book Summary

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Brief Summary

"Autobiography of a Yogi" is a spiritual memoir by Paramahansa Yogananda, first published in 1946. It tells the story of Yogananda's life, from his childhood in India to his journey to the United States as a young man, where he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship.

Throughout the book, Yogananda shares his experiences with various spiritual teachers and gurus, including his own guru, Sri Yukteswar. He also recounts his experiences with miraculous events and supernatural phenomena, such as levitation and materialization.

The book offers insights into Eastern spiritual practices, including yoga and meditation, and describes Yogananda's own spiritual awakening and the teachings he received from his guru. It has become a classic in the field of spirituality and has influenced many people around the world in their quest for spiritual growth and self-realization.

About the Author

Paramahansa Yogananda was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced millions of Westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book "Autobiography of a Yogi" and his founding of the Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India. Born in 1893 in Gorakhpur, India, Yogananda was drawn to the spiritual path at a young age and began training with his guru, Sri Yukteswar Giri, at the age of 17. He later traveled to America in 1920 to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga and established the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles in 1925.

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Biography & Memoir Religion & Spirituality

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Quick Summary

"Autobiography of a Yogi" is a spiritual memoir written by Paramahansa Yogananda, a renowned Indian yogi and guru. The book was first published in 1946 and has since become a spiritual classic, selling millions of copies worldwide and influencing generations of spiritual seekers.

The book is structured as a series of interconnected chapters that recount Yogananda's life story, from his childhood in India to his spiritual journey and teachings in America. Throughout the book, Yogananda shares his experiences of meeting and learning from various spiritual masters, including his own guru, Sri Yukteswar Giri.

In the early chapters of the book, Yogananda describes his childhood in India and his early spiritual experiences, including his encounter with the yogi Lahiri Mahasaya, who became his first guru. He also describes his experiences studying with other spiritual teachers and practicing meditation and yoga.

As Yogananda grows older, he becomes increasingly committed to his spiritual path and decides to dedicate his life to the study and teaching of yoga and meditation. He travels to America in the 1920s and begins teaching yoga and giving lectures on spirituality. He encounters many challenges and obstacles, but through his unwavering commitment to his spiritual ideals, he overcomes them and gains a large following of devoted students.

The book also includes many stories of miraculous events and encounters with spiritual beings, including Yogananda's experiences with the great spiritual master Babaji, who is said to have been alive for centuries. Yogananda also shares many of the teachings and insights he gained from his own guru and other spiritual teachers, including the importance of meditation, the power of positive thinking, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.

Detailed Summary

The book begins with a description of Yogananda's childhood in India and his early experiences with spiritual figures and practices. The first 10 chapters cover Yogananda's life up until his departure for the United States to establish the Self-Realization Fellowship.

In the first chapter, Yogananda describes his childhood in Gorakhpur, India, and his family's connection to the spiritual master Lahiri Mahasaya. He also relates an early experience of divine communion and the beginning of his spiritual path. In chapter two, Yogananda recounts his first meeting with his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, who became his primary teacher and guide. Sri Yukteswar introduced Yogananda to the teachings of Kriya Yoga and trained him in spiritual practices.

Chapter three tells the story of Yogananda's first public lecture, which took place when he was just 17 years old. He went on to become a successful speaker and spiritual teacher in India, with a wide following. In chapter four, Yogananda describes his meeting with the great yogi, Babaji, who is said to be hundreds of years old and to live in the Himalayas. Babaji gave Yogananda further instruction in Kriya Yoga and revealed to him the unity of all religions.

Chapter five covers Yogananda's travels throughout India, where he met many spiritual figures and learned about different paths and practices. In chapter six,...