Autobiography of a Yogi.

Few spiritual books have touched so many lives across so many cultures. Paramahansa Yogananda's account of his own quest for the divine opened a door between East and West that has never since closed.

What it's about

The book tells the story of Yogananda's life, from a childhood marked by spiritual longing in India, through his search for a teacher and his years with his guru Sri Yukteswar, to his mission carrying the teachings of yoga and meditation to the West. Along the way he recounts encounters with saints, sages, and remarkable figures, and describes experiences of the miraculous and the mystical with disarming directness. It is at once a personal memoir, an introduction to the philosophy and practice of yoga, and a testament to a life wholly devoted to the search for God.

Themes

The book centres on the direct, personal realisation of the divine through meditation and self-discipline, and on the unity underlying the world's religions. It explores the relationship of guru and disciple, the reality of the spiritual dimension of life, and the harmony Yogananda sought between ancient wisdom and modern life, between science and spirituality, East and West.

Why it still matters

Since its publication the book has become a modern spiritual classic, introducing countless Western readers to yoga, meditation, and Indian thought, and inspiring seekers of every background. Its warmth, wonder, and conviction continue to draw new readers into the questions it explores.

Who it's for

Anyone interested in spirituality, meditation, yoga, or the meeting of Eastern and Western thought will find this profoundly rewarding. It suits seekers, the curious, and readers drawn to a life lived in pursuit of the deepest truths.

Sources and references

Verified references for this edition: Open Library, WorldCat.