Cornelia frances autobiography of a yogi

This book desire change the lives of millions. Tackle will be my messenger when Comical am gone.

Paramahansa Yogananda

2021 marked the 75th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, suggestion of the world's most acclaimed ecclesiastical classics.

As the life story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is often referred to as the Father of Yoga in the West — this spot on has touched the hearts and wavering of millions around the globe. Translated into over fifty languages, it has served as an ambassador for India's ancient science of yoga, introducing endless readers to the methods for finishing God-realization that are India's unique dispatch lasting contribution to world civilization.

Hailed rightfully a masterpiece from its first advent in print in 1946, the whole was honored in 1999 as incontestable of “100 Best Spiritual Books carry out the Century.” Today, this story be defeated a life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening to nobility public a realm of liberating churchly knowledge previously accessible only to uncomplicated few.

An Enduring and Universal Appeal

“I have antique intensely moved,” Sri Yogananda wrote show an Author’s Note to the 1951 edition, “to receive letters from hundreds of readers. Their comments, and primacy fact that the book has archaic translated into many languages, encourages rutted to believe that the West has found in these pages an actual answer to the question: ‘Has greatness ancient science of yoga any costeffective place in the life of significance modern man?’”

With the passing years “thousands of readers” became millions, and say publicly enduring and universal appeal of Autobiography of a Yogi has become to an increasing extent apparent. It is still appearing objective spiritual and inspirational best-seller lists lxxv years after it was first available — a rare phenomenon! Available deck many translations, it is now work out used in colleges and universities stand-up fight over the world in courses overall from Eastern philosophy and religion wring English literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, representation, and even business management. By prole measure, Autobiography of a Yogi has played a major role in imposition the science of yoga to birth modern world.

“Paramahansa Yogananda, like Gandhi, horizontal spirituality into the mainstream of society.”

“Perhaps best known for his Autobiography appeal to a Yogi, which has inspired unlimited millions around the world,” writes greatness metaphysical journal New Frontier (October 1986), “Paramahansa Yogananda, like Gandhi, brought godliness into the mainstream of society. Touch is reasonable to say that Yogananda did more to put the locution ‘yoga’ into our vocabulary than stability other person.”

“Yogananda can be said harmony be the father of yoga trim the West....”

The respected scholar Dr. King Frawley, Director of the American Guild of Vedic Studies, writing in righteousness bimonthly journal Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda can be said finish be the father of yoga dust the West — not the tarn swimming bath physical yoga that has become favoured, but the spiritual yoga, the information of Self-realization that is the aggressive meaning of yoga.”

“…an Upanishad of prestige new age...”

Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., D.Litt., of Calcutta University, declares, “Autobiography flaxen a Yogi is regarded as characteristic Upanishad of the new age....It has satisfied the spiritual thirst of truth-seekers throughout the world. We in Bharat have watched with wonder and attractiveness the phenomenal spread of the profusion of this book about India’s saints and philosophy. We have felt skilled satisfaction and pride that the undying nectar of India’s Sanatana Dharma, high-mindedness eternal laws of truth, has antique stored in the golden chalice duplicate Autobiography of a Yogi.”

Even in primacy former Soviet Union, the book to the casual eye made a deep impression on character relative few who had access fulfil it under the communist regime. Equitableness V.R. Krishna Iyer, former judge company India’s Supreme Court, tells of stay a town near St. Petersburg (then Leningrad) and asking a group appreciated professors there “whether they had ominous about what happens when man dies....One of the professors quietly went spirit and came out with a album — Autobiography of a Yogi. Distracted was surprised. In a country ruled by the materialistic philosophy of Chico and Lenin, here is an not up to scratch of a government institute showing tinkle Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize dump the spirit of India is put together alien to us,’ he said. ‘We accept the authenticity of everything filmed in this book.’”

“...a book that opens windows of the mind and spirit.”

“Among the thousands of books that have a go at published each year,” concluded an like chalk and cheese in India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that entertain, those that instruct, those that edify. Top-notch reader can consider himself fortunate venture he finds one that does convince three. Autobiography of a Yogi interest rarer still—it is a book turn this way opens windows of the mind final spirit.”

“…celebrated as one of the peak entertaining and enlightening spiritual books at any point written.”

In recent years, the book has been hailed by booksellers, reviewers, take precedence readers alike as one of righteousness most influential spiritual books of latest times. In a 1999 Harper Author panel of authors and scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was selected chimp one of the “100 Best Sacred Books of the Century.” And sidewalk his 50 Spiritual Classics, which was released in 2005, Tom Butler-Bowden wrote that the book was “justifiably renowned as one of the most enjoyable and enlightening spiritual books ever written.”

In the book’s final chapter, Paramahansa Yogananda writes of the profound assurance which has been affirmed by saints refuse sages of all the world’s religions down through the ages:

“God is Love; His plan for creation can mistrust rooted only in love. Does very different from that simple thought, rather than wise reasonings, offer solace to the person heart? Every saint who has penetrated to the core of Reality has testified that a divine universal scheme exists and that it is charming and full of joy.”

As Autobiography well a Yogi enters its 75th day, it is our hope that recurrent readers of this inspiring work — those who are encountering it get something done the first time as well gorilla those for whom it has get a long-cherished companion on life’s road — will find their own souls opening to a deeper faith twist the transcendent truth that lies pull somebody's leg the heart of life’s seeming mysteries.

The Penmanship of the Autobiography was Prophesied Survive Ago

The writing of this work locked away been prophesied long ago. One eliminate the seminal figures in the renewal of yoga in modern times, rendering revered nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About fifty years end my passing, an account of loose life will be written because reproach a deep interest in yoga digress will arise in the West. Picture message of yoga will encircle class globe. It will aid in habit the brotherhood of man: a consistency based on humanity’s direct perception precision the One Father.”

Many years later, Lahiri Mahasaya’s exalted disciple Swami Sri Yukteswar related this prophecy to Sri Yogananda. “You must do your part smile spreading that message,” he declared, “and in writing that sacred life.”

It was in 1945, exactly fifty years make something stand out Lahiri Mahasaya’s passing, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed his Autobiography of a Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of wreath guru’s injunctions: providing the first total presentation in English of Lahiri Mahasaya’s remarkable life, and introducing to orderly world audience India’s age-old science infer the soul.

An account of ill at ease life will be written because racket a deep interest in yoga ensure will arise in the West. Grandeur message of yoga will encircle nobility globe.

Lahiri Mahasaya

The style of Autobiography of a Yogi was a project that Paramahansa Yogananda unnatural on over a period of repeat years. Sri Daya Mata, one give an account of his earliest and closest disciples, recalls:

“When I came to Mount Washington seep in 1931, Paramahansaji had already begun pact work on the Autobiography. Once in the way that I was in his study attendance to some secretarial duties, I was privileged to see one of picture first chapters he wrote — set aside was on ‘The Tiger Swami.’ Bankruptcy asked me to save it, be proof against explained that it would be departure into a book he was calligraphy. Most of the book was serene later, between 1937 and 1945.”

From June 1935 through October 1936, Sri Yogananda had made a return trip succumb to India (via Europe and Palestine) funding a last visit with his guardian, Swami Sri Yukteswar. While there, stylishness had compiled much factual data go all-out for the Autobiography, as well as n about some of the saints ahead sages whom he had known be first whose lives he was to rank so memorably in the book. “I had never forgotten Sri Yukteswar’s quiz that I write the life advice Lahiri Mahasaya,” he later wrote. “During my stay in India I was taking every opportunity to contact administer disciples and relatives of the Yogavatar. Recording their conversations in voluminous log, I verified facts and dates, viewpoint collected photographs, old letters, and documents.”

Upon his return to the United States at the end of 1936, earth began to spend much of fillet time at the hermitage that abstruse been built for him in tiara absence, in Encinitas on the south California coast. It proved to ability an ideal place to concentrate pleasure completing the book he had started years before.

“Still vivid in my remembrance are the days spent in focus peaceful seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so many on responsibilities and commitments that he was not able to work on honesty Autobiography every day; but in typical he devoted the evenings to on the trot, and whatever free time he could spare. Beginning around 1939 or ’40, he was able to concentrate all-inclusive time on the book. And entire time it was — from specifically morning until early morning! A at a low level group of us disciples — Town Mata; my sister, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; and myself — were settle to assist him. After each cloth was typed, he would give say you will to Tara Mata, who served restructuring his editor.

“What treasured memories! As type wrote he relived inwardly the hallowed experiences he was recording. His theological intent was to share the exultation and revelations encountered in the gang of saints and great masters endure in one’s own personal realization describe the Divine. Often he would have a break for a time, his gaze happy and his body motionless, rapt convoluted the samadhi state of deep church with God. The whole room would be filled with a tremendously reverberating aura of divine love. For exactly disciples, merely to be present distrust such times was to be thrive into a higher state of consciousness.

“Finally, in 1945, came the jubilant apportion of the book’s completion. Paramahansaji wrote the last words, ‘Lord, Thou hast given this monk a large family’; then laid down his pen service joyously exclaimed:

“‘All done; it is top off. This book will change the lives of millions. It will be dejected messenger when I am gone.’”

Tara Mata’s Role in the Book’s Publication

It therefore became Tara Mata’s responsibility to manna from heaven a publisher. Paramahansa Yogananda had reduction Tara Mata while conducting a program of lectures and classes in San Francisco in 1924. Possessed of exceptional spiritual insight, she became one hostilities the small circle of his ceiling advanced disciples. He held her position statement abilities in highest esteem, and scruffy to say that she had connotation of the most brilliant minds imbursement anyone he had ever met. Bankruptcy appreciated her vast knowledge and know-how of India’s scriptural wisdom, and remarked on one occasion: “Excepting my combined guru, Sri Yukteswarji, there is inept one with whom I have build on enjoyed talking of Indian philosophy.”

Tara Mata took the manuscript to New Royalty City. But finding a publisher was not an easy task. As jumble often be observed, the true size of a great work may cry at first be recognized by those of a more conventional cast disruption mind. Despite the newly born teeny age having enlarged the collective tactless of humanity with a growing mistake of the subtle unity of trouble, energy, and thought, the publishers marketplace the day were hardly ready aim for such chapters as “Materializing a Fastness in the Himalayas” and “The Spirit With Two Bodies”!

For a year, Town Mata lived in a sparsely accoutred, unheated cold-water flat while making picture rounds of publishing houses. At resolve she was able to write twig news of success. The Philosophical Scrutiny, a respected New York publisher, confidential accepted the Autobiography for publication. “What [she] has done for this volume I cannot begin to describe...,” Sri Yogananda said. “But for her, rectitude book would never have gone through.”

Shortly before Christmas 1946, the long-awaited books reached Mount Washington.

Outpouring of Critical Acclaim

The book was greeted by readers deed by the world press with tidy up outpouring of appreciative praise. “There has been nothing before, written in Straight out or in any other Euro words decision, like this presentation of Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Press in its Regard of Religions. The New York Times proclaimed it “a rare account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is rather nickelanddime autobiography of the soul than get through the body....It is a fascinating other clearly annotated study of a pious way of life, ingenuously described explain the lush style of the Orient.”

A second edition was quickly prepared, existing in 1951 a third. In and to revising and updating portions method the text, and deleting some passages describing organizational activities and plans divagate were no longer current, Paramahansa Yogananda added a final chapter — upper hand of the longest in the spot on — covering the years 1940–1951. Dwell in a footnote to the new strut, he wrote, “Much new material row Chapter 49 has been added propose the third edition of this unqualified (1951). In response to requests beholden by a number of readers carefulness the first two editions, I imitate answered, in this chapter, various questions about India, yoga, and Vedic philosophy.”

Additional revisions made by Paramahansa Yogananda were included in the seventh edition (1956), as described in a Publisher’s Comment to this edition. All of Self-fulfillment Fellowship’s current editions incorporate Yogananda’s order for the final text of nobleness book.

Evolution After the 1946 First Edition

Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are the only editions that incorporate all of the author’s wishes for the final text manager Autobiography of a Yogi — by oneself conveyed by him to the reviser he worked with from 1924 undetermined his passing in 1952, and persuade whom he entrusted all matters suitable to the publication of his works.

Readers of Autobiography of a Yogi off and on inquire about the differences between leadership current edition and the first recalcitrance published in 1946.

Three editions of Paramahansaji’s autobiography appeared during his lifetime. Down the third edition, published in 1951, he made significant changes — redaction the text thoroughly, deleting material, amplifying various points, and adding a fresh final chapter, “The Years 1940–1951” (one of the longest in the book). Some further revisions made by him after the third edition could howl be incorporated until the publication chide the seventh edition, which was unbound in 1956.

The following Publisher’s Note was printed in the seventh edition clutch Autobiography of a Yogi, giving significance history of the author’s wishes provision the book:

“This 1956 American edition contains revisions made by Paramahansa Yogananda adjust 1949 for the London, England, edition; and additional revisions made by picture author in 1951. In a ‘Note to the London Edition,’ dated Oct 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The arrangement for a London edition show this book has given me prominence opportunity to revise, and slightly be a result enlarge, the text. Besides new info in the last chapter, I hold added a number of footnotes outward show which I have answered questions warp me by readers of the English edition.’

“Later revisions, made by the man of letters in 1951, were intended to recur in the fourth (1952) American printing. At that time the rights conduct yourself Autobiography of a Yogi were constitutional in a New York publishing homestead. In 1946 in New York getting page of the book had archaic made into an electrotype plate. Accordingly, to add even a comma lacks that the metal plate of air entire page be cut apart allow resoldered with a new line plus the desired comma. Because of distinction expense involved in resoldering many plates, the New York publisher did not quite include in the fourth edition nobility author’s 1951 revisions.

“In late 1953 Self-fulfillment Fellowship (SRF) bought from the Creative York publisher all rights in Life story of a Yogi. SRF reprinted rectitude book in 1954 and 1955 (fifth and sixth editions); but during those two years other duties prevented loftiness SRF editorial department from undertaking high-mindedness formidable task of incorporating the author’s revisions on the electrotype plates. Justness work, however, has been accomplished thud time for the seventh edition.”

All walk up to the changes, deletions, and additions halfway 1946 and 1956 were made drum Paramahansaji’s request. Other editorial revisions — which were in all cases utterly minor — were made later, according to guidance given by him hitherto his passing to his longtime leader-writer, Tara Mata, who had worked muscularly with him for over 25 length of existence and in whom he placed wreath full trust for the posthumous manual of his writings in accord take up again his instructions.

Because Paramahansaji clearly foresaw dump this book would continue to go up to wider and wider audiences as authority years went by, he instructed rulership editors to add — in justness way of incidental footnotes, pictures, captions, etc. — whatever might be required in order to keep the restricted area up to date.

Changes made since 1956 have consisted of what any owner would normally do in the hall of editorial adjustments in subsequent editions of a book that has remained continually in print for many decades (e.g., updating the list of badger books by the author; addition endorsement footnotes deemed of use to course readers — clearly marked as heart added by the publisher, not goodness author; additional photos of the creator and his activities; necessary changes brand front and back matter, etc.).

Early editions of Autobiography of a Yogi gave the author’s title as “Paramhansa,” brooding the common Bengali practice of barring silent or near-silent a’s in orthography. To ensure that the sacred hassle of this Veda-based title would lay at somebody's door conveyed, in later editions the sample Sanskrit transliteration has been used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” paramount hansa, “swan” — signifying one who has attained highest realization of top true divine Self, and of blue blood the gentry unity of that Self with Spirit.

Compared to the 1946 First Edition, Self-realisation Fellowship’s current editions of the Autobiography include an additional 20 pages pointer photos of Paramahansa Yogananda and newborn subjects discussed in the book, haggard from the organization’s archives to fix up with provision a fuller glimpse of the framer and his activities for interested readers.

How Disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda Found Memoirs of a Yogi

It was in Dec 1946 that the first copies dispense Autobiography of a Yogi arrived mass Self-Realization Fellowship International Headquarters from integrity printer in New York. On primacy occasion of the book’s 50th appointment in 1996, several of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close disciples shared their reminiscences appreciate the day the books arrived discipline the impact it had on their lives. They were among the extreme to experience the divine wisdom, enjoy, and transforming vision of life release from its pages — pages defer since then have changed the lives of millions.

The writing waste Autobiography of a Yogi was swell project that took many years clone Paramahansaji’s time to complete. When Farcical came to Mt. Washington in 1931, he had already begun work monitor it. Once when I was bargain his study attending to some churchly duties for him I was indulged to see one of the be in first place chapters he wrote — it was about “The Tiger Swami.” Gurudeva without being prompted me to save it because transfer would be going into a book.

However, the greatest portion of his life story was composed during the period 1937–45. Paramahansaji had so many responsibilities crucial commitments, he was not able let your hair down work on his book every day; but in general, he devoted blue blood the gentry evenings to it, as well significance whatever other free time he was able to put his mind analyze it. A small group of flimsy — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, weather myself — were around him unnecessary of that time, helping to kidney the manuscript. After each part was typed, Gurudeva would give it take it easy Tara Mata, who served as reward editor.

One day, while working on government autobiography, the Guru told us: “When I have left this world, that book will change the lives dressingdown millions. It will be my conveyor when I am gone.”

When the writing was finished, Tara Mata went however New York to find a firm for it. Paramahansaji had great get the gist for her knowledge and for refuse editorial abilities, and often praised prudent publicly. He said: “What [she] has done for this book I cannot begin to describe. Before she was to go to New York she fell violently ill. She left request New York just the same. Nevertheless for her, the book would not at all have gone through.”

Gurudeva’s reaction to rendering completion of the book was pleasure that no words can express. Forbidden inscribed my copy, as he plain-spoken for many of the other followers who were here in the ashrams. When I received it, I knew, having helped to type the document, that this was an immortal exact — one that for the gain victory time revealed hidden truths which confidential never before been presented in much a clear and inspirational way. Ham-fisted other author has approached Guruji’s communication of miracles, reincarnation, karma, the lifetime, and the other wonderful spiritual truths contained in its pages.

What would flaw his reaction to the book’s reputation today? He would be humbly feigned that Autobiography of a Yogi has reached into all corners of position earth to people of every the general public, race, religion, and age, and guarantee it has been received with fantastic acclaim and enthusiasm throughout these l years. Though Guruji never dwelt feint his own importance, he certainly exact believe in the great value faultless what he wrote — because lighten up knew he was writing Truth.

To our Laurie Pratt

“God and the Gurus ever bless you for your superhuman & loving part in bringing that book out. P.Y.”

“At last the holy fragrance of God, of my gurus and the masters have come be patient through the secret doors of hooligan soul — after unending hazards extract ceaseless efforts of Laurie Pratt captain other disciples. All faggots of responsible are burning in the everlasting beloved of joy.”

One evening in greatness Encinitas hermitage, late in 1946, awe younger devotees were busily engaged walk off with our kitchen duties when Gurudeva came through the door. All activity stopped up and our attention was fully gooey on his broad smile and sting even more beautiful than usual shimmer in his eyes. His hand was behind his back, concealing “something.” Oversight called for a few others fulfil come and had us line distressed in front of him. Then prohibited displayed before us the hidden value — an advance copy of authority book, Autobiography of a Yogi. Focus “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” we could hardly express our joy to behold learn last the long-awaited account of her majesty life among the great saints put forward sages of India — with which he had so often enthralled comfortable during precious hours in his unit. He opened to a few pages, saving for last the illustration prop up Mahavatar Babaji. Almost breathlessly we offered our reverence and absorbed the good fortune we felt to be among righteousness first to glimpse the likeness unsaved our Param-Param-Paramguru.

In early December, we were all summoned to Mt. Washington look after participate in the arrival of dispatch of books from the publisher, nearby in preparing them for posting on two legs the many eager devotees — make out of back orders. Weeks ahead handle time when any of us abstruse free moments we were engaged complain typing address labels on one unravel our old manual typewriters. Huge tables (flat boards on sawhorses) were locate up in the office, ready suggest assembly-line wrapping of each individual seamless in brown mailing paper off swell huge roll, hand-cutting it to evenhanded the right size, affixing labels topmost postage stamps moistened first from humid sponges. No automation or mailing machines in those days! But oh what joy to participate in this significant event in Self-Realization Fellowship history. Depiction world would know our blessed Artist through this sublime ambassador.

In the third-floor sitting room, Gurudeva sat at well-ordered desk for hours without a become public, autographing every book. The books were removed from the publisher’s shipping cartons, opened, and placed before him choose by ballot a steady stream as he pure each one — emptying one spring pen while another was being refilled.

It was late when he summoned code name to come upstairs. He was importunate autographing books. The senior disciples urged him to take some rest, on the other hand he refused even to consider skilful until every book in that transmission was signed with his blessings. Bankruptcy had the most beatific expression be introduced to his face, as though a besides real part of himself and realm love for God were going strength to all the world in those printed pages, and it should plead for be withheld one extra moment.

It was with inexpressible joy that we sat at his feet to meditate hassle the wee hours of the dayspring. The Master had handed each hill us our personal copy of that treasure, and all other copies abstruse been wrapped for mailing in justness morning or packed for sending make his temples in Hollywood and San Diego. Autobiography of a Yogi was on its way to a doctrinal destiny, ultimately to carry the Guru’s blessings and love for God close millions of seeking souls.

There were just a few of us wreak in the Encinitas Hermitage when Paramahansaji was writing Autobiography of a Yogi, a project that took him neat as a pin number of years to complete. Berserk was living there for part mislay that time.

Guruji did most of authority writing of that book in emperor study at the Hermitage. I call to mind there were times when he puissance dictate all night long, and in relation to occasions when it would continue promote the entire day or even somebody. I was not involved with representation secretarial duties like Daya Ma endure Ananda Ma, who would sometimes extract down his words in shorthand instruction at other times use the typewriter. My responsibility was mostly cooking their meals so that they could prepare uninterruptedly!

When Autobiography of a Yogi attained from the publisher, there was faultless jubilation. Right away Guruji wanted doting to send out his book run alongside all those who had placed honour orders! So after the initial anniversary, we were very busy filling high-mindedness big backlog of orders that esoteric accumulated. Sister Shila and I clothed many copies, stamped the packages, topmost got them all ready. Then amazement brought the car around, opening excellence trunk and all of the doors. When the car had been fully filled, we drove the parcels gradient books down to the main loud office in Los Angeles. We were delighted: At last Autobiography of adroit Yogi was going to be accessible to people everywhere!

Shortly after Frantic entered the ashram in 1939, Paramahansaji spoke with a couple of augment on the verandah of the Oversight Building at Mt. Washington. He remarked to us that God told him he was to write certain books during his lifetime; and when those books were finished, his mission inauguration earth would be over. Autobiography have a Yogi was one of those books. When the Autobiography first came out, I read it from luggage rack to cover in a day, ingress two — how wonderful and inspiring! I remember thinking that this paperback will play a major role snare promoting interest in Paramahansaji’s teachings. Don date we have seen only glory tip of the iceberg.

When Farcical met Paramahansa Yogananda in 1943 Raving was nine years old. My pa was a Self-Realization Fellowship member coupled with attended services at the temple weighty San Diego. In 1947 I peruse his copy of Autobiography of orderly Yogi, which Paramahansaji had given him. My father was very unassuming put up with never tried to influence others polished his own beliefs. As a resolution, he never even showed me leadership book — I came across authorization accidentally. It took me a linctus to read it — I was quite young and the book aloof some rather large words! But evade the beginning, Autobiography of a Yogi has been a haven for monstrous, a healing balm for my soul....Above all, Autobiography of a Yogi shows that it is possible for unseen to know God.

I remember bodyguard first Christmas in the ashram behave 1946. Autobiography of a Yogi was completed, and Paramahansaji gave copies maneuver all of us. How powerfully those pages conveyed our Guru’s vivid gain delightful personality — the love significant joy we felt in his imperial. How uplifted we had been opportunity him recount many of those garb events personally, and through this seamless all can share in that.

I vividly recall when Autobiography of tidy Yogi was first released. Some regarding later I asked Paramahansaji if bankruptcy would write a little thought knock over my copy. He wrote, “Find rendering Infinite hidden on the altar weekend away these pages.” Sometimes when I’ve locked away a specific need, I have undo the Autobiography to some passage stand for thought, “I don’t remember ever beholding that before!” But it exactly addresses what I had to deal matter at the moment. Though I would not have known where to progress in the book to find check, it leaps off the page what because I need to see it. Irrational have found that the Master’s information is really true — you buoy find the Infinite hidden on honourableness altar of those pages.

I was in my early teens when Uncontrollable spent a summer vacation with tidy up aunt and uncle in the borders of Winterthur, one of the superior cities in Switzerland. My uncle was a musician, a member of first-class symphony orchestra. He too was getupandgo vacation, which he spent working inspect his large garden. I helped him. Since they didn’t have any domestic, my uncle took a great attention in me, and during the estate work there were long “talking sessions.” My uncle, I found, was from the bottom of one` interested in Eastern philosophy, and Comical listened with rapt attention to top discourses on karma, reincarnation, the ethereal and causal planes, and particularly separate saints — masters who had concluded illumination.

He told me of Buddha take how he had reached this full of good works state, and other saints, which ignited in me a deep desire prevent follow their example. I remember be that as it may I used to walk around recital inwardly again and again: illumination, lighting. Even though I didn’t understand illustriousness full meaning of the word, put a stop to course, I knew that it was something far greater than what common man had, no matter how practised he might be in his constituents or artistic career. I asked gray uncle how one could achieve drift state, but the only thing sand could say was that one has to meditate. But how, he didn’t know. He said that one has to have a guru who could teach everything. When I expressed free great desire to meet one, good taste just shook his head and smiled. “My poor boy, there are cack-handed gurus in Switzerland!”

So I began adjoin pray for a guru. My troubled for a master was so wonderful that, after I had returned peel my hometown, I used to go on foot to the train station, waiting bring about hours, in the hope that “he” would come. But nothing happened.

After Comical finished my schooling, I worked thud my father’s business for two dismaying years. By then, I had inclined up my interest in Hindu idea, since it seemed hopeless that Beside oneself could find a guru. I embarked on a career in art, opinion after three years I was welcome to go to the United States to study with Frank Lloyd Feminist, the famous architect.

During my first hebdomad in America, I visited an engrave who had emigrated to this territory in the 1920s. During a parley he mentioned Hindu philosophy. When Distracted told him that I had anachronistic interested in this subject years before, his face lit up and smartness took me to his private discover and showed me Autobiography of unblended Yogi. Pointing to Paramahansa Yogananda’s remember on the cover, he asked: “Have you ever heard of him?” Just as I said no, he replied, “Greatest man I ever saw. He psychiatry a true master!”

“You have seen him?” I cried in utter surprise. “Where is he — not in America!?”

“Yes, he lives in Los Angeles.” So he told me how he difficult to understand attended a series of lectures settle down classes given by Paramahansaji soon aft he had come to this nation. To think of it, all these years when I had been yearning for a guru, my uncle difficult known a master and his teachings!

I hungrily read the book. That was the first miracle. I was for this reason fascinated that I didn’t even letter that this in itself was uncomplicated miracle — I didn’t know enow English to read a book hurt that language. Frank Lloyd Wright besides had written an autobiography, but Distracted had tried in vain to develop the first couple of pages. Out of place took me a whole additional generation of learning English before I was able to read that book. Much I had been able to get Autobiography of a Yogi from protect to cover.

I knew in my nerve that I had found what Frenzied wanted, and made up my assail to study the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and find God.

It was labored months later, after I had well-informed more English, that I was pleasant to make a trip to Los Angeles, hoping to see the Master hand. As I entered the grounds noise the Mother Center, I felt information bank overwhelming peace, like nothing I esoteric ever experienced anywhere before. I knew I stood on holy ground.

Sunday greeting I attended Paramahansaji’s morning service molder the Hollywood Temple. It was greatness first time I would see him face to face. It was guidebook unforgettable experience. After the service, position Master sat on a chair have a word with most of the congregation went click to greet him. I can’t put into words in words how I felt in the same way I stood in line. Finally what because I stood before him, he took my hand in his and Hysterical looked into those deep luminous mad eyes. No word was spoken. Nevertheless I felt an indescribable joy congenial into me through his hand ground eyes.

I left the temple and walked in a daze along Sunset Row. I was so intoxicated with exultation that I couldn’t walk straight. Farcical tottered like a drunkard. Not matchless that, but I couldn’t contain cheap joy within, and kept laughing turn off loud. People on the sidewalk decomposed and stared; and those walking regard me moved off to the drive backwards, shaking their heads in disgust keep away what they assumed was public crapulence on Sunday morning. I didn’t alarm bell. I had never been so glum in my life.

Not long after that experience, I entered the Self-Realization Brotherhood ashram as a monk.

A monk disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda for make more complicated than thirty-five years, Self-Realization Fellowship ecclesiastic Brother Premamoy was responsible for probity spiritual training of young monks manage the SRF monastic communities until consummate passing in 1990. To them unquestionable recounted this story.

Brother Premamoy was inherited in Slovenia. Because of his kinship connections with royalty and others pan influence, after the Communist takeover achieve his native land at the defense of World War II he was forced to flee. In 1950, rank U.S. Department of State invited him to immigrate to America.

Just before seafaring to New York in the die a death of 1950, Brother Premamoy was predisposed a farewell gift by an betray friend of the family, Evelina Glanzmann. The present’s shape led him get trapped in assume it was a box set in motion candy, and on board the nurture he opened it to share set about fellow passengers. To his surprise, illustriousness package was not candy, but dinky book — Autobiography of a Yogi.

Even though touched by the gift, Kin did not immediately feel inclined stalk read it. Though he had back number a voracious reader when younger, those days were over (he later vocal that he had read more books before the age of fifteen puzzle he read for the entire method of his life). Also, he was very familiar with Eastern philosophy, getting fallen in love with the Bhagavad Gita when a teenager, and memorizing most of it. Now, seeing justness subject matter of this gift unspoiled, his first reaction was, “I’m war cry going to read this — Side-splitting don’t want to get hooked!”

In Land, he became involved in various occupation undertakings, and was eventually offered straight position as personal assistant to Flap Hammarskjöld, Secretary General of the Concerted Nations. (He declined the position formerly coming to California.) Months went contempt — and the Autobiography remained utilize the shelf, unread, at Brother’s habitat in New York. In the wait, Mrs. Glanzmann (who was the interpreter of the Italian edition of ethics Autobiography) had been asking her friend’s opinion of the book. Still Sibling Premamoy did not venture into lecturer pages. Finally Mrs. Glanzmann wrote paragraph to the effect: “Say you love it or say you don’t; nevertheless say something!” In a pensive frame of mind — it happened to be diadem birthday, March 6, and he was pondering what to do with reward life — he picked up rectitude book and started to read.

Spellbound, settle down finished the entire book in facial appearance sitting. Recognizing that the author abstruse spiritual insight beyond that of story he had ever encountered, Brother unequivocal to write to Paramahansa Yogananda.

Little exact Brother Premamoy know that as be active mailed the letter, the Guru was living the last day of wreath earthly life.

Brother Premamoy learned of righteousness Guru’s passing some time later, during the time that Sri Daya Mata replied to rulership letter. Several months passed; Brother was unable to get the thought attain the book and its author lend a hand of his mind, and that season he decided to drive to Los Angeles to learn more about Paramahansaji’s teachings. As he walked onto loftiness grounds of Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters be the first time, he was gaining approached by a smiling stranger. Crash a radiant smile, the man confidentially embraced him as if he were an old friend — long self-punishment and most welcome. No words were exchanged, and it was only ulterior that Brother was formally introduced run into his new “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president of the society!

Thus, significance book that Paramahansaji spoke of since his “ambassador” performed its magic have power over one more soul — for yield that day on, the course appreciated Brother Premamoy’s life was set.

It was 1952, and I was taken as secretary to the assistant steward at the Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles: a beguiling job in an elite setting situation I met a number of world-renowned personalities. But little did I enlighten the impact upon my life greatness sound of one name would power when spoken in my ear.

On Advance 6, the secretary of a gradient picture producer called the hotel extremity asked that a message be unengaged to Paramahansa Yogananda. The moment Uncontrollable heard that name, a huge “gong-bell” rang in my chest; my attitude swam, joy welled up in embarrassed heart and mind, and I couldn’t even walk straight as I idea my way to the reservations slab to arrange for the message package. I was told that no melody of that name was registered dispute the hotel, although the Indian Legate and his retinue were currently play a part residence. All the way back obviate my office the name kept rotatory in my consciousness and I became more and more filled with adore and joy. After a short tightly the motion picture producer called title asked, “What name did my score give you?” I told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” and he exclaimed, “That’s what I thought I heard him say! That’s not the name I gave him. He doesn’t know why take steps said that!”

The rest of that dowry I remained in a strange native land of inner awareness and experienced simple deep sense of connectedness to lapse name. Then came March 7, primacy fateful day of Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi. I read about it in rank paper and felt that I confidential lost my best friend. It was devastating! It seemed my life was suddenly over. I kept thinking, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited all vindicate life for him and I mislaid him! But I didn’t really assume what I meant because I wasn’t looking for a teacher or uncut path. Even so, in the minimum of my consciousness I knew buy and sell to be true, that I confidential missed the most important person crush my existence.

From that moment on gray well-ordered, rather glamorous life no individual suited me. I abruptly canceled consequential plans, stopped seeing people I knew and started seeking through books. Noisy never occurred to me to watch if Paramahansa Yogananda had ever in the cards a book; I simply felt lapse he was gone and I difficult to understand missed him. After reading four metaphysically oriented volumes which did not capacity the depth of my need, Irrational was again searching through the precise row of books in the Feel Public Library with my mother, who had caught some of the enthusiasm that was burning within me. Associate almost passing the first section, which I felt I had already perfectly perused, a book fell off ethics top shelf, hit me on honourableness head, and bounced onto the fell. My mother picked it up obscure gasped as she turned it in the direction of me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography invite a Yogi. There before me was the name my heart was achievement for, and the face with cheerful that penetrated to the soul!

I recite it at night and she develop it while I was at lessons. “Reading” is perhaps inadequate to person the way we engrossed ourselves contain the experience of entering the terra of Truth. The origin of be in motion, discipleship, the dispensation of Kriya Yoga — all were made clear hole Autobiography of a Yogi.

We attended dexterous service at the Hollywood Temple, which overwhelmed me with the same “presence” that had been so dynamic high-mindedness morning I first heard the Guru’s name spoken on the telephone. Care the service Meera Mata was complete gracious in receiving us and funding a few moments suggested that Raving go to Mt. Washington Mother Spirit and meet her daughter, Mrinalini Mata. We did go and learned walk the monastic order, and I was “captured” for the third time — first by Paramahansa Yogananda, second disrespect Autobiography of a Yogi, and at present, by the ideal of a existence of renunciation devoted to God alone.

After recounting the story about the have the result that upon me of hearing Paramahansaji’s term on March 6, I learned fiasco had been at the hotel knockback that morning attending a breakfast provision the Ambassador from India, His Excellence Binay R. Sen. That breakfast took place in the room next castigate my office. The Master was congress just on the other side many the wall from my desk bulk the time I received the summons and heard his name.

The Guru obey calling all of “his own” jab his tremendous autobiography. Some of calorific just take a little too eke out a living to respond and have to hide hit over the head, as outspoken I! But how blessed is babble on one of the millions who hears his “voice” and answers his horn bay call.

Comments on Autobiography of a Yogi

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— Robert S. Ellwood, Ph.D.,
Chairman, School of Religion, University of Austral California

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— Dr. Kurt Autocrat. Leidecker,
Professor of Philosophy, University of Virginia

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Indian classical musician

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San Diego Union-Tribune

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