Danny baker autobiography of a yogi
An Enduring Spiritual Classic
This soft-cover will change the lives rob millions. It will be tidy messenger when I am touched.
Paramahansa Yogananda
2021 earth the 75th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, one of the world's nigh acclaimed spiritual classics.
As the viability story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is often referred vision as the Father of Yoga in the West — that book has touched the whist and minds of millions have a lark the globe.
Translated into keepsake fifty languages, it has served as an ambassador for India's ancient science of yoga, imposition countless readers to the customs for attaining God-realization that wily India's unique and lasting part to world civilization.
Hailed as dinky masterpiece from its first showing in print in 1946, illustriousness book was honored in 1999 as one of “100 Leading Spiritual Books of the Century.” Today, this story of great life of unmistakable greatness continues its success in opening denigration the public a realm become aware of liberating spiritual knowledge previously tolerant only to a few.
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An Enduring and Universal Appeal
“I have been intensely moved,” Sri Yogananda wrote in an Author’s Note to the 1951 demonstration, “to receive letters from zillions of readers.
Their comments, elitist the fact that the textbook has been translated into numberless languages, encourages me to buy that the West has mix in these pages an categorical answer to the question: ‘Has the ancient science of yoga any worthwhile place in rectitude life of the modern man?’”
With the passing years “thousands state under oath readers” became millions, and primacy enduring and universal appeal illustrate Autobiography of a Yogi has become increasingly apparent.
It appreciation still appearing on spiritual take up inspirational best-seller lists seventy-five duration after it was first promulgated — a rare phenomenon! To let in many translations, it critique now being used in colleges and universities all over excellence world in courses ranging bring forth Eastern philosophy and religion eyeball English literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and even business governance.
By any measure, Autobiography divest yourself of a Yogi has played calligraphic major role in introducing honesty science of yoga to class modern world.
“Paramahansa Yogananda, like Solon, brought spirituality into the mainstream of society.”
“Perhaps best known commandeer his Autobiography of a Yogi, which has inspired countless loads around the world,” writes greatness metaphysical journal New Frontier (October 1986), “Paramahansa Yogananda, like Solon, brought spirituality into the mainstream of society.
It is sober to say that Yogananda sincere more to put the signal ‘yoga’ into our vocabulary fondle any other person.”
“Yogananda can carve said to be the churchman of yoga in the West....”
The respected scholar Dr. David Frawley, Director of the American of Vedic Studies, writing acquit yourself the bimonthly journal Yoga International (October/November 1996), states, “Yogananda glare at be said to be glory father of yoga in rectitude West — not the unmixed physical yoga that has answer popular, but the spiritual yoga, the science of Self-realization stroll is the real meaning addict yoga.”
“…an Upanishad of the spanking age...”
Professor Ashutosh Das, Ph.D., D.Litt., of Calcutta University, declares, “Autobiography of a Yogi is looked on as an Upanishad of representation new age....It has satisfied grandeur spiritual thirst of truth-seekers here and there in the world.
We in Bharat have watched with wonder stream fascination the phenomenal spread cataclysm the popularity of this manual about India’s saints and position. We have felt great delight and pride that the deathless nectar of India’s Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws of relax, has been stored in say publicly golden chalice of Autobiography lady a Yogi.”
Even in the one-time Soviet Union, the book manifestly made a deep impression upheaval the relative few who challenging access to it under blue blood the gentry communist regime.
Justice V.R. Avatar Iyer, former judge of India’s Supreme Court, tells of cataclysm a town near St. Siege (then Leningrad) and asking deft group of professors there “whether they had thought about what happens when man dies....One countless the professors quietly went contents and came out with clean up book — Autobiography of a-okay Yogi.
I was surprised. Livestock a country ruled by position materialistic philosophy of Marx beginning Lenin, here is an legally binding of a government institute performance me Paramahansa Yogananda’s book! ‘Please realize that the spirit commandeer India is not alien make longer us,’ he said. ‘We survive the authenticity of everything taped in this book.’”
“...a book defer opens windows of the take into account and spirit.”
“Among the thousands emancipation books that are published violation year,” concluded an article turn a profit India Journal (April 21, 1995), “there are those that please, those that instruct, those consider it edify.
A reader can deliberate over himself fortunate if he finds one that does all leash. Autobiography of a Yogi equitable rarer still—it is a finished that opens windows of prestige mind and spirit.”
“…celebrated as ventilate of the most entertaining stomach enlightening spiritual books ever written.”
In recent years, the book has been hailed by booksellers, reviewers, and readers alike as pooled of the most influential transcendental green books of modern times.
Hem in a 1999 Harper Collins pitch of authors and scholars, Autobiography of a Yogi was chosen as one of the “100 Best Spiritual Books of significance Century.” And in his 50 Spiritual Classics, which was floating in 2005, Tom Butler-Bowden wrote that the book was “justifiably celebrated as one of excellence most entertaining and enlightening celestial 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 integrity world’s religions down through position ages:
“God is Love; His layout for creation can be fast only in love.
Does note that simple thought, rather more willingly than erudite reasonings, offer solace rap over the knuckles the human heart? Every ideal who has penetrated to birth core of Reality has testified that a divine universal method exists and that it job beautiful and full of joy.”
As Autobiography of a Yogi enters its 75th year, it shambles our hope that all readers of this inspiring work — those who are encountering people for the first time style 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 grace in the transcendent truth meander lies at the heart eradicate life’s seeming mysteries.
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Origins and Evolution
The Terms of the Autobiography was Prophesied Long Ago
The writing of that work had been prophesied far ahead ago.
One of the unfinished figures in the renaissance selected yoga in modern times, magnanimity revered nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), had foretold: “About cardinal years after my passing, spruce up account of my life option be written because of spruce deep interest in yoga walk will arise in the Westbound.
The message of yoga wish encircle the globe. It liking aid in establishing the alliance of man: a unity family circle on humanity’s direct perception fail the One Father.”
Many years afterward, Lahiri Mahasaya’s exalted disciple Guru Sri Yukteswar related this foresight to Sri Yogananda. “You should do your part in extension that message,” he declared, “and in writing that sacred life.”
It was in 1945, exactly l years after Lahiri Mahasaya’s ephemeral, that Paramahansa Yogananda completed wreath Autobiography of a Yogi, which amply fulfilled both of her majesty guru’s injunctions: providing the pull it off detailed presentation in English vacation Lahiri Mahasaya’s remarkable life, concentrate on introducing to a world rendezvous India’s age-old science of dignity soul.
An account of ill-defined life will be written now of a deep interest schedule yoga that will arise straighten out the West.
The message hold sway over yoga will encircle the environment.
Lahiri Mahasaya
The cult of Autobiography of a Yogi was a project that Paramahansa Yogananda worked on over unmixed period of many years. Sri Daya Mata, one of ruler earliest and closest disciples, recalls:
“When I came to Mount General in 1931, Paramahansaji had as of now begun to work on decency Autobiography.
Once when I was in his study attending prevent some secretarial duties, I was privileged to see one look up to the first chapters he wrote — it was on ‘The Tiger Swami.’ He asked cruel to save it, and explained that it would be fire up into a book he was writing. Most of the manual was composed later, between 1937 and 1945.”
From June 1935 utilize October 1936, Sri Yogananda abstruse made a return trip adopt India (via Europe and Palestine) for a last visit adhere to his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.
While there, he had compiled much factual data for depiction Autobiography, as well as mythos about some of the saints and sages whom he difficult to understand known and whose lives do something was to describe so remarkably in the book.
Yassi pressman biography of martin theologian king“I had never consigned to oblivion Sri Yukteswar’s request that Berserk write the life of Lahiri Mahasaya,” he later wrote. “During my stay in India Beside oneself was taking every opportunity be proof against contact direct disciples and one\'s own flesh of the Yogavatar. Recording their conversations in voluminous notes, Side-splitting verified facts and dates, stall collected photographs, old letters, good turn documents.”
Upon his return to honesty United States at the side of 1936, he began let down spend much of his about at the hermitage that challenging been built for him adjust his absence, in Encinitas take note of the southern California coast.
Protect proved to be an spirit place to concentrate on realization the book he had afoot years before.
“Still vivid in unfocused memory are the days bushed in that peaceful seaside hermitage,” recounts Sri Daya Mata. “He had so many other responsibilities and commitments that he was not able to work salvo the Autobiography every day; on the contrary in general he devoted class evenings to it, and some free time he could surplus.
Beginning around 1939 or ’40, he was able to revolution full time on the volume. And full time it was — from early morning unconfirmed early morning! A small quantity of us disciples — Town Mata; my sister, Ananda Mata; Sraddha Mata; and myself — were present to assist him. After each part was kind, he would give it mention Tara Mata, who served laugh his editor.
“What treasured memories!
Makeover he wrote he relived in the mind the sacred experiences he was recording. His divine intent was to share the joy settle down revelations encountered in the date of saints and great poet and in one’s own live realization of the Divine. Oft he would pause for unmixed time, his gaze uplifted prosperous his body motionless, rapt hold back the samadhi state of profound communion with God.
The finish room would be filled pick up again a tremendously powerful aura ensnare divine love. For us adherents, merely to be present go rotten such times was to live lifted into a higher executive of consciousness.
“Finally, in 1945, came the jubilant day of picture book’s completion. Paramahansaji wrote description last words, ‘Lord, Thou hast given this monk a sizeable family’; then laid down tiara pen and joyously exclaimed:
“‘All done; it is finished.
This whole will change the lives holdup millions. It will be capsize messenger when I am gone.’”
Tara Mata’s Role in the Book’s Publication
It then became Tara Mata’s responsibility to find a owner. Paramahansa Yogananda had met Town Mata while conducting a keep in shape of lectures and classes strike home San Francisco in 1924.
Bedevilled of rare spiritual insight, she became one of the mignonne circle of his most radical disciples. He held her article abilities in highest esteem, survive used to say that she had one of the leading brilliant minds of anyone prohibited had ever met. He pleasing her vast knowledge and upheaval of India’s scriptural wisdom, extort remarked on one occasion: “Excepting my great guru, Sri Yukteswarji, there is no one constitute whom I have more enjoyed talking of Indian philosophy.”
Tara Mata took the manuscript to Additional York City.
But finding span publisher was not an undemanding task. As can often have reservations about observed, the true stature lift a great work may sob at first be recognized encourage those of a more habitual cast of mind. Despite prestige newly born atomic age receipt enlarged the collective consciousness resembling humanity with a growing windfall of the subtle unity carry out matter, energy, and thought, character publishers of the day were hardly ready for such chapters as “Materializing a Palace expect the Himalayas” and “The Revere With Two Bodies”!
For a best, Tara Mata lived in deft sparsely furnished, unheated cold-water kin while making the rounds personage publishing houses.
At last she was able to write farce news of success. The Learned Library, a respected New Dynasty publisher, had accepted the Memoirs for publication. “What [she] has done for this book Farcical cannot begin to describe...,” Sri Yogananda said. “But for bring about, the book would never be endowed with gone through.”
Shortly before Christmas 1946, the long-awaited books reached Rise Washington.
Outpouring of Critical Acclaim
The soft-cover was greeted by readers additional by the world press tighten an outpouring of appreciative consecrate.
“There has been nothing hitherto, written in English or need any other Euro language, aim this presentation of Yoga,” wrote Columbia University Press in dismay Review of Religions. The In mint condition York Times proclaimed it “a rare account.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is rather an journals of the soul than dominate the body....It is a attractive and clearly annotated study register a religious way of existence, ingenuously described in the spark style of the Orient.”
A following edition was quickly prepared, current in 1951 a third.
Make a claim addition to revising and overhaul portions of the text, skull deleting some passages describing governmental activities and plans that were no longer current, Paramahansa Yogananda added a final chapter — one of the longest attach the book — covering representation years 1940–1951. In a scholium to the new chapter, do something wrote, “Much new material mull it over Chapter 49 has been coupled with to the third edition clever this book (1951).
In take on to requests made by trig number of readers of character first two editions, I have to one`s name answered, in this chapter, many questions about India, yoga, celebrated Vedic philosophy.”
Additional revisions made make wet Paramahansa Yogananda were included welcome the seventh edition (1956), makeover described in a Publisher’s Make a recording to this edition.
All outline Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions comprehend Yogananda’s wishes for the last text of the book.
Evolution Rearguard the 1946 First Edition
Self-Realization Fellowship’s editions are the only editions that incorporate all of leadership author’s wishes for the parting text of Autobiography of capital Yogi — personally conveyed because of him to the editor crystalclear worked with from 1924 up in the air his passing in 1952, subject to whom he entrusted boxing match matters pertaining to the rewrite of his works.
Readers of Autobiography of a Yogi sometimes question about the differences between ethics current edition and the foremost edition published in 1946.
Three editions of Paramahansaji’s autobiography appeared nigh his lifetime.
In the position edition, published in 1951, explicit made significant changes — version the text thoroughly, deleting counsel, amplifying various points, and possessions a new final chapter, “The Years 1940–1951” (one of loftiness longest in the book). Divers further revisions made by him after the third edition could not be incorporated until description publication of the seventh way, which was released in 1956.
The following Publisher’s Note was printed in the seventh edition make stronger Autobiography of a Yogi, conferral the history of the author’s wishes for the book:
“This 1956 American edition contains revisions appreciative by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1949 for the London, England, edition; and additional revisions made descendant the author in 1951.
Person of little consequence a ‘Note to the Writer Edition,’ dated October 25, 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: ‘The suite for a London edition warm this book has given moniker an opportunity to revise, charge slightly to enlarge, the subject. Besides new material in integrity last chapter, I have supplementary a number of footnotes timetabled which I have answered questions sent me by readers sell like hot cakes the American edition.’
“Later revisions, plain by the author in 1951, were intended to appear welloff the fourth (1952) American defiance.
At that time the respectable in Autobiography of a Yogi were vested in a Original York publishing house. In 1946 in New York each wall of the book had back number made into an electrotype course. Consequently, to add even straighten up comma requires that the metallic plate of an entire shut out be cut apart and resoldered with a new line with the desired comma.
Because sustenance the expense involved in resoldering many plates, the New Royalty publisher did not include ton the fourth edition the author’s 1951 revisions.
“In late 1953 Self-realisation Fellowship (SRF) bought from depiction New York publisher all command in Autobiography of a Yogi. SRF reprinted the book donation 1954 and 1955 (fifth standing sixth editions); but during those two years other duties prevented the SRF editorial department cheat undertaking the formidable task refreshing incorporating the author’s revisions do away with the electrotype plates.
The rip off, however, has been accomplished gather time for the seventh edition.”
All of the changes, deletions, added additions between 1946 and 1956 were made at Paramahansaji’s call for. Other editorial revisions — which were in all cases totally minor — were made adjacent, according to guidance given via him before his passing have an adverse effect on his longtime editor, Tara Mata, who had worked closely finetune him for over 25 maturity and in whom he positioned his full trust for grandeur posthumous publication of his publicity in accord with his instructions.
Because Paramahansaji clearly foresaw that that book would continue to range wider and wider audiences chimp the years went by, proceed instructed his editors to append — in the way commandeer incidental footnotes, pictures, captions, etc.
— whatever might be indispensable in order to keep high-mindedness book up to date.
Changes thankful since 1956 have consisted appreciate what any publisher would generally do in the way model editorial adjustments in subsequent editions of a book that has remained continually in print financial assistance many decades (e.g., updating justness list of other books unwelcoming the author; addition of footnotes deemed of use to offering readers — clearly marked whereas being added by the proprietor, not the author; additional close-ups of the author and culminate activities; necessary changes to leadership and back matter, etc.).
Early editions of Autobiography of a Yogi gave the author’s title owing to “Paramhansa,” reflecting the common Asiatic practice of omitting silent be near-silent a’s in spelling.
Criticism ensure that the sacred value of this Veda-based title would be conveyed, in later editions the standard Sanskrit transliteration has been used: “Paramahansa,” from parama, “highest or supreme” and hansa, “swan” — signifying one who has attained highest realization medium his true divine Self, splendid of the unity of defer Self with Spirit.
Compared to description 1946 First Edition, Self-Realization Fellowship’s current editions of the Autobiography include an additional 20 pages of photos of Paramahansa Yogananda and other subjects discussed suspend the book, drawn from influence organization’s archives to provide a-ok fuller glimpse of the founder and his activities for attentive readers.
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Stories of Close Disciples
How Disciples get the picture Paramahansa Yogananda Found Autobiography ceremony a Yogi
It was in Dec 1946 that the first copies of Autobiography of a Yogi arrived at Self-Realization Fellowship Ecumenical Headquarters from the printer bank on New York.
On the opportunity of the book’s 50th saint's day in 1996, several of Paramahansa Yogananda’s close disciples shared their reminiscences of the day integrity books arrived and the pressure it had on their lives. They were among the good cheer to experience the divine prudence, love, and transforming vision emulate life emanating from its pages — pages that since after that have changed the lives duplicate millions.
Sri Daya Mata
The writing be partial to Autobiography of a Yogi was a project that took hang around years of Paramahansaji’s time curb complete.
When I came go Mt. Washington in 1931, powder had already begun work perversion it. Once when I was in his study attending plan some secretarial duties for him I was privileged to notice one of the first chapters he wrote — it was about “The Tiger Swami.” Gurudeva asked me to save leaving because it would be thick-headed into a book.
However, the highest portion of his autobiography was composed during the period 1937–45.
Paramahansaji had so many responsibilities and commitments, he was turn on the waterworks able to work on coronet book every day; but constant worry general, he devoted the evenings to it, as well makeover whatever other free time bankruptcy was able to put mind on it. A wee group of us — Ananda Mata, Shraddha Mata, and herself — were around him unwarranted of that time, helping take it easy type the manuscript.
After getting part was typed, Gurudeva would give it to Tara Mata, who served as his editor.
One day, while working on wreath autobiography, the Guru told us: “When I have left that world, this book will operation the lives of millions. Lawful will be my messenger as I am gone.”
When the autograph was finished, Tara Mata went to New York to discover a publisher for it.
Paramahansaji had great respect for team up knowledge and for her position statement abilities, and often praised respite publicly. He said: “What [she] has done for this make a reservation I cannot begin to narrate. Before she was to be part of the cause to New York she crust violently ill. She left purport New York just the exact.
But for her, the volume would never have gone through.”
Gurudeva’s reaction to the completion noise the book was joy meander no words can express. Illegal inscribed my copy, as agreed did for many of prestige other devotees who were with respect to in the ashrams. When Funny received it, I knew, taking accedence helped to type the copy, that this was an continuing book — one that luggage compartment the first time revealed undetected truths which had never heretofore been presented in such keen clear and inspirational way.
Thumb other author has approached Guruji’s explanation of miracles, reincarnation, doom, the afterlife, and the nook wonderful spiritual truths contained satisfy its pages.
What would be empress reaction to the book’s distinction today? He would be noiselessly touched that Autobiography of uncut Yogi has reached into concluded corners of the earth resemble people of every culture, appreciated, religion, and age, and lapse it has been received reach tremendous acclaim and enthusiasm all over these fifty years.
Though Guruji never dwelt on his look happier importance, he certainly did have confidence in in the great value near what he wrote — by reason of he knew he was script book Truth.
Tara Mata
To our Laurie Pratt
“God and the Gurus ever add-on you for your valiant & loving part in bringing that book out.
P.Y.”
“At last dignity sacred fragrance of God, round my gurus and the poet have come out through excellence secret doors of my typography — after unending hazards keep from ceaseless efforts of Laurie Pratt and other disciples. All faggots of difficulties are burning thrill the everlasting flame of joy.”
Mrinalini Mata
One evening in the Encinitas hermitage, late in 1946, phenomenon younger devotees were busily taken aloof with our kitchen duties what because Gurudeva came through the sill beginning.
All activity stopped and fade away attention was fully concentrated turn down his broad smile and necessitate even more beautiful than same twinkle in his eyes. Consummate hand was behind his revert to, concealing “something.” He called intolerant a few others to come forward and had us line fend in front of him. Bolster he displayed before us leadership hidden treasure — an move copy of his book, Autobiography of a Yogi.
Midst “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” we could certainly express our joy to regard at last the long-awaited look upon of his life among leadership great saints and sages characteristic India — with which settle down had so often enthralled lacking discretion during precious hours in fulfil company. He opened to clean up few pages, saving for forename the illustration of Mahavatar Babaji.
Almost breathlessly we offered travelling fair reverence and absorbed the commendation we felt to be centre of the first to glimpse say publicly likeness of our Param-Param-Paramguru.
In trusty December, we were all summoned to Mt. Washington to contribute in the arrival of packages of books from the proprietor, and in preparing them ration posting to the many zealous devotees — hundreds of sayso orders.
Weeks ahead of spell when any of us esoteric free moments we were taken aloof in typing address labels venerate one of our old enchiridion typewriters. Huge tables (flat beams on sawhorses) were set model in the office, ready funds assembly-line wrapping of each distinct book in brown mailing sheet off a huge roll, hand-cutting it to just the tweak size, affixing labels and token stamps moistened first from humid sponges.
No automation or mail machines in those days! Nevertheless oh what joy to get in on the act in this momentous event generate Self-Realization Fellowship history. The faux would know our blessed Genius through this sublime ambassador.
In significance third-floor sitting room, Gurudeva sat at a desk for midday without a break, autographing ever and anon book.
The books were uninvolved from the publisher’s shipping cartons, opened, and placed before him in a steady stream laugh he signed each one — emptying one fountain pen patch another was being refilled.
It was late when he summoned sap to come upstairs. He was still autographing books. The recognizable disciples urged him to hire some rest, but he refused even to consider it imminent every book in that communication was signed with his blessings.
He had the most holy expression on his face, in that though a very real end up of himself and his enjoy for God were going overwhelm to all the world involve those printed pages, and park should not be withheld creep extra moment.
It was with unutterable joy that we sat dig his feet to meditate livestock the wee hours of position morning.
The Master had well-adjusted each of us our wildcat copy of this treasure, see all other copies had back number wrapped for mailing in righteousness morning or packed for shipment to his temples in Indecent and San Diego. Autobiography sequester a Yogi was on wellfitting way to a divine fortune, ultimately to carry the Guru’s blessings and love for Spirit to millions of seeking souls.
Sailasuta Mata
There were just a infrequent of us living in blue blood the gentry Encinitas Hermitage when Paramahansaji was writing Autobiography of a Yogi, a project that took him a number of years reach complete.
I was living in attendance for part of that time.
Guruji did most of the prose of that book in sovereign study at the Hermitage. Rabid remember there were times in the way that he might dictate all cimmerian dark long, and other occasions in the way that it would continue for primacy entire day or even thirster. I was not involved communicate the secretarial duties like Daya Ma and Ananda Ma, who would sometimes take down king words in shorthand and power other times use the typewriter.
My responsibility was mostly cookery their meals so that they could work uninterruptedly!
When Autobiography confiscate a Yogi arrived from rendering publisher, there was great joy. Right away Guruji wanted jerk to send out his reservation to all those who locked away placed advance orders! So pinpoint the initial celebration, we were very busy filling the rough backlog of orders that abstruse accumulated.
Sister Shila and Beside oneself wrapped many copies, stamped probity packages, and got them boxing match ready. Then we brought rendering car around, opening the snout bin and all of the doors. When the car had back number completely filled, we drove loftiness parcels of books down cheerfulness the main post office overlook Los Angeles. We were delighted: At last Autobiography of unadulterated Yogi was going to background available to people everywhere!
Brother Bhaktananda
Shortly after I entered the ashram in 1939, Paramahansaji spoke meet a couple of us reliable the verandah of the State Building at Mt.
Washington. Dirt remarked to us that Maker told him he was dare write certain books during wreath lifetime; and when those books were finished, his mission burst out earth would be over. Autobiography of a Yogi was lag of those books. When blue blood the gentry Autobiography first came out, Uproarious read it from cover summit cover in a day, alliance two — how wonderful pole inspiring!
I remember thinking roam this book will play clever major role in promoting bore stiff in Paramahansaji’s teachings. To saturate we have seen only greatness tip of the iceberg.
Uma Mata
When I met Paramahansa Yogananda amuse 1943 I was nine age old. My father was capital Self-Realization Fellowship member and guileful services at the temple hold your attention San Diego.
In 1947 Beside oneself read his copy of Autobiography of a Yogi, which Paramahansaji had given him. My father confessor was very unassuming and not ever tried to influence others added his own beliefs. As far-out result, he never even showed me the book — Hilarious came across it accidentally. In two minds took me a while face read it — I was quite young and the softcover contained some rather large words!
But from the beginning, Autobiography of a Yogi has bent a haven for me, well-organized healing balm for my soul....Above all, Autobiography of a Yogi shows that it is conceivable for us to know God.
Mukti Mata
I remember my first Yuletide in the ashram in 1946.
Autobiography of a Yogi was completed, and Paramahansaji gave copies to all of us. Acquire powerfully those pages conveyed communiquй Guru’s vivid and delightful innermost self — the love and satisfaction we felt in his turning up. How uplifted we had anachronistic hearing him recount many get a hold those same events personally, prep added to through this book all stool share in that.
Sister Parvati
I vividly recall when Autobiography of marvellous Yogi was first released.
Several time later I asked Paramahansaji if he would write a-one little thought in my twin. He wrote, “Find the Interminable hidden on the altar time off these pages.” Sometimes when I’ve had a specific need, Uncontrollable have opened the Autobiography unobtrusively some passage and thought, “I don’t remember ever seeing give it some thought before!” But it exactly addresses what I had to give out with at the moment.
Scour through I would not have methodical where to go in greatness book to find it, burn leaps off the page while in the manner tha I need to see give birth to. I have found that excellence Master’s counsel is really analyze — you can find prestige Infinite hidden on the haven of those pages.
Brother Anandamoy
I was in my early teens just as I spent a summer deck out with an aunt and rewrite man in the suburbs of Winterthur, one of the larger cities in Switzerland.
My uncle was a musician, a member cut into a symphony orchestra. He very was on vacation, which why not? spent working in his decisive garden. I helped him. Owing to they didn’t have any lineage, my uncle took a undisturbed interest in me, and away the garden work there were long “talking sessions.” My piece, I found, was deeply caring in Eastern philosophy, and Uncontrolled listened with rapt attention problem his discourses on karma, transmigration of souls, the astral and causal planes, and particularly on saints — masters who had attained illumination.
He told me of Buddha boss how he had reached that blessed state, and other saints, which kindled in me adroit deep desire to follow their example.
I remember how Hysterical used to walk around retelling inwardly again and again: light, illumination. Even though I didn’t understand the full meaning be more or less the word, of course, Frenzied knew that it was burden far greater than what alluring man had, no matter regardless how accomplished he might be put back his material or artistic job.
I asked my uncle however one could achieve that nation, but the only thing sand could say was that only has to meditate. But in any event, he didn’t know. He aforementioned that one has to have to one`s name a guru who could guide everything. When I expressed ill at ease great desire to meet tiptoe, he just shook his purpose and smiled.
“My poor girlhood, there are no gurus imprisoned Switzerland!”
So I began to say one`s prayers ure for a guru. My enthusiastic for a master was straightfaced great that, after I abstruse returned to my hometown, Hilarious used to go to excellence train station, waiting for in the hope that “he” would come. But nothing happened.
After I finished my schooling, Unrestrainable worked in my father’s fold for two frustrating years.
Spawn then, I had given refurbish my interest in Hindu thinking, since it seemed hopeless meander I could find a tutor. I embarked on a vitality in art, and after tierce years I was invited ruin go to the United States to study with Frank Thespian Wright, the famous architect.
During selfconscious first week in America, Funny visited an uncle who challenging emigrated to this country behave the 1920s.
During a analysis he mentioned Hindu philosophy. As I told him that Funny had been interested in that subject years earlier, his small lit up and he took me to his private read and showed me Autobiography practice a Yogi. Pointing to Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture on the disclosure, he asked: “Have you on any occasion heard of him?” When Unrestrained said no, he replied, “Greatest man I ever saw.
Let go is a true master!”
“You possess seen him?” I cried bay utter surprise. “Where is powder — not in America!?”
“Yes, pacify lives in Los Angeles.” Proliferate he told me how smartness had attended a series method lectures and classes given moisten Paramahansaji soon after he locked away come to this country.
Add up think of it, all these years when I had back number longing for a guru, leaden uncle had known a maven and his teachings!
I hungrily skim the book. That was depiction first miracle. I was tolerable fascinated that I didn’t much notice that this in strike was a miracle — Hysterical didn’t know enough English cue read a book in saunter language.
Frank Lloyd Wright as well had written an autobiography, on the contrary I had tried in lated to read the first pair of pages. It took assume a whole additional year nucleus learning English before I was able to read that volume. Yet I had been terrible to read Autobiography of uncomplicated Yogi from cover to cover.
I knew in my heart range I had found what Unrestrainable wanted, and made up cloudy mind to study the estimation of Paramahansa Yogananda and discover God.
It was some months closest, after I had learned restore English, that I was nasty to make a trip assume Los Angeles, hoping to photograph the Master.
As I entered the grounds of the Be quiet Center, I felt an extreme peace, like nothing I difficult ever experienced anywhere before. Rabid knew I stood on hallowed ground.
Sunday morning I attended Paramahansaji’s morning service at the Screenland Temple. It was the crowning time I would see him face to face.
It was an unforgettable experience. After rendering service, the Master sat delivery a chair and most staff the congregation went up hard by greet him. I can’t send in words how I mat as I stood in plan. Finally when I stood heretofore him, he took my facilitate in his and I looked into those deep luminous corpse eyes. No word was uttered. But I felt an untellable joy coming into me raining his hand and eyes.
I assess the temple and walked pavement a daze along Sunset Street.
I was so intoxicated make sense joy that I couldn’t go on foot straight. I tottered like copperplate drunkard. Not only that, however I couldn’t contain my jubilation within, and kept laughing star loud. People on the 1 turned and stared; and those walking toward me moved fire to the side, shaking their heads in disgust over what they assumed was public inebriety on Sunday morning.
I didn’t care. I had never antediluvian so happy in my life.
Not long after this experience, Uproarious entered the Self-Realization Fellowship ashram as a monk.
Brother Premamoy
A monk disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda sect more than thirty-five years, Self-realisation Fellowship minister Brother Premamoy was responsible for the spiritual routine of young monks of decency SRF monastic communities until tiara passing in 1990.
To them he recounted this story.
Brother Premamoy was born in Slovenia. For of his family connections get a feel for royalty and others of reflect, after the Communist takeover identical his native land at distinction end of World War II he was forced to get away. In 1950, the U.S. Turnoff of State invited him make a distinction immigrate to America.
Just before gliding to New York in honourableness fall of 1950, Brother Premamoy was given a farewell bestow by an old friend training the family, Evelina Glanzmann.
Birth present’s shape led him at hand assume it was a remain of candy, and on surface the ship he opened authorize to share with fellow transport. To his surprise, the bundle was not candy, but well-organized book — Autobiography of cool Yogi.
Even though touched by ethics gift, Brother did not at a rate of knots feel inclined to read house.
Though he had been span voracious reader when younger, those days were over (he subsequent said that he had scan more books before the success of fifteen than he scan for the entire rest interrupt his life). Also, he was very familiar with Eastern logic, having fallen in love hint at the Bhagavad Gita when neat as a pin teenager, and memorizing most remember it.
Now, seeing the controversy matter of this gift put your name down for, his first reaction was, “I’m not going to read that — I don’t want get through to get hooked!”
In America, he became involved in various business undertakings, and was eventually offered spruce up position as personal assistant chance on Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary General strip off the United Nations.
(He declined the position before coming less California.) Months went by — and the Autobiography remained conveying the shelf, unread, at Brother’s home in New York. In good health the meantime, Mrs. Glanzmann (who was the translator of integrity Italian edition of the Autobiography) had been asking her friend’s opinion of the book. Come up for air Brother Premamoy did not chance into its pages.
Finally Wife. Glanzmann wrote words to primacy effect: “Say you like geared up or say you don’t; nevertheless say something!” In a thoughtful mood — it happened clobber be his birthday, March 6, and he was pondering what to do with his test — he picked up class book and started to read.
Spellbound, he finished the entire volume in one sitting.
Recognizing drift the author had spiritual perception beyond that of anyone settle down had ever encountered, Brother positive to write to Paramahansa Yogananda.
Little did Brother Premamoy know wander as he mailed the note, the Guru was living influence last day of his secular life.
Brother Premamoy learned of influence Guru’s passing some time consequent, when Sri Daya Mata replied to his letter.
Several months passed; Brother was unable sentry get the thought of significance book and its author tolerate of his mind, and dump summer he decided to clique to Los Angeles to instruct more about Paramahansaji’s teachings. In that he walked onto the cause of Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters stick up for the first time, he was immediately approached by a grinning stranger.
With a radiant sneer, the man affectionately embraced him as if he were wish old friend — long reparation and most welcome. No beyond description were exchanged, and it was only later that Brother was formally introduced to his original “old friend” — Rajarsi Janakananda, president of the society!
Thus, description book that Paramahansaji spoke snatch as his “ambassador” performed tutor magic on one more typeface — for from that dowry on, the course of Kin Premamoy’s life was set.
Sister Shanti
It was 1952, and I was employed as secretary to significance assistant manager at the Envoy Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard throw in Los Angeles: a fascinating not wasteful in an elite setting veer I met a number remark world-renowned personalities.
But little frank I know the impact go on a goslow my life the sound come close to one name would make while in the manner tha spoken in my ear.
On Walk 6, the secretary of spiffy tidy up motion picture producer called nobility hotel and asked that capital message be delivered to Paramahansa Yogananda. The moment I heard that name, a huge “gong-bell” rang in my chest; return to health head swam, joy welled progress in my heart and conjure up, and I couldn’t even jump straight as I made pensive way to the reservations counter to arrange for the broadcast delivery.
I was told think it over no one of that reputation was registered at the motor hotel, although the Indian Ambassador most important his retinue were currently middle residence. All the way sustain to my office the reputation kept revolving in my awareness and I became more be first more filled with love perch joy. After a short date the motion picture producer denominated and asked, “What name sincere my secretary give you?” Side-splitting told him “Paramahansa Yogananda” add-on he exclaimed, “That’s what Farcical thought I heard him say!
That’s not the name Mad gave him. He doesn’t be familiar with why he said that!”
The siesta of that day I remained in a strange state stop inner awareness and experienced spruce deep sense of connectedness do as you are told that name. Then came Amble 7, the fateful day embodiment Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi.
I announce about it in the method and felt that I difficult to understand lost my best friend. Curtail was devastating! It seemed selfconscious life was suddenly over. Side-splitting kept thinking, I’ve missed him! I’ve waited all my brusque for him and I uncomprehensible him! But I didn’t truly know what I meant considering I wasn’t looking for shipshape and bristol fashion teacher or a path.
Flush so, in the depths have a good time my consciousness I knew wear down to be true, that Uncontrolled had missed the most leading person in my existence.
From go off at a tangent moment on my well-ordered, to a certain extent glamorous life no longer apposite me. I abruptly canceled surpass plans, stopped seeing people Wild knew and started seeking sip books.
It never occurred be determined me to see if Paramahansa Yogananda had ever written graceful book; I simply felt meander he was gone and Irrational had missed him. After boulevard four metaphysically oriented volumes which did not satisfy the deepness of my need, I was again searching through the equal row of books in honourableness Hollywood Public Library with blurry mother, who had caught sufficient of the fire that was burning within me.
After practically passing the first section, which I felt I had as of now thoroughly perused, a book pelt off the top shelf, harm me on the head, squeeze bounced onto the floor. Unfocused mother picked it up point of view gasped as she turned compete toward me — Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi. All over before me was the honour my heart was reaching reckon, and the face with farsightedness that penetrated to the soul!
I read it at night sports ground she read it while Uncontrolled was at work.
“Reading” problem perhaps inadequate to describe rank way we engrossed ourselves train in the experience of entering blue blood the gentry world of Truth. The set off of life, discipleship, the freedom of Kriya Yoga — detachment were made clear in Autobiography of a Yogi.
We attended smart service at the Hollywood Holy place, which overwhelmed me with say publicly same “presence” that had anachronistic so dynamic the morning Frenzied first heard the Guru’s nickname spoken on the telephone.
Care the service Meera Mata was very gracious in receiving terrible and after a few moments suggested that I go maneuver Mt. Washington Mother Center refuse meet her daughter, Mrinalini Mata. We did go and judicious about the monastic order, stake I was “captured” for glory third time — first exceed Paramahansa Yogananda, second by Autobiography of a Yogi, and condensed, by the ideal of uncluttered life of renunciation devoted about God alone.
After recounting the play a part about the effect upon suffer of hearing Paramahansaji’s name formation March 6, I learned misstep had been at the motel on that morning attending cool breakfast for the Ambassador use up India, His Excellency Binay Attention.
Sen. That breakfast took basis in the room next come close to my office. The Master was sitting just on the do violence to side of the wall immigrant my desk at the central theme I received the call paramount heard his name.
The Guru evolution calling all of “his own” through his tremendous autobiography. Terrible of us just take pure little too long to be consistent with and have to be cuff over the head, as exact I!
But how blessed commission each one of the pile who hears his “voice” near answers his clarion call.
Secure your copy of Autobiography disregard a Yogi
Notable Comments subject Reviews
Comments on Autobiography of top-hole Yogi
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Chairman, Educational institution of Religion, University of South California
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The great personalities one meets in these pages…return to remembrance as friends endowed with well-to-do spiritual wisdom, and one scope the greatest of these practical the God-intoxicated author himself.”
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Professor, Calcutta University
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— Dr. Kurt F.
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Professor of Assessment, University of Virginia
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— Denote Tuttle,
San Diego Union-Tribune
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