In 1996, Yoga International hailed Paramahansa Yogananda as “the father of the yoga in the west.” In 1999, his acclaimed autobiography was selected one of the 100 best spiritual books of the 20th century. Since it was first published, the spiritual classic has introduced millions of readers to the science and philosophy of yoga meditation.

With engaging candour, eloquence, and wit, Paramahansa Yogananda narrates the inspiring chronicle of his life – the experiences of his remarkable childhood, encounters with many saints and sages during his youthful search throughout India for an illumined teacher, ten years of training in the ashram of his God-realized Guru, and of the many years that he lived and taught as spiritual preceptor to truth- seekers all over the world. Also recorded are his meetings with Ramana Maharshi, Ananda Moyi Ma, Master Mahasaya (the saintly disciple of Ramkrishna Paramahansa), Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jagdish Chandra Bose.

Considered a modern spiritual classic, the book has been translated into twenty-four languages and is widely used as a text and reference work in colleges and universities. Thousands of readers have declared Autobiography of a Yogi the most fascinating reading of a lifetime.

Autobiography of a Yogi is at once a beautifully written account of an exceptional life and a profound introduction to the ancient science of Yoga and its time-honored tradition of meditation. The author clearly explains the subtle but definite laws behind both ordinary events of everyday life and the extraordinary events commonly termed miracles. His absorbing life story thus becomes the background for a penetrating and unforgettable look at the ultimate mysteries of human existence.

This complete and unabridged edition included the chapter “the Years 1940-1951” written by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda during the last years of his life.

About the author

Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952) is widely regarded as one of the preeminent spiritual figures of our time. Born in Gorakhpur, India, he was sent by his guru to the United States in 1920 as India’s delegate to an International Congress of Religious Liberals. He instructed hundreds of thousands of men and women in the yoga science of meditation and balanced spiritual living.

The life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda are described in his widely acclaimed Autobiography of a Yogi, which has become a classic in its field since its publication in 1946. He founded Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) in 1917 and Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in 1920 to disseminate his teachings worldwide and to preserve their purity and integrity for generations to come. In 2017, Government of India paid a tribute by releasing a commemorative stamp in honour of the centennial of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.

Reviews

“Autobiography of a Yogi is regarded as an Upanishad of the new age… Is has satisfied the spiritual thirst of hundreds of thousands of truth-seekers throughout the world…The immortal nectar of  India’s Sanatana Dharma, the eternal laws of truth, has been stored in the golden chalice of Autobiography of a Yogi.” – Professor Ashutosh Das

“As and eyewitness recountal of the extraordinary lives and powers of modern Hindu saints, the book has importance both timely and timeless.” – Dr. W. Y. Evans-Wentz

“Pages that will enthrall the reader, because they appeal to the aspiration and longings that slumber in the heart of every man.” – I1 Tempo del Lunedi, Rome

“Autobiography of a Yogi of this sage makes captivating reading.”  -- The Times of India