he book begins with his childhood, in a Bengali family, to his various encounters with the famous spiritual masters of the time (his own guru being one of them), to finally becoming a monk, establishing Yoga centers throughout the world, and introducing Kriya Yoga teachings to the west for the first time. Kriya Yoga is an ancient Yoga system which “Krishna gave millenniums ago to Arjuna; and was later known to Patanjali, and to Christ, St. John, St. Paul, and other disciples” and was later revived for use in modern times.
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 thirty-three 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.I liked this book for some personal reasons. However, if you don't believe in mysticism and magic, chances are you won't like this book that much.
The best spiritual book I have read so far. The yogi shares his upbringing with his influences and teachings from the gurus, which makes the book a very interesting read. I am sure this book will get you very interested in spirituality.
