Autobiography of a Yogi Summary

Knowing the teachings of the great masters does not just inspire—it transforms us. Could an ancient form of meditation unite the spiritual and material worlds?

1. Mystical Beginnings: A Boy's Divine Connection

From a young age, Mukunda Lal Ghosh, later known as Yogananda, displayed a unique spiritual awareness. He predicted events and demonstrated a connection with mysticism, like foreseeing a boil on his arm and affecting his sister’s ailment. These eerie moments were glimpses into his destined spiritual journey.

His deep connection to the divine grew as he experienced visions of saints, such as Lahiri Mahasaya, an influential guru who prophesied his birth. Mukunda believed in the intimate guru-disciple relationship cherished in traditional Hindu society. This yearning for spiritual enlightenment often led him to flee home, chasing the dream of finding his guru and achieving union with God. Despite numerous attempts, he never made it to his desired Himalayas, as if the universe was guiding his path.

A pivotal moment was the appearance of an amulet foretold by Lahiri Mahasaya. Given to him after his mother's passing, this amulet symbolized his readiness for a higher calling. Once Mukunda met his guru, the talisman vanished, affirming the profound spiritual alignment they shared.

Examples

• Mukunda’s healing of cholera simply by gazing at Lahiri Mahasaya’s image.
• Manipulating kites with sheer willpower in front of his sister Uma.
• Receiving the prophesied amulet passed down by his family.

2. Finding the Guru: Meeting Sri Yukteswar

Mukunda’s journey took a transformative turn when he met his long-sought guide, Sri Yukteswar Giri. This magnetic and spiritual encounter was unforgettable, as mutual recognition sparked immediate devotion between the master and disciple.

Under Sri Yukteswar, Mukunda learned the practice of Kriya Yoga, a disciplined path to achieving self-mastery and union with God. The teachings extended beyond spirituality; Sri Yukteswar balanced faith with an appreciation of the “human drama,” emphasizing the practical engagement of spiritual principles in daily life.

His guru’s balanced approach was demonstrated by blending traditional adherence to scriptures with modern practices, like defying norms during his mother’s funeral. Sri Yukteswar taught Mukunda to embrace his surroundings while avoiding attachment, guiding him toward deeper meditation and samadhi—a transcendent state of divine union.

Examples

• Sri Yukteswar healed others but let doctors complete their work, showing the coexistence of faith and science.
• His profound meditations enabled him to summon samadhi at will.
• Sri Yukteswar organized inclusive rituals, defying rigid societal norms.

3. The Power of Kriya Yoga

Central to Yogananda’s teachings is Kriya Yoga, an ancient meditation practice that helps seekers unite with the divine. It offers a methodical approach to spiritual growth, transcending religious boundaries to bring people closer to God.

Kriya Yoga encourages practitioners to balance their physical, mental, and emotional being, ultimately progressing toward samadhi. It’s a practice open to all faiths, emphasizing the universality of a higher power rather than limiting itself to any one tradition.

As a preacher of Kriya Yoga, Yogananda invited Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and others to embark on the journey of forgiveness, karma release, and divine connection. This meditation nurtures self-realization, melting the ego and enabling practitioners to experience divine bliss.

Examples

• Kriya Yoga’s emphasis on universal spiritual growth, applicable to all religions.
• Transformative effects as described by saints who reached samadhi through Kriya Yoga.
• Yogananda’s countless teachings and books spreading the practical steps of Kriya Yoga.

4. Spiritual and Intellectual Preparation

Yogananda’s spiritual journey was matched by an intellectual one, albeit unconventional. As a university student, he struggled with academics until mystical interventions helped him excel. His studies often seemed guided by a divine hand, connecting his spiritual insights with worldly knowledge.

His focus on meditation and spiritual realization occasionally left his academics on the backburner, yet he excelled in critical moments. His devotion to his guru and his spiritual mission gave him uncommon clarity during exams and other intellectual tasks.

Interestingly, even his struggles in daily education acted as lessons about faith and divine assistance, preparing him for his ultimate role as a teacher.

Examples

• Spontaneously opening books to relevant passages before exams.
• Writing about Sri Yukteswar in an essay and achieving top marks.
• Facing academic challenges with faith rather than conventional preparation.

5. A Global Mission Foretold

Yogananda’s path to becoming a worldwide spiritual teacher was not a coincidence. His guru, Sri Yukteswar, envisioned him bridging the East and the West, while Yogananda himself foresaw building a spiritual headquarters in America during a Himalayan vision.

Despite a lack of English skills, Yogananda gave his first public talks aboard a ship, fumbling at first but eventually captivating audiences. These instances underscored his determination and his divine call to connect different cultures through spirituality.

Over time, his teachings gained traction in the West, where audiences embraced his message of universal faith and divine connection through Kriya Yoga.

Examples

• Starting a boys' school in Ranchi to unite academics and spirituality.
• Being invited to Boston as India’s delegate for the International Congress of Religious Liberals.
• Building the Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters in Los Angeles after a long effort.

6. Encounters with Western Mystics

Yogananda fostered spiritual ties between East and West by connecting with influential figures like botanist Luther Burbank, whose remarkable achievements mirrored Yogananda’s spiritual ideals. Their mutual respect highlighted a blend of science and spirituality.

His visit to Catholic stigmatist Therese Neumann in Bavaria revealed the universality of divine experiences. Witnessing her suffering symbolizing Christ’s passion, Yogananda glimpsed the shared humanity in spiritual transcendence across faiths.

These connections emphasized Yogananda’s goal of spiritual unity, demonstrating parallels between religious traditions worldwide.

Examples

• Friendship and shared philosophy with Luther Burbank.
• Meeting Therese Neumann and observing her stigmata and fasting.
• Tracing Christ’s path in Palestine to explore interfaith connections.

7. Expanding the Self-Realization Fellowship

One of Yogananda’s lasting contributions to global spirituality was founding the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF). It became a hub to teach Kriya Yoga and distribute his teachings, growing into a worldwide organization.

The SRF established temples and centers across the globe, serving as platforms for meditation and spiritual education. From Los Angeles to Europe, SRF’s reach demonstrated Yogananda’s ability to bring people together regardless of faith.

Through SRF, generations have accessed tools for self-realization and divine connection, fulfilling Yogananda’s prophecy.

Examples

• Building the flagship headquarters in Los Angeles in 1925.
• Followers secretly building an ashram in Encinitas to honor him.
• SRF expands to 500 centers globally.

8. Marriage Between Science and Spirit

Yogananda’s understanding of spiritual concepts often resonated with scientific principles. He argued that the particles of life—whether human, plant, or inanimate—are interconnected, reflecting a universal oneness.

His teachings encouraged a union of science and spirituality, urging humanity to reconcile empirical knowledge with divine truth. His friendship with pioneers like Luther Burbank highlighted this harmony.

By blending meditation with scientific curiosity, Yogananda’s teachings remain relevant in bridging the gap between faith and reason.

Examples

• Explaining oneness through life particles in his writings.
• Examples of healing and physical regeneration by accessing divine energies.
• Admiration of Luther Burbank’s scientific breakthroughs.

9. Embracing Humanity’s Shared Journey

Yogananda emphasized unity through shared spiritual experiences, often referring to life as a human drama. His encounters with figures like Mahatma Gandhi reinforced ideas of equality and mutual understanding.

He appreciated humanity’s diversity while seeking to dissolve barriers of race, caste, and religion. His reflections on the Indian caste system revealed his belief in abilities over birthright, challenging inherited social hierarchies.

By focusing on spiritual fellowship, Yogananda encouraged the world to embrace its interconnected fate.

Examples

• Initiating Gandhi into Kriya Yoga and discussing social structure reform.
• Hosting interfaith dialogues in his teachings and writings.
• Founding the magazine East-West to foster cultural and spiritual exchange.

Takeaways

1. Practice Kriya Yoga regularly to enhance your spiritual and emotional growth.
2. Seek opportunities to connect with others, promoting unity regardless of faith or background.
3. Balance your material and spiritual pursuits by embracing teachings from varied traditions.