Reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda at the age of forty-two was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. From the beginning chapter, I felt like I had finally come home. This was the life I had always wished was possible but never dreamed it could be! After finishing it, I sent away to Self-Realization Fellowship, the organization Yogananda founded in 1920, for the three-and-a-half years’ worth of bimonthly lessons on “right living” and follow Yogananda’s teachings today as part of my daily spiritual discipline.
I just now finished listening to Chapter 23 in my car. I’ve listened to the audiobook version, read by Ben Kingsley, three times now and it never fails to thrill me. Everything in this book resonates in harmony with who I am and who I wish to become. I was already teaching spiritual classes by the time I encountered this book and was amazed at how much deeper it took me in my knowledge and practice.
Yogananda teaches that direct contact with God is possible through the application of scientific yoga principles. After practicing his techniques, which have been handed down for thousands of years by Indian saints, I have reached new heights of peace, happiness and alignment with what Yogananda’s guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, refers to as “that supreme intelligence which governs everything.”
May this wonderful book enrich your spiritual life as it has mine!
HERE ARE MY POSTS FEATURING YOGANANDA AND SRF:
BATHED IN LOVING ENERGY IN ENCINITAS
PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA: HIS HISTORY AND INFLUENCE
“AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI” CHANGED MY LIFE
MASTERS CONTINUE TO WALK THE EARTH
WHEN THE SPIRIT IS READY, THE TEACHER APPEARS
NBAer JIM PETERSEN’S ENCOUNTER WITH BROTHER ANANDAMOY
LIVE YOUR LIFE AS ONE LONG PRAYER
ABOUT PHIL BOLSTA
Phil is the author of Sixty Seconds: One Moment Changes Everything, a collection of 45 inspiring, life-changing stories from prominent people he interviewed, including Joan Borysenko, Deepak Chopra, geneticist Dr. Francis Collins, acclaimed sportswriter Frank Deford, Dr. Larry Dossey, Wayne Dyer, Dan Millman, Caroline Myss, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, Dr. Bernie Siegel, James Van Praagh, singer Billy Vera, Doreen Virtue, Neale Donald Walsch, and bassist Victor Wooten.
Here is a three-minute video that introduces you to Phil and his book. Click here to buy Sixty Seconds. Click here to ask Phil to add you to his e-mail list for updates on his blog and books.
Reading this book is like spending a few minutes face to face with each of the contributors and listening to their personal stories. Click here to read unsolicited testimonials from readers. Learn more by visiting the official Sixty Seconds website.
Sixty Seconds was one of three finalists in the General Interest/How-To category at the 12th annual Visionary Awards presented by COVR (Coalition of Visionary Resources) in Denver on June 27, 2009.
Tags: Autobiography of a Yogi, Ben Kingsley, happiness, love, paramahansa yogananda, peace, right living, Self-Realization Fellowship, spiritual practice, SRF, supreme intelligence, Swami Sri Yukteswar
August 22, 2008 at 1:02 AM
Autobiography of a Yogi changed my life too and Teachings of Pramhansa Yogananda ji has brought a miraculous change and many miracles in my life.
Subhash Bakshi
August 22, 2008 at 7:05 AM
I am happy for you, Subhash. This path is not for everyone but for those who do walk it, it is a path filled with deep blessings.
July 6, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Phil, I sent this message today to my friends about this very book; The book, Autobiography of a Yogi, has illuminated the meaning of Biblical scripture for me like a light to read by in a darkened room. It has become my theological candle by which I read all scripture. Absolutely fantastic
July 6, 2009 at 6:31 PM
That’s great, Lori. Are you aware of Yogananda’s two-volume set, “The Second Coming of Christ?” That’s exactly what it does: illuminate Biblical scripture. You would love it!
July 12, 2009 at 9:39 PM
Phil, I first picked up Autobiography of a Yogi when I was in my early 20s (I’m 55 now). I’ve read it many times since and never cease to be inspired by Yogananda’s single-minded devotion to God and his message that all religions are simply paths that lead to the same end: to blissfully merge one’s small consciousness with that of the Creator of the Universe (however one’s religion chooses to name or express this concept ). The stories of his encounters (some miraculous) with famous individuals are fascinating in and of themselves. They also prepare the reader to receive the book’s more profound teachings. This is definitely a book worth reading.
July 13, 2009 at 6:29 AM
I’m glad Autobiography has been so meaning to you as well, Ray. I can only imagine what my reaction would have been had I read it when I was in my early 20s. I don’t know that I would have been ready for it. Better late than never!
September 26, 2009 at 12:40 AM
ack! synchronicity again phil!
when i lived in ca, i used to go to menlo park alot to work. one of the ananda retreat centres is there.
plus, i used to go to east/west book store ALOT. the original location in menlo park was quite special to me. so special, that when they moved the store to mountain view, i started driving from my home to alameda at least once a month to go there.
be well.
thank you for being you.
annie!
September 26, 2009 at 12:42 AM
Love the synchronicities, Annie! Glad you could experience that in California!