Autobiography of a Yogi is an autobiographical book written by Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian yogi and guru. The book was first published in 1946 and has since become a classic in the field of yoga and spirituality. In this book, Yogananda shares his personal experiences and practices of yoga, meditation, and spirituality. He also shares his encounters with many famous spiritual figures of his time, including Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Early Years
In this chapter, Yogananda shares his early years growing up in India. He was born into a devout Hindu family and was introduced to the teachings of yoga and meditation at a young age. He was drawn to the spiritual life and began to seek out spiritual teachers and gurus.
Chapter 2: Meeting My Guru
In this chapter, Yogananda shares how he met his guru, Sri Yukteswar. He was searching for a guru who could teach him the highest truths of yoga and spirituality. He found Sri Yukteswar and became his disciple. Under his guidance, Yogananda learned the highest teachings of yoga and meditation.
Chapter 3: Kriya Yoga
In this chapter, Yogananda shares the teachings of Kriya Yoga, a form of yoga that emphasizes the importance of breath control and meditation. He explains how this practice can lead to spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
Chapter 4: Encounters with Spiritual Figures
In this chapter, Yogananda shares his encounters with many famous spiritual figures of his time, including Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna, and Mahatma Gandhi. He shares how these encounters shaped his understanding of spirituality and his own spiritual journey.
Chapter 5: Journey to America
In this chapter, Yogananda shares his journey to America and his experiences spreading the teachings of yoga and meditation. He founded the Self-Realization Fellowship and began to teach thousands of people the practices of yoga and meditation.
Chapter 6: Final Years
In this chapter, Yogananda shares his final years and his continued dedication to spreading the teachings of yoga and meditation. He continued to teach and write until his death in 1952.
Conclusion
Autobiography of a Yogi is a classic book that shares the personal experiences and practices of yoga and meditation of Paramahansa Yogananda. Through his encounters with spiritual figures and his own spiritual journey, Yogananda shares the importance of yoga and meditation in achieving inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the teachings of yoga and spirituality.