The Monk That Changed the world and then Transcended.

Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952) was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced millions of westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book “Autobiography of a Yogi.” His teachings emphasize the unity of all religions and the direct personal experience of God through meditation. Here are some key points about Yogananda: Early Life: He was born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. From a young age, he showed spiritual inclinations and sought out various saints and sages, looking for a teacher who could guide him on his path. Spiritual Training: Yogananda’s search led him to his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, under whose guidance he undertook rigorous training in the ancient science of Kriya Yoga. Mission in America: In 1920, Yogananda traveled to the United States as a delegate for the International Congress of Religious Liberals. It was during this trip that he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) to disseminate his teachings. Work and Influence: Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Yogananda traveled across the US, giving lectures, teaching Kriya Yoga, and establishing SRF centers. He drew many high-profile followers and became one of the most influential spiritual figures in America at the time. Autobiography of a Yogi: Published in 1946, this book is considered a spiritual classic. It recounts Yogananda’s life experiences, meetings with spiritual masters in India, and teachings about the unity of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. The book has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired millions around the world, including famous personalities like Steve Jobs, George Harrison, and others. Passing and Legacy: Yogananda passed away in 1952 in Los Angeles, California. His work is carried on by the Self-Realization Fellowship and its sister organization, the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India. The organizations continue to teach his methods of meditation, principles for holistic living, and the underlying unity of all world religions. Yogananda’s teachings emphasize the importance of direct communion with God, inner peace, and the potential for self-realization within every individual.