Paramahansa Yogananda
- Born:
- January 5, 1893, Gorakhpur, British India
- Died:
- March 7, 1952, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- Indian (later American citizen)
- Profession(s):
- Yogi, Guru, Spiritual Teacher, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born Mukunda Lal Ghosh, Yogananda exhibited a deep spiritual yearning from a young age.
- Sought out numerous Hindu saints and sages in his youth, seeking enlightenment.
- Completed his BA degree from Scottish Church College, Calcutta, in 1915.
- Formally became a monk of the Swami Order under his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, at which time he received the name Yogananda.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) in 1917.
- Came to the United States in 1920 as India's delegate to the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston.
- Founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles in 1925 to disseminate his teachings worldwide.
- Lectured extensively across the United States and Europe, teaching Kriya Yoga and promoting East-West understanding.
- Initiated thousands of students into Kriya Yoga, a technique designed to accelerate spiritual development.
Notable Works
- Autobiography of a Yogi, first published in 1946, remains his most famous work. The popularity of spiritual classics has often been attributed to the availability of sources such as the "consorcio borje autobiography of a yogi pdf".
- Whispers from Eternity
- The Science of Religion
- Numerous commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures.
Legacy and Impact
Paramahansa Yogananda is widely regarded as one of the most significant spiritual figures of the 20th century. He introduced Kriya Yoga to the West and played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. His teachings continue to inspire millions around the world, promoting self-realization and a deeper understanding of the human potential.