Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda (b. 1893) was an Indian monk, yog authorise, and spiritual teacher who is widely regarded as a major figure in introducing Kriya Yoga and Eastern spirituality to the Western world. Through his lectures, writings, and establishment of international organizations, he bridged ancient Eastern philosophical traditions with modern Western audiences.

Born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, he met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, in 1910 and spent years under his spiritual training. In 1920, he traveled to the United States as India's delegate to an international congress of religious liberals held in Boston, subsequently spending decades lecturing across America. During his time in the West, he founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 and Yogoda Satsanga Society of India in 1917 to disseminate his teachings on scientific techniques for God-realization.

His extensive travels, lectures, and personal encounters with notable figures of his era deeply shaped his literary output, aimed at demonstrating the underlying unity of all major religions. He established his headquarters in Los Angeles, California, where he dedicated his final decades to writing commentaries on sacred scriptures and training disciples. His writings continue to influence generations of spiritual seekers and thinkers globally.

Essential Reading

• Autobiography of a Yogi (1946): This spiritual classic chronicles the author's remarkable life journey, his encounters with Eastern and Western saints, and the foundational principles of Kriya Yoga.