Autobiography of a Yogi - Tapa blanda

The spiritual influence of the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, and of the work for which he joyously expended that life, has grown steadily through IX decades. The year 1980 marked the sixtieth anniversary of Paramahansaji s coming from India to America to spread his teachings in the West for the Physical, mental, and spiritual upliftment of humanity. With the continual increase of interest in the life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, it is not surprising that much is being written and recorded on the subject. The Guru personally chose and trained those close disciples who constitute the Self-Realization Fellowship Publication Council, who follow as a sacred trust the specific guidelines he established over the years for the publishing of his lectures and writings.

Paramahansa Yogananda was born on 5 January, 1893, near the Himalayas, in Gorakhpur. His parents, brothers and sisters were all saintly and pious, but Mukunda (the boyhood name of Yogananda) was unique amongst all of them. He displayed his spiritual gifts and powers even from his childhood. His line of Gurus descended from Babaji, the deathless Guru said to be the reincarnation of Lord Krishna. Babaji s disciple was Lahiri Mahasaya, who in turn had as his disciple, Sri Yukteswar. It was Sri Yukteswar who was destined to be the spiritual master of Paramahansa Yogananda. For ten years Yoganandaji trained for his high duty at the Ashram of his Guru, pursuing his university career at the same time. After his rigorous training, filled with the light of God-vision, he was now ready to undertake the mission entrusted to him by his line of Gurus. The education of the youth was always dear to the heart of Yoganandaji. He set up his first school in Bengal in 1917. Its curriculum includes the standard high school subjects as well as Yoga concentration, meditation and the Yogoda system of physical development. In 1920, Yoganandaji went to America as a delegate from India to the International Congress of Religions at Boston, and from then on America became his home. Five years later he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship with its head quarters at Mount Washington, Los Angeles. In his famous Autobiography of a Yogi, Yoganandaji has given graphic descriptions of his spiritual experiences and his contact with the great Yogis of India. This book has since become one of the greatest spiritual classics in the world and has been translated into many languages. Kriya Yoga was the method of God-realisation taught by Yoganandaji. His mission in the West was to spread the knowledge of Yoga practices, by which man can enter into union with God. Yoganandaji also gave new explanations to the teachings of the Bible, showing the similarity of its teachings with that of Hinduism. He promoted the cause of a better understanding between the East and West. He spoke in churches, societies, universities and clubs. The Self-Realization Fellowship today has hundreds of centres throughout the world. There are seven large centres in California, where renunciates stay to serve and practise Yoga. Yoganandaji attained Mahasamadhi on March 7, 1952. The great Master showed his power over death, for his body did not decay for many weeks.