There’s a book that has had a profound impact on my life and practice, and it’s one I heard about long before I ever picked it up. It was during my Bikram Yoga Teacher Training that I first learned about Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. Bikram would often talk about the lineage we come from, and it was through these conversations that I was introduced to Yogananda.
I remember Bikram sharing stories about his guru, Bishnu Charan Ghosh, who was Yogananda’s younger brother. Yogananda, of course, is one of the most influential figures in bringing yoga to the West—he was the second yogi to come to America to share his teachings.
Through Bikram’s stories, I began to feel a deep connection to this spiritual lineage, but I didn’t truly appreciate Yogananda’s teachings until I finally picked up Autobiography of a Yogi myself.
The First Encounter with Autobiography of a Yogi
I’ll be honest—it took me years to finish this book. I remember starting it after Bikram’s repeated references, and I felt immediately drawn into Yogananda’s world. But this isn’t the kind of book you fly through in one sitting. It’s heavy, deep, and layered with teachings that take time to absorb.
Yogananda’s life story is fascinating—his journey from India to the West, his experiences with his guru, Sri Yukteswar, and his mission to share the ancient science of yoga and meditation with the modern world.
This book isn’t just about Yogananda’s life; it’s a guide to the deeper meaning of existence, the power of self-realization, and the spiritual truths that transcend all religions and cultures.
One of the most memorable things I learned during my teacher training was that this book was Steve Jobs’ favorite book. In fact, it’s said that Jobs would gift this book to anyone who came to his memorial service—a sign of just how impactful it was in his own life. If it was that powerful for someone like Jobs, I figured there must be something in there for me too.
SRF and the Search for Deeper Connection
During this time, I also began attending Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) discourses and meditations at Lake Shrine in Malibu, which is one of Yogananda’s beautiful spiritual sanctuaries. The meditations, the chants, and the profound messages shared during these sessions became a huge part of my spiritual practice. It’s hard to describe how grounded and connected I felt after each session—like my mind was clearer and my heart more open.
Since moving to Arizona, I’ve tried my best to keep up with these teachings. I still attend the Sunday SRF meditations at 10 AM when I can. It’s these moments—whether it’s through quiet meditation or listening to the spiritual discourses—that keep me grounded and connected to the Source, to God, and remind me of the higher aspects of life. Yogananda’s teachings, along with the SRF practices, continue to offer me a spiritual anchor, even in the midst of life’s chaos.
Listening to the Wisdom
It took me years to finish reading Autobiography of a Yogi because every page is packed with spiritual insight. When I finally did, I felt like I’d only scratched the surface. And while I’ve read it cover to cover, now I prefer to listen to the Ben Kingsley narration on YouTube—it feels like revisiting a sacred text in a new way. Hearing those words spoken with Kingsley’s voice adds a different layer of depth to the experience.
This book isn’t just a biography; it’s an initiation into the deeper aspects of yoga—the path to self-realization.
Yogananda beautifully lays out his experiences, but it’s the universal truths that stand out. It’s about understanding that yoga is more than the physical postures—it’s a journey inward, a path to discovering who you really are beneath all the layers.
Yogananda’s Teachings: A Path to the Soul
Yogananda’s mission was to bridge the gap between East and West, to introduce the West to the deeper practices of Kriya Yoga and meditation. His message was simple yet profound: we are all divine beings, and the purpose of life is to reconnect with that divine nature.
One of my favorite quotes from Yogananda is:"The soul is bound by the laws of karma, but it is also endowed with the power to free itself."
This quote reminds me that no matter where we are in life, no matter what challenges we face, we always have the ability to rise above and free ourselves from the patterns that hold us back. That’s one of the most powerful lessons from this book—it teaches you how to move beyond the limitations of the mind and body, to connect with the eternal part of yourself, the soul.
Why You Should Read Autobiography of a Yogi
So why should you read this book? Simply put, it’s a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom that will deepen your understanding of yoga, life, and the world around you. It’s not just a book for yogis—it’s a book for anyone who is seeking truth, purpose, or a deeper connection with life.
Here’s what you can expect to gain:
A deeper understanding of yoga beyond the physical practice.
Insight into the path of self-realization and how to apply it in your life.
An introduction to Kriya Yoga, a powerful meditation practice.
Stories of miracles, divine experiences, and the beauty of living a spiritually-centered life.
A sense of connection to a lineage of teachers who have walked this path before us.
Even if it takes you years to finish—like it did for me—it’s worth every minute. This is the kind of book that stays with you, its teachings revealing themselves more and more as you revisit it.
As we dive into our own yoga journeys, whether through physical practice or deeper exploration of self, I encourage you to pick up Autobiography of a Yogi.
Take your time with it. Let it sink in. And don’t worry if it feels heavy at first—sometimes the most profound lessons take time to reveal themselves.
What about you? Have you read Autobiography of a Yogi?
What did you take away from it? If not, what’s stopping you from diving into one of the most influential yoga books of all time?
Love
Sumit Banerjee
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