Yogi Publication Society

Published in 1946, "Autobiography of a Yogi" details the life and spiritual path of Paramahansa Yogananda, from his childhood in India to his quest for a guru and his eventual establishment of Kriya Yoga teachings in the United States. The book recounts his encounters with various spiritual figures and his mission to introduce the wisdom of the East to a global audience. It has since become a highly influential spiritual classic, translated into numerous languages and recognized for its role in popularizing meditation and yoga in the Western world.

The work has garnered significant acclaim and has been embraced by a diverse range of individuals, including prominent figures in technology, music, and acting. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of spiritual attainment and its accessible presentation of profound philosophical concepts. The book's publication was reportedly foretold by Yogananda's own guru lineage, adding to its mystical significance. It continues to be a widely read and respected text, available in various editions and formats.

The "Autobiography of a Yogi" details Paramahansa Yogananda's spiritual lineage, tracing back through his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, to Lahiri Mahasaya. A significant element within the narrative is a prophecy attributed to Lahiri Mahasaya, who reportedly foresaw that his life would be documented approximately fifty years after his passing due to a growing interest in yoga in the West. This prediction aligned with the completion and publication of Yogananda's autobiography in 1946, fifty years after Lahiri Mahasaya's death in 1895. The book's preface, written by anthropologist Walter Evans-Wentz, highlights its value in revealing the depths of the Hindu psyche and India's spiritual richness to Western readers.

Yogananda's journey to America in 1920 marked a pivotal moment for the dissemination of Eastern spiritual philosophies. The "Autobiography of a Yogi" chronicles his extensive travels across the United States, where he lectured and established centers for his teachings, notably the Self-Realization Fellowship. The book served as a gateway for many Westerners to explore concepts of meditation, yoga, and the path to God-realization, making spiritual wisdom previously accessible only to a select few widely available. Its influence extended to notable figures like Steve Jobs, George Harrison, and Elvis Presley, who found inspiration and guidance within its pages.

Recognized as a spiritual classic, "Autobiography of a Yogi" has achieved widespread international readership, appearing in over fifty languages and continuing to sell millions of copies. It has been selected as one of the "100 Most Important Spiritual Books of the 20th Century" and included in "50 Spiritual Classics." The book's impact is evident in its role in introducing meditation and yoga to countless individuals, fostering a global appreciation for Indian culture and philosophy. While widely acclaimed, some critiques have pointed to its extensive inclusion of miraculous accounts and what has been termed "aggressive marketing" by Yogananda's organizations, alongside a distinctive writing style referred to as "Guru English."

“His unusual life-document is certainly one of the most revealing of the depths of the Hindu mind and heart, and of the spiritual wealth of India, ever to be published in the West.”

“About fifty years after my passing," he said, "my life will be written because of a deep interest in yoga which the West will manifest. The yogic message will encircle the globe, and aid in establishing that brotherhood of man which results from direct perception of the One Father.”

“The Book that Changed the Lives of Millions”

“miracle-infested territory”

“The autobiography is an eclectic directory of sorts that might be dubbed a hitchhiker's guide to the paranormal galaxy.”