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Autobiography of a Yogi summary
Paramahansa Yogananda
The Life and Teachings of One of the Great Spiritual Figures
17 mins
Brief summary
'Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramahansa Yogananda is a spiritual classic that tells the story of Yogananda's life journey and spiritual quest, while imparting profound teachings on the nature of consciousness and the universe.
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Autobiography of a Yogi
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Early Life, Mystical Appearances, and the Amulet of Destiny
When the little Mukunda saw a boil on his sister’s arm, he asked if he could apply the ointment she was using to treat hers because he was going to have one the next day. Incredulously, his sister refused. The boy shot back, predicting his sister Uma’s boil would grow to twice the size if his prophecy came true. The next day, Mukunda did get a boil – the scar of which he then carried for the rest of his life – and, just as he had predicted, Uma’s boil doubled in size.
Over time, the boy came to understand that he was destined to follow a long line of famous yogis to accomplish a foretold mission. That mission had started with the prophecy of Lahiri Mahasaya, a Bengali guru who prophesied the birth of Mukunda.
Mukunda paid intense devotion to the saint’s picture in his room. He received healing from Asiatic cholera just by staring at the picture. He often saw visions of the saint. To Uma’s astonishment, Mukunda willed a stranger’s kite toward them, and when he was challenged, willed a second kite.
Before Lahiri Mahasaya passed on to another realm, he told Mukunda’s mother she would receive an amulet for her boy. The object would appear in her hand at the right time and would be handed to Mukunda after her death. This amulet would go on to disappear when the boy had found his guru.
Hindu society in 1893, when Yogananda was born, was profoundly attached to the idea of an intimate believer-guru discipleship. Mukunda embraced this ideal with relentless passion, often running away from home to find his guru or seek the enlightenment and union with God that resided in the sacred expanses of the Himalayas. Somehow, he never made it. The invisible forces knew it wasn’t time.
His father, an Indian railway administrator who slept with his wife once a year for the purpose of procreation, wondered and worried about his boy. Yet, keenly aware of the Mukunda’s devotion, indulged him.
Before Mukunda’s mother died she gave the amulet to her older son Ananta who passed it on to Mukunda. The boy had come into possession of the amulet that would lead him to his guru – and his yogic destiny.
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What is Autobiography of a Yogi about?
Autobiography of a Yogi (1946) is a deeply spiritual yet light-hearted account of the life of India’s preeminent yoga emissary to the West. In this epic, Paramahansa Yogananda narrates his encounters with legendary gurus, swamis, saints, and astral beings that guided him toward the fulfillment of his mission to unite East and West under one God through the personal and scientific practice of Kriya Yoga.
Autobiography of a Yogi Review
Autobiography of a Yogi (1946) chronicles the extraordinary life of Paramahansa Yogananda and offers profound insights into the mystical experiences and spiritual teachings that shaped his journey. Here are three reasons why this book is truly special:
- With its fascinating accounts of yogic masters and their miraculous demonstrations, it opens up a world of spirituality and mysticism that captivates the reader.
- Through insightful explanations of profound spiritual concepts, the book offers a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the potential for spiritual transformation.
- Combining autobiography and spiritual teachings, it provides both a personal narrative and a spiritual guide, making the book a unique and enlightening read.
Who should read Autobiography of a Yogi?
- Yoga devotees trying to learn more about the author’s personal journey
- People curious about yoga and the enchanting world of astral beings and their interactions with humans
- People of faith seeking points of contact and dialogue with different world religions
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Autobiography of a Yogi FAQs
What is the main message of Autobiography of a Yogi?
The main message of Autobiography of a Yogi is the spiritual journey and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
How long does it take to read Autobiography of a Yogi?
It takes several hours to read Autobiography of a Yogi. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Autobiography of a Yogi a good book? Is it worth reading?
Autobiography of a Yogi is worth reading as it offers insightful teachings and experiences from a renowned spiritual leader.
Who is the author of Autobiography of a Yogi?
The author of Autobiography of a Yogi is Paramahansa Yogananda.
What to read after Autobiography of a Yogi?
If you're wondering what to read next after Autobiography of a Yogi, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Karma by Sadhguru
- Why I Am a Hindu by Shashi Tharoor
- The Yoga of Breath by Richard Rosen
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer
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