Autobiography of a Yogi

Nitesh Kumar Shah

The book Autobiography of a Yogi is written by a prolific speaker and writer Paramhansa
Yogananda. His legal name, which he got from his family, was Mukunda Lal Ghosh. He was
born on January 5, 1893 in Gorakhpur, India. He had often voiced prediction about his death. He
prophesied that he will not die in bed, but with his boots on, and speaking of God. On March 7,
1952, the prophecy materialized, and he entered mahasamadhi. This kind of conscious earth-exit
happens in the life of advanced yogi. He started spreading his message in America in 1920 as a
delegate to the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston. He founded Yogoda
Satsanga Society of India in 1917 and Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to disseminate his
teachings to the world. Other remarkable books of the author are The Divine Romance, Man’s
Eternal Quest, and The Law of Success.

The book is divided into forty nine chapters which starts from his childhood days, encompasses
his journey of spiritual quest, esoteric experiences in life, and his meeting with dignitaries.

In the very first chapter of this book, author explains about his parents and environment of his
home. His mother was always eager to help the destitute and was involved in charity. But his
father was a pragmatic person and believed that charity should be done based on the financial
capacity. However, his father was never interested in accumulation of wealth for power. Here
author also explains how his workaholic father got interested in spiritual pursuit.

Before the author met his guru he had met many other saints in his spiritual odyssey. In the 10 th
chapter author has explained how he met his guru Shree Yukteshwor Giri. The story is very
enchanting.

In the 26th chapter, author explains about kriya yoga and mentions that it can be learnt from the
authorized yogis from his ashram. Due to certain yogic restrictions the process of kriya yoga has
not been given in detail. However, it has been explained superficially. He learnt this through
guru-disciple tradition. Author has also mentioned about the source of kriya yoga. Through kriya
yoga one can revitalize the seven chakras in the human body.

Author presents how his journey to America materialized despite myriad obstacles. This is
explained in 37th chapter of the book. His father was not willing initially to fund the journey,
later his mind changed in a miraculous way. His incompetency in English language also led to
his mockery. The blessings of his guru instantly rescued from this embarrassing situation.

Author has dedicated 44th chapter to explain his time spent with Mahatma Gandhi. Here he
presents the lifestyle of Gandhi, which is very simple. He has explained how Gandhi created a
distance from the taste of food. This can help in detachment which is very important for plain
living and high thinking.
In the 46th chapter author explains about an extra-ordinary woman, Giribala, from Bengal who
had survived for more than fifty six years without food and water. Here the author meets Giribala
and interrogates about the mystery. For the benefit of reader author has thoroughly elaborated the
chapter. However, the secret has not been revealed.

Most of the people in current time are skeptical about the existence of god and capacity of mind.
Through this book author has tried to instill the confidence of readers in the power of mind and
meditation. Author has tried throughout the book to demonstrate the superiority of mind over the
physical body. With the help of engrossing stories of his own life he has tried to clarify the issues
about the existence of god. Our life is full of paradoxes, and many things cannot be deciphered
due to our limited capacity of our sense organs. The book can be an important tool for the one
who desired to understand the enigmas of the life. It is the most revered and trusted guide to the
spiritual life as his words are full of wisdom, encouragement, and love for humanity. The
incidents described in the book might not be justifiable to the rational mind. Everyone can draw
inspiration from this book if one is able to challenge his/her own thoughts and ideologies. The
book can be helpful for anyone who is willing to introspect and change his/her life for
betterment. Book also conveys the message that one can evolve in this life through self-effort. It
is recommended that this book should be read few times as once is not enough to grasp the
profoundness of the book. Many readers who have devoted their life in spirituality read this book
every year. The setbacks in life might derail one from the right path. But books like this will help
one understand that a divine universal plan exists and it is beautiful and full of joy.