C O L L E C TO R ’ S S E R I E S – No.

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An informal talk by ParamahansaYogananda

The Great Light of God

 The Great Light of God

Paramahansa Yogananda
(1893–1952)
“As a bright light shining in the midst of darkness, so was Yogananda’s presence
in this world. Such a great soul comes on earth only rarely, when there is a real
need among men.”
— His Holiness the Shankaracharya of Kanchipuram (1894-1994)
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 A world teacher whose presence among us illumined the
path for countless souls, Paramahansa Yogananda lived and
taught the highest truths of life. All who came within the
sphere of his influence were profoundly touched and changed.
Expressing a perfect balance of wisdom and divine love, his
was a life of complete dedication to God and selfless service to
humanity.
Born in Gorakhpur, India, on January 5, 1893, Paramahansa
Yogananda came to the United States in 1920 as India’s delegate
to an international congress of religious leaders. He brought a
timeless and universal message: that there is one goal shared by
all religions— union with God— and that the lasting happiness
and fulfillment sought by every human being may be found in
the realization of that Divine Presence within.
For the next decade, Paramahansaji* traveled extensively,
giving lectures and classes in India’s ancient science and phi-
losophy of Yoga and its time-honored methods of meditation.
In 1925 he established the international headquarters of Self-
Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, and from there the spir-
itual and humanitarian work he began continues today under
the guidance of one of his earliest and closest disciples, Sri
Daya Mata, president of Self-Realization Fellowship since 1955.
In addition to publishing Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings,
lectures, and informal talks—including a comprehensive series
* “Ji” is a respectful suffix added to names and titles in India.
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of Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons for home study— the society
oversees temples, retreats, and meditation centers around the
world; the monastic communities of the Self-Realization Order;
and the Worldwide Prayer Circle, which serves as an instru-
ment to help bring healing to those in need and greater peace
and harmony among all nations. The Eastern headquarters of
Paramahansa Yogananda’s work (known as Yogoda Satsanga
Society of India) is located in Dakshineswar, near Calcutta, and
serves centers and meditation groups throughout India.
The life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda are
described in his Autobiography of a Yogi. Since it was first pub-
lished in 1946, this book has come to be regarded as a spiritual
classic, and is now used as a text and reference work in colleges
and universities throughout the world. Revealing the essential
unity of the world’s great religious traditions, Autobiography of a
Yogi has been an inspiration to millions of truth-seekers.
About This Talk
This talk by Paramahansa Yogananda was recorded at
Self-Realization Fellowship’s international headquarters on
December 23, 1951, at the last all-day Christmas meditation held
during his lifetime. A spiritual highlight of the year for follow-
ers of the Self-Realization teachings, the tradition of devoting a
whole day to meditation and communion with God had been
started by Paramahansaji in 1931, a tradition that is honored
to this day in SRF temples and centers worldwide. He often

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said that if even on one day a person were to become deeply
absorbed in the thought and the love of God, his or her whole
life would be changed forever.
During these long Christmas meditations, Paramahansaji
would enter the ecstatic state of samadhi, and all present would
share in the inspiration that flowed through his words. The year
this recording was made, he remained secluded in his private
quarters. As he spoke at intervals throughout the day, his words
were conveyed through a speaker system to the disciples medi-
tating in the chapel. His voice reflects at times his interiorized
consciousness, and at other times the power and intensity with
which he urged the devotees to seek God ever more deeply.
The Great Light of God is the third in a special collector’s series
of recorded talks by Paramahansa Yogananda. Self-Realization
Fellowship is happy to present these rare recordings—a price-
less part of the great Master’s spiritual legacy to the world.

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 Other Recordings by Paramahansa Yogananda

—Talks—
Beholding the One in All
Awake in the Cosmic Dream
Be a Smile Millionaire
Self-Realization: The Inner and the Outer Path
Follow the Path of Christ, Krishna, and the Masters
To Make Heaven on Earth
One Life Versus Reincarnation
Removing All Sorrow and Suffering
In the Glory of the Spirit
—Music—
Songs of My Heart

Please visit our Web site to view the complete line of Self-Realization
Fellowship books, recordings, and other items: www.yogananda-srf.org
(click on “Online Catalog”).
A printed catalog describing all of our books and recordings is available on
request from:

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 Self-Realization Fellowship
3880 San Rafael Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90065-3298
Telephone: 818-549-5151
Fax: 818-549-5100

Self-Realization Fellowship was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda

as the instrument for the worldwide dissemination of his teachings. The
Self-Realization Fellowship name and emblem (shown above) appear on
all SRF books, recordings, and other publications, assuring one that a work
originates with the society established by Paramahansa Yogananda and
faithfully conveys his teachings.
Authorized by the International Publications Council of Self-Realization
Fellowship.

Printed in the U.S.A.

2023-J946
© 2006 Self-Realization Fellowship
All rights reserved

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jA L S O AVA I L A B L E i