The Monk That Changed the world and then Transcended.

Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952) was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced millions of westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book “Autobiography of a Yogi.” His teachings emphasize the unity of all religions and the direct personal experience of God through meditation.

Here are some key points about Yogananda:

Early Life: He was born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. From a young age, he showed spiritual inclinations and sought out various saints and sages, looking for a teacher who could guide him on his path.

Spiritual Training: Yogananda’s search led him to his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, under whose guidance he undertook rigorous training in the ancient science of Kriya Yoga.

Mission in America: In 1920, Yogananda traveled to the United States as a delegate for the International Congress of Religious Liberals. It was during this trip that he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) to disseminate his teachings.

Work and Influence: Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Yogananda traveled across the US, giving lectures, teaching Kriya Yoga, and establishing SRF centers. He drew many high-profile followers and became one of the most influential spiritual figures in America at the time.

Autobiography of a Yogi: Published in 1946, this book is considered a spiritual classic. It recounts Yogananda’s life experiences, meetings with spiritual masters in India, and teachings about the unity of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. The book has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired millions around the world, including famous personalities like Steve Jobs, George Harrison, and others.

Passing and Legacy: Yogananda passed away in 1952 in Los Angeles, California. His work is carried on by the Self-Realization Fellowship and its sister organization, the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India. The organizations continue to teach his methods of meditation, principles for holistic living, and the underlying unity of all world religions.

Yogananda’s teachings emphasize the importance of direct communion with God, inner peace, and the potential for self-realization within every individual.

[WhenSaintsCry]

This man learned how to logout of the game.

[WithoutAUsername]

One correction*
He did not go to heaven, He took Mahasamadhi which means to become one with the source of creation.

[jsk-rnpq]

One of the best things that happened to me was discovering the book « Autobiography of a Yogi » and other books written by Paramahansa Yogananda. Such a treasure ❤

[srrk]

My grandfather practiced meditation, not an advanced level though. Once he got sick and got into the hospital. I don't remember what it was about but it was supposed to be painful. My mom asked him if he had any pain. My grandpa said he had no pain because he set his mind not to feel the pain. It was extraordinary!!

[Melissa]

His book 'Autobiography of a Yogi' was the first spiritual book I ever read and it changed my life.

[Gen-XRider]

Every human being should practice meditation.

[rajatkachari]

He reached samadhi and got moksh. This is the highest form of spiritual attainment for a human.

[deanna.radiant]

Paramahansa Yogananda and Nisaragadatta Maharaj are my favorite Indian Yogi's when it comes to Esoteric Spirituality.

[elisedoka]

Ps: meditation was my only way of getting away from depression and misunderstanding. Self taught Yoga🙏

[edemontfort]

He had a tremendous impact on my western mind. He said that life is a movie and we decide the script. He was so advanced.

[terriejohnston]

Greatest story.
.Autobiography of a Yogi. Will.open up ur eyes...

[mikehazel]

Meditation is very good I can literally feel the energy in my body it's really quite astonishing there's nothing like it on the planet no drug nothing can get me quite as high as meditation trust me I'm an ex-addict I know these things

[dianederita]

Masters come to teach us how to do things, in the most masterful of ways.
What a beautiful way to leave the body, to “transition, ”when in a state of bliss🙏

[janinestarch]

Read about “anandamoyi ma” (blissful mother) wen she saw yogananda she welcomed him as her friend….by his side she would often go into blissful state (leave body then return)

[rhhxift]

If you're interested in this, read his book autobiography of a yogi. It's a very interesting read. Steve Jobs' last gift handed out at his memorial service was a copy of this book.

[urnisi]

That day was March 7 1952. The LA mortuary director stated quote "The absence of any visual signs of decay in the body of Paramahaansa Yogananda offers the most extraordinary case in our experience....No physical disintegration was visible in his body even twenty days after death....This state of perfect preservation of a body is, so far we we know from mortuary annals, an unparalleled one.... No odor of decay emanated from his body at any time."

[torealwealth]

I love the book: "Autobiography of a Yogi" . It was a wonderful experience reading a book. I learned so much, and still love the book to this day. 💕

[anusuya_blissful]

Most people do not understand Sanatan Dharm. Yogis know how to do it. Be it Yogananda Paramahansa or Lahiri Mahasaya or Nisarga Dutta Maharaj or Ramana Maharahi or Swami Vivekananda or Sri Sri Ramkrishna Paramahansa or our Jagatguru Adishankaracharya and many others. They know a lot of art of living in the body and outside the body and also leaving the body as when needed. If you read their way of living, you will be stunned to understand the reality of life and death.

[williamsullivan]

There is truly no death! The body just comes and goes, comes and goes, comes and goes! We are consciousness, energy which never is lost! It transforms, The illusion is mind vs. matter...

[santoshatantra]

This man walked the truest most beautiful journey one can take ❤