Finding Focus in the Clamour of Today’s World
With so much happening around the world, it can seem like a task to even move around in our fast-moving society. With all the educational advancement, social media distraction, work deadlines, on the go culture can make any sane person go crazy. It can leave a person restless, unsatisfied, anxious or lonely- looking for something meaningful, something that gives his life a purpose, peace and place.
If you’re one of many young people that age late teens to late twenties, you’re in a formative period of figuring out who you are. You’re not the only one looking for answers to these questions, such as: “What really counts? You know, “How do I get inner peace in a storm?” Surely, there’s more to life than this?
Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the last century’s most celebrated spiritual teachers and explorers, traveled that same path and came back with all the right answers to such profound questions. His life example and messages provide a timeless approach and profound truth that speaks so powerfully to the heart of this generation.
Who Is Paramahansa Yogananda?
Born on January 5,1893, in Gorakhpur, India, Paramahansa Yogananda always showed an early interest in spirituality. His search for truth eventually brought him to saint Swami Sri Yukteswar giri, who initiated him and later gave him the title “Paramhansa”. Indicating a status of the saint. Yogananda visited U.S. in the year 1920 and this was a moment for history, his movement from east to the west.
He went on to establish the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) to spread his teachings of Kriya Yoga and meditation. His life’s work was to unify the spiritual understanding found in Eastern traditions, with the objective and analytical culture of the West, presenting his deeply profound understandings in a way that all could understand, and all could access.
Autobiography of a Yogi remains one of the most popular spiritual classics of all time.
Originally published in 1946, Autobiography of a Yogi is Paramahansa Yogananda’s life story—a page-turner that weaves together an astonishing journey of personal discovery with powerful, practical truths about the nature of reality. The book transports readers into his formative years, his search for a guru, his meetings with saints and sages and his journey to disseminate the teachings of Kriya Yoga.
What sets this autobiography apart is the brutal honesty and introspection that it contains. Paramahansa Yogananda isn’t merely telling a story through his experiences, he shares the spiritual lessons, providing readers with an enlightening roadmap to them that will lead you to a greater sense of peace and self-realization. Now translated into more than fifty languages The Alchemist is an ongoing inspiration for spiritual seekers around the globe.
Yogananda’s Global Impact
Yogananda’s influence went far beyond national borders. In the United States, he drew a broad popular following, including famous fans such as George Harrison of The Beatles and Steve Jobs, who had the book to thank for inspiring his spiritual journey. Through his writings, Paramahansa Yogananda welcomed millions to the practice of meditation, and the philosophy of Kriya Yoga, teaching that self realization was through the direct personal experience of God.
Self-Realization Fellowship still maintains centers around the world today, disseminating teachings and practices rooted in Yogananda’s principles. His legacy continues, inspiring people to follow in his footsteps and cultivate a richer relationship with their inner life and the divine.
Why You Should Read Autobiography of a Yogi
In our shallow, commercial, shiny, hurried, frenetic, fake world Autobiography of a Yogi delivers new perspective—a challenge to go beyond, to go deeper, to look beyond the surface shlock and the corporate veneer. This engaging yet profound book is a testament that, for young adults and professionals multi-tasking and multi-everything in today’s chaotic world, self-awareness, inner peace and spiritual growth are not just aspirational—they’re essential.
Reading Paramahansa Yogananda’s story is more than just discovering what happened in his life, it’s about absorbing his teachings and using them in our own lives. It’s more about cultivating that inner harmony, that sense of purpose and ultimately that deeper fulfillment that goes far beyond worldly accomplishment.
Putting the Teachings into Practice in Everyday Life
Applying Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings to our daily lives can be done without a complete upheaval of our lives. It all starts with baby steps.
Practice Meditation– Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation. Center your attention on your breathing, clear your mind, and find a deeper sense of self.
Live with Purpose—Form Healthy Relationships Walk the talk and put your money where your mouth is. Find purpose in what you do, who you know, and how you spend your day-to-day.
Foster Good Vibes- create an empowering noise and community. Make a habit of showing appreciation and compassion.
By incorporating these disciplines, you will start to feel the calm and joy that Paramahansa Yogananda had in spades.
To dive into this transformative adventure, start with Autobiography of a Yogi. It’s been released in print, e-book, and audiobook formats. You can order it through all major retailers, online and in-person.
We recommend taking a look at the free resources provided by the Self-Realization Fellowship. They offer online lessons, meditation techniques and guidance rooted in Yogananda’s teachings.
In a world that flows a set success pattern on the outside, Autobiography of a Yogi encourages us to dive deeper and discover the unlimited potential within ourselves, discover the possibilities within our own consciousness. Yogananda’s teachings teaches us that the real fulfilment lies in the inner peace and self- realization and not in the worldly achievements.
Reflect Deeply
Are You Ready to Dive Deep and Get to Know Yourself?
Kick start your journey by reading Autobiography of a Yogi and discover the meaningful teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. May his journey inspire and motivate you as you embark on the journey of a profound relationship with yourself, nature and god.
