The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda

Paramhansa Yogananda Born in India in 1893, Paramhansa Yogananda was trained from his early years to bring India’s ancient science of Self-realization to the West. In 1920 he moved to the United States to begin what was to develop into a worldwide work touching millions of lives. Americans were hungry for India’s spiritual teachings, and for the liberating techniques of yoga. In 1946 he published what has become a spiritual classic and one of the best-loved books of the 20th century, Autobiography of a Yogi. In addition, Yogananda established headquarters for a worldwide work, wrote a number of books and study courses, gave lectures to thousands in most major cities across the United States, wrote music and poetry, and trained disciples. He was invited to the White House by Calvin Coolidge, and he initiated Mahatma Gandhi into Kriya Yoga, his most advanced technique of meditation. Yogananda’s message to the West highlighted the unity of all religions, and the importance of love for God combined with scientific techniques of meditation.

Swami KriyanandaA prolific author, accomplished composer, playwright, and a world-renowned spiritual teacher, Swami Kriyananda refers to himself simply as “a humble disciple” of the great God-realized master, Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi. He met his guru at the young age of twenty-two, and served him during the last four years of the Master’s life. And he has done so continuously ever since. Yogananda appointed him as the head of the monastery, authorized him to teach in his name and to give initiation into Kriya Yoga, and entrusted him with the missions of writing and developing what he called “world brotherhood colonies.” Kriyananda, a multi-award winning spiritual leader, was appointed to membership in the prestigious Club of Budapest, thereby joining such world-renowned figures as the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Kriyananda has in his lifetime lectured, taught, and written over ninety books based on Yogananda’s teachings that have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 28 languages. Recognized as the “father of the spiritual communities movement” in the United States, Swami Kriyananda founded Ananda World Brotherhood Community in 1968. It has served as a model for a number of communities founded subsequently in the United States and Europe. He has established Ananda Sangha, which publishes many of his eighty-six literary works and spreads the teachings of Kriya Yoga throughout India.