Autobiography of a Yogi
by Paramahansa Yogananda
Yogananda's 1946 account of his training with Indian saints and his mission to the West, full of miracles he presents as fact, teachings on kriya yoga, and meetings with Gandhi and others. It introduced yoga philosophy to millions and was the one book on Steve Jobs's iPad. Read the miracles as the tradition's language.
Read it if…
you want the classic introduction to yogic spirituality through a life story.
Skip it if…
miracle stories presented as literal are a barrier for you.
Three things you will actually use
- The inner life can be the central project.
- Devotion and discipline are not opposites.
- Meet other traditions on their own terms.
Do this first
Read the chapters on his guru and the teaching, not only the miracles.
Our verdict
Classic, miraculous, influential.
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