Autobiography of a Yogi (Reprint of the Philosophical library 1946 First Edition) by Paramhansa Yogananda Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Autobiography of a Yogi (Reprint of the Philosophical library 1946 First Edition)
Book Review: Fascinating - but does it teach?
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an amazing story of a young boy who discovers his mystic abilities at an early age, attributed to the development of his soul during previous lives. He later goes on to have amazing adventures, many of which test the limits of reality as we believe it and others that are outright disturbing and incredible. While I understand that there are masters who have a mastery over the workings of the universe, and they are one with God or the Godhead, I question any yogi who relies on passing on his message with use of these stunts.
Parmhansa Yogananda is a proponent of Kriya Yoga, that seems to rely heavily on manipulations of the universe, although the basic premise is that it accelerates our arrival to a state of oneness with the Godhead. I struggle with any method that touts quick results to God (for that matter, anything), with the power to throw out a few miracles now and then, thrown in. While innumerable holy men have used miracles to help the masses, any serious form of Yoga frowns upon its indiscriminate use.
The path to self-realization is an intensely personal one, and in accordance with the hindu perennial philosophy, whatever method we choose to follow to acheiving this state, is the right one for us. In tune with that, certainly Kriya Yoga has a place in the world. However, I hope that the exciting powers that one may obtain with the practice of this yoga is not your motivating factor (wouldn't we all love a few powers like that?!) but a true desire to self-realization, otherwise it leads to unnecessary pain and suffering.
I recommend 'How to Know God - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali', as follow up to this book. Go ahead, read both. It will help balance your view on some of the principles expounded in these books that are extremely powerful. As a lesser mortal, I remain in awe at what I might find within on this fascinating journey.
Book Review: A very spiritually elevating book
Summary: 4 Stars
I found this book very interesting and very elevating. Though sometimes the language can throw you off however after you grasp their meaning they seem to be describing something very deep. The chapters on Babaji and Lahiri Mahasaya are a must read for every aspirant. Book Review: Most inspiring book of my life
Summary: 5 Stars
This book literally altered my life's path. Profound and clicked with my inner mind! Thank you!!Book Review: Is It Reality Or A Blend Of Reality And Fantasy?
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book thirty years ago(do you think I waited long enough to write this review?) and enjoyed it very much, but found it perplexing. I, myself, am a yogi, but this story would strike most people as being a blend of truth and fantasy. But what is wrong with that? It is a beautiful story that teaches us many things about the way yogis look at life--and death. Do not approach this book with a critical eye on truth. Instead, think of it as a type of epic poem. Reflect on the reality of it at your leasure! One thing is true about this book: the author wrote this book with great love of all humanity! If you have developed an interest in some aspect of yoga and want to learn something more of what traditional yoga(as opposed to the "designer" versions touted lately) is about, give this a try.Book Review: A life-changing account
Summary: 5 Stars
Yogananda was one of the greatest spiritual figures of the 20th century -- we are very fortunate to have his autobiography!
This book is full of wisdom. Whether you read it quickly, or decide, like some do, to take the time and try to gain a deep understanding of yoga, you are bound to be inspired.
One of the wonderful things about Yogananda's writings is that they are so universal and accessible. Even my grandmother, an Episcopalian, is a big fan of his! This is one of those classics that can be appreciated by anyone who is open to true spiritual teachings, no matter their source.
To me, this original, unedited edition is also especially powerful. It seems to more purely express what I like most about Yogananda. I highly recommend it!