Book Summary: Autobiography of a Yogi

This book is not just the tale of Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. It is also account of his lineage of Guru’s, Sri Yukteshwar Giri and Lahiri Mahasaya. And many numerous yogis who had supernatural powers.

Determined to be a Yogi from childhood, Sri Paramahansa Yogananda captures vivid memories of his meetings with various yogi’s during his spiritual journey. One yogi who levitated during meditation, another who appeared in two different places at the same time, one who tamed wild tigers, one who never slept, another who never ate, and the list goes on and on. All these fetes appear to be supernatural to us which science can’t explain yet but are quite common in the world of spiritual practitioners. For those who could transcend materialistic inclinations and practice meditation for long periods, certain siddhis come naturally. That would be to foresee the future or the power to heal the ailing. But they are more interested in their spiritual sadhana than showing off their supernatural powers.

This book provides insight into the world of numerous such yogis, their ways of thinking and living which are very different than that of common men driven by sensual pleasures and hoarding of wealth. For those on the spiritual path, this book would certainly be a motivation and the yogi’s mentioned in this book would only increase their resolve to remain committed to the spiritual path.