Autobiography of a Yogi - Yogananda Paramahansa

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As someone long fascinated by Eastern spirituality, I finally read Paramahansa Yogananda's legendary 1946 book "Autobiography of a Yogi." This memoir traces Yogananda's journey to enlightenment, from his childhood in Gorakhpur, India to becoming a leading spiritual teacher of Kriya Yoga meditation in America. 

I found the book revelatory in unveiling his process of divine self-realization aided by influential yogis like Swami Sri Yukteswar. Yogananda interweaves charming stories on his early spiritual experiences along with more profound episodes later in life. His vivid portrayals of saintly sages left a deep impression, highlighting the extraordinary capabilities attained through devotion, self-discipline and non-attachment.

While inspirational overall, sections like his pilgrimage through snowy mountain passes dragged slightly. The concluding chapters also seemed disjointed following his return to America. Nonetheless, Yogananda's incredible life provides a compelling window for Westerners into the mysterious, mystical terrain of Indian spiritual heritage.

"Autobiography of a Yogi" more than lives up to its billing as a spiritual classic. Yogananda argues convincingly for yoga meditation as a means towards direct divine revelation, beyond merely improved health and flexibility. For confirming my own interest in Eastern thought as well as revealing the formative years of a twentieth century spiritual giant, I highly recommend this book.

1996