Biography of Paramahansa Yogananda
Early Life of Paramahansa Yogananda
Born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India, Paramahansa Yogananda came from a prosperous and devout Bengali family. Mukunda Lal Ghosh was his childhood name. People around him saw at a young age that he was far more aware and experienced than the average person.
Acclaim and Fascinating Facts: Known as the “Father of Yoga in the West,” President Calvin Coolidge hosted the first well-known Indian spiritual teacher at the White House in 1927.
Through publications, trained monks, and SRF/YSS centers, his teachings are still practiced today all over the world.
Bestselling Author: Since its publication, his spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi has been translated into more than 50 languages and has consistently appeared on spiritual bestseller lists.
Recognition and Interesting Facts:
- Introduced Yoga to West – He is known as the “Father of Yoga in the West”
- Hosted in White House – He is first prominent Indian spiritual teacher hosted at the White House by President Calvin Coolidge in 1927
- Bestselling Author – His book Autobiography of a Yogi, is a spiritual classic translated into over 50 languages and has been continuously on spiritual bestseller lists since its publication in 1946
- Steve Jobs’ Connection – It is widely believed that Autobiography of a Yogi was the only book Steve Jobs had on his iPad and was his last gift to friends and employees
Spiritual Quest and Meeting the Guru
In his youth, he explored various places and saints across India in search of a spiritual teacher who could guide and calm his spiritual curiosity. At the age of 17, in 1910, he met the revered Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri and became his disciple. Under this great yoga master, Yogananda spent the next 10 years developing deep spiritual discipline.
According to Yogananda, his spiritual connection with his guru had begun many lifetimes ago. His devotion only grew stronger over time. He often stayed at Sri Yukteswar’s ashram and found joy in listening to stories from his guru’s life. Under his guidance, Yogananda practiced Kriya Yoga, which he had experienced twice before but now found transformative under proper direction.
Spiritual Practices and Daily Life
During his college years, Yogananda spent much time at his guru’s ashram. He enjoyed meditation and learned the importance of serving worldly purposes along with spiritual goals. After graduating from Calcutta University in 1915, he took formal vows under the monastic Swami Order and was given the name “Yogananda,” meaning “bliss through divine union.” This marked the beginning of his deep commitment to God and service through spirituality and education.
The “How-to-Live” School Concept
Yogananda believed that real and complete education happens only when physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life are in balance. Based on this belief, he started a school for boys in 1917 in Ranchi called the “How-to-Live” School. These schools blended modern education methods with yoga training and spiritual values. The idea was to raise balanced individuals who are physically fit, mentally strong, and spiritually awakened.
The curriculum included academics, spiritual routines, entertainment, sports, picnics, and visits to nearby places. Yogananda taught that all religions should be respected, and narrow-mindedness or intolerance should be avoided. He believed that God lives in every human and no one should be discriminated against based on caste, religion, color, or race.
Teaching and Influence Abroad
Because of his compassionate and gentle teaching style, Yogananda gained recognition not only in India but also internationally. He was invited to represent India at a religious conference in the U.S., where his talk on the Science of Religion was highly appreciated. In the same year, he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship to spread ancient Indian wisdom, yoga philosophy, and his teachings globally.
He gave lectures across the U.S., including New York and Los Angeles, attracting thousands of people. In 1925, he established the international headquarters of the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, which became the center of his expanding work. The Los Angeles Times reported that thousands gathered hours in advance to hear his extraordinary presentations.
Universal Teachings and Respect for All Faiths
Though he was a Hindu, Yogananda respected all religions. He often quoted Jesus Christ and other religious leaders. His universal approach earned him a diverse following and widespread respect. According to his teachings, life’s ultimate goal is liberation or mukti. He explained that success is not just about position or wealth but about self-mastery and inner control.
Success, Freedom, and Self-Analysis
Yogananda emphasized the importance of balance and self-analysis. He believed that while people appear to have free will, most are controlled by their habits, desires, emotions, and senses. He described people as puppets, dancing to these forces unless they consciously break free. According to him, true success comes from mastering oneself.
Autobiography and Final Years
In 1946, he published his life story, Autobiography of a Yogi, which became a bestseller and is now considered a spiritual classic. It has been translated into 18 languages and is read worldwide.
Death: On March 7, 1952, Yogananda entered mahasamadhi—a yogi’s conscious and final exit from the body during meditation. His death was considered extraordinary. A signed statement from the director of Forest Lawn Memorial Park said that even weeks after death, Yogananda’s body showed no signs of decay, remaining in a preserved, lifelike state.
Legacy
Yogananda not only spread yoga in India but across the world. His teachings inspired many, and he often said that we must always maintain our integrity, speak the truth, and live it. His life remains an example of a true spiritual teacher dedicated to uplifting humanity.
Reference
- https://yssofindia.org/paramahansa-yogananda/autobiography-of-a-yogi
- https://thebetterindia.com/