Paramahansa Yogananda
- Born:
- January 5, 1893, Gorakhpur, British India (now India)
- Died:
- March 7, 1952, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Yogi, Guru, Spiritual Teacher, Philosopher, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India.
- Early interest in spiritual pursuits and encounters with various saints and teachers.
- Completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Serampore College, a constituent college of the University of Calcutta.
- Formally entered the Swami Order, receiving the name Yogananda.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) in 1917 to disseminate his teachings in India.
- Arrived in the United States in 1920 as India's delegate to the International Congress of Religious Liberals.
- Established Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in 1920 to spread his teachings worldwide.
- Lectured extensively across the United States, teaching Kriya Yoga and promoting interfaith understanding.
- Personally trained thousands of students in his Kriya Yoga techniques.
- Built Self-Realization Fellowship international headquarters and retreat centers.
Notable Works
- Autobiography of a Yogi: A seminal work first published in 1946, introducing many in the West to yoga and Eastern spiritual thought. The enduring popularity of Autobiography of a Yogi, as attested to by many readers including Sheryl McCorry, demonstrates its impact.
- Whispers from Eternity
- The Science of Religion
- God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita
- Numerous lessons on Kriya Yoga and Self-Realization.
Legacy and Impact
Paramahansa Yogananda played a significant role in introducing yoga and Hindu philosophy to the West. His Self-Realization Fellowship continues to disseminate his teachings globally, influencing spiritual seekers and promoting a more holistic understanding of life and spirituality.