Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda

Biography

Paramahansa Yogananda was born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India. From a young age, he displayed a deep spiritual inclination and sought out enlightened masters. His quest led him to Swami Sri Yukteswar, who trained him in the ancient science of Kriya Yoga—a powerful technique for spiritual awakening.

In 1920, Yogananda traveled to the United States, where he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) to spread the teachings of yoga, meditation, and divine realization. His historic speech at the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston marked the beginning of his mission in the West. Over the years, he lectured across America, attracting thousands of seekers with his deep wisdom, scientific approach to spirituality, and radiant presence.

His most influential work, Autobiography of a Yogi, published in 1946, became a global spiritual classic, inspiring countless seekers, including leaders, scientists, and artists such as Steve Jobs, George Harrison, and Mahatma Gandhi. Through his writings, he emphasized the unity of all religions and the direct experience of God through meditation.

Yogananda spent his later years establishing meditation centers and guiding disciples until his Mahasamadhi (conscious departure from the body) on March 7, 1952, in Los Angeles, USA. His Self-Realization Fellowship and its Indian counterpart, Yogoda Satsanga Society (YSS), continue to preserve and share his teachings worldwide.

Core Teachings

1. Kriya Yoga – The Science of Self-Realization

Yogananda taught Kriya Yoga, an advanced pranayama technique that accelerates spiritual growth. He described it as the fastest way to achieve God-realization.

2. God as Ever-New Bliss

He emphasized experiencing God as divine joy, beyond dogma or intellectual understanding. Meditation helps attune the practitioner to this ever-new bliss.

3. The Unity of All Religions

Yogananda saw all spiritual paths as different expressions of the same divine truth. He respected Jesus, Krishna, and other world teachers, integrating their wisdom into his teachings.

4. Meditation as the Supreme Path

He taught that deep meditation, rather than rituals or external observances, is the key to spiritual awakening.

5. Simple Living, High Thinking

A balanced life of service, devotion, and inner realization is essential for spiritual success.

Practices

1. Kriya Yoga Meditation

The core of his teachings, Kriya Yoga, involves breath control to awaken spiritual consciousness. The full technique is taught through the Self-Realization Fellowship.

Basic Meditation Steps:

• Sit upright with a straight spine.

• Focus on the breath and observe it naturally.

• Mentally chant "Hong-Sau" (I am He) with each breath to still the mind.

• Deepen inner stillness and connect with divine presence.

2. Energization Exercises

A unique system of physical movements Yogananda created to increase life-force (prana) in the body and mind. These 39 exercises help awaken spiritual energy and vitality.

3. Devotion & Chanting

• Chanting AUM or sacred mantras helps attune the mind to higher vibrations.

• Yogananda composed devotional chants, such as "Door of My Heart", to awaken divine love.

4. Affirmations for Healing & Strength

He taught positive affirmations to reprogram the mind and connect with divine power.Example: "I am the sky, the stars, the moon; I am He, I am He, Blissful Spirit, I am He."

5. Daily God-Communion

• Morning and evening meditation.

• Silent introspection and inner dialogue with God.

• Practicing seeing God in all—people, nature, and everyday life.

Legacy

Yogananda’s teachings continue to inspire millions worldwide. The Self-Realization Fellowship and Yogoda Satsanga Society (India) preserve his legacy and offer structured lessons on Kriya Yoga. His influence extends beyond spiritual seekers, impacting scientists, artists, and leaders.

"The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success." — Yogananda