The book that has changed the lives of millions
I keep stacks of Autobiography of a Yogi around the house, and I give it out constantly to people. When people need ‘regrooving,’ I say read this, because it cuts to the heart of every religion.
— George Harrison (late former member of the Beatles)
How Did Autobiography of a Yogi Change Your Life?
Share Your Story With Us!
One day, while working on his autobiography, Paramahansa Yogananda quietly told those with him, “When I have left this world, this book will change the lives of millions.” Widely acclaimed as a spiritual classic, the influence of Autobiography of a Yogi has continuously spread since its publication seventy-five years ago, inspiring and transforming the lives of readers worldwide.
Yoganandaji’s autobiography takes the reader on a multifaceted journey. From the deeply poignant insights into the author’s personal life and spiritual search, to the fascinating portraits of many saints and yogis (both well-known and unknown), to the profound explanations of the esoteric aspects of India’s spirituality, Autobiography of a Yogi has stirred in many a deep desire to experience the Divine within themselves.
A Continual Source of Inspiration
When Autobiography of a Yogi was first published in the winter of 1946, it was met with an outpouring of praise by readers and the world press.
Columbia University Press wrote, “There has been nothing before, written in English or in any other language, like this presentation of Yoga.” Newsweek reported, “Yogananda’s book is rather an autobiography of the soul than of the body….a fascinating and clearly annotated study.” And The New York Times described it as “a rare account.”
Since that time, the book’s widespread appeal and popularity continues to endure. In 1999, it was named as one of the “100 Best Spiritual Books of the Century.”
And recently the financial newswire 24/7 Wall St. cited Autobiography of a Yogi in a special report as one of the “20 of the Most Popular Autobiographies of All Time.” Showcased alongside such works as Helen Keller’s The Story of My Life and Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, Autobiography of a Yogi and the other titles making the list were chosen from a selection of nearly 900 works.
Regarded as “a joyous affirmation of the power of the human soul” (West Coast Review of Books) — Autobiography of a Yogi has enjoyed a steady surge in interest in recent years due to the growing appeal of meditation and the ongoing relevance of Paramahansaji’s life-transforming teachings to those interested in finding spiritual balance and inner peace despite outward — and often tumultuous — change.
Over the years, the book has drawn readers from all walks of life, ranging from Nobel Prize Laureate Thomas Mann, Apple founder Steve Jobs (who arranged for the book to be given to all those attending his memorial service), acclaimed musicians John Coltrane and Ravi Shankar, Beatle George Harrison, and international cricket star Virat Kohli.
Sharing What Autobiography of a Yogi Means to You
— C.M., Pune
As part of our commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, we invite you to celebrate the book’s enduring appeal by sharing your personal recollections of the book’s impact on your own life.
We look forward to sharing your stories on our website and social media platforms, and learning how Autobiography of a Yogi changed your life as it has millions of others! If you prefer to share your stories of engaging with this book directly on your own social media pages, please do and tag us at @yoganandayss on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We also encourage you to visit the Autobiography of a Yogi page of our website.
