Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda

by Swami Sivananda

Paramahansa Yogananda was born on 5 January, 1893, near the Himalayas, in Gorakhpur. His parents, brothers and sisters were all saintly and pious, but Mukunda (the boyhood name of Yogananda) was unique amongst all of them. He displayed his spiritual gifts and powers even from his childhood.

His line of Gurus descended from Babaji, the deathless Guru said to be the reincarnation of Lord Krishna. Babaji�s disciple was Lahiri Mahasaya, who in turn had as his disciple, Sri Yukteswar. It was Sri Yukteswar who was destined to be the spiritual master of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For ten years Yoganandaji trained for his high duty at the Ashram of his Guru, pursuing his university career at the same time. After his rigorous training, filled with the light of God-vision, he was now ready to undertake the mission entrusted to him by his line of Gurus.

The education of the youth was always dear to the heart of Yoganandaji. He set up his first school in Bengal in 1917. Its curriculum includes the standard high school subjects as well as Yoga concentration, meditation and the Yogoda system of physical development.

In 1920, Yoganandaji went to America as a delegate from India to the International Congress of Religions at Boston, and from then on America became his home. Five years later he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship with its head quarters at Mount Washington, Los Angeles. In his famous Autobiography of a Yogi, Yoganandaji has given graphic descriptions of his spiritual experiences and his contact with the great Yogis of India. This book has since become one of the greatest spiritual classics in the world and has been translated into many languages.

Paramahansa Yogananda had a broad and liberal heart. Even though he himself was a great Master, he approached other saints with great reverence.

Kriya Yoga was the method of God-realisation taught by Yoganandaji. His mission in the West was to spread the knowledge of Yoga practices, by which man can enter into union with God. Yoganandaji also gave new explanations to the teachings of the Bible, showing the similarity of its teachings with that of Hinduism. He promoted the cause of a better understanding between the East and West. Numerous students got personal instructions in Yoga teachings in the classes conducted by him in his ministry of thirty-two years. He spoke in churches, societies, universities and clubs.

In 1935, Yoganandaji�s class instructions were published in the form of lessons and mailed to students all over the world. In India the same teachings were spread by the Yogoda Satsanga Society, with its headquarters at Dakshineswar.

The Self-Realization Fellowship today has hundreds of centres throughout the world. There are seven large centres in California, where renunciates stay to serve and practise Yoga. A number of trained monks tour all over the world, giving discourses and Kriya Yoga initiation to students.

Besides giving instructions on Yoga and balanced living, SRF also conducts many social services, especially in India.

Yoganandaji attained Mahasamadhi on March 7, 1952. The great Master showed his power over death, for his body did not decay for many weeks.

Paramahansa Yogananda: The Spiritual Master Who Brought Yoga to the World

Paramahansa Yogananda was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the twentieth century, renowned for introducing the timeless wisdom of yoga and meditation to millions of people across the world. Through his teachings, writings, and personal example, he emphasized that every individual has the potential to experience direct communion with the Divine through sincere spiritual practice. Paramahansa Yogananda inspired seekers to combine meditation, devotion, self-discipline, and ethical living as a complete path toward inner peace and self-realization. His message continues to guide spiritual aspirants from every background. Devotional India encourages readers to explore the life and teachings of this extraordinary master with respect and devotion.

Understanding Paramahansa Yogananda begins with his emphasis on the universal nature of spirituality. He taught that true religion is based on personal experience of God rather than external differences in culture or tradition. According to his teachings, meditation is the most direct way to calm the mind, awaken inner awareness, and experience divine presence. His message encouraged people to discover unity, love, and harmony beyond all barriers, making spirituality accessible to everyone.

One of the greatest contributions of Paramahansa Yogananda was his dedication to spreading the science of meditation and Kriya Yoga. He explained that regular meditation helps individuals overcome mental restlessness, strengthen concentration, and realize their true spiritual nature. By practicing daily with sincerity and discipline, seekers gradually develop peace, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Devotional India reminds readers that consistent meditation transforms both the mind and the heart.

Another important aspect of Paramahansa Yogananda is his emphasis on balanced living. He encouraged people to maintain harmony between spiritual practice and worldly responsibilities. Honest work, selfless service, good health, positive thinking, and devotion to God were all considered essential elements of a meaningful life. He believed that success in the outer world should always be guided by inner values such as truthfulness, compassion, humility, and self-control.

The teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda also highlight the importance of self-realization. He taught that every soul is inherently divine and that the purpose of life is to rediscover this eternal truth through meditation, prayer, and spiritual discipline. As the mind becomes calm and the heart becomes pure, individuals gradually experience greater love, joy, and freedom from fear. Devotional India highlights that self-realization is achieved through sincere practice and complete faith in the Divine.

Developing the ideals taught by Paramahansa Yogananda requires regular spiritual practice and continuous self-improvement. Daily meditation, scriptural study, prayer, gratitude, and ethical living strengthen inner awareness and deepen one’s relationship with God. Challenges should be accepted as opportunities for growth, while every act of kindness and selfless service contributes to personal transformation. Through perseverance and devotion, seekers steadily advance on the spiritual path.

The enduring legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda continues to inspire millions because his teachings unite ancient yogic wisdom with practical guidance for modern life. His message of universal love, inner peace, meditation, and devotion remains relevant across cultures and generations. By encouraging direct spiritual experience rather than blind belief, he helped countless individuals discover lasting happiness and divine awareness. Devotional India continues to preserve the wisdom of great spiritual masters like Paramahansa Yogananda to inspire seekers toward harmony, self-realization, and spiritual fulfillment.

In conclusion, Paramahansa Yogananda remains one of the world’s most respected spiritual teachers, whose life and teachings continue to illuminate the path of meditation, devotion, and self-realization. Through disciplined practice, ethical living, and unwavering faith, he showed that every individual can experience the presence of the Divine within. His timeless message continues to guide sincere seekers toward lasting peace and spiritual freedom. Devotional India encourages every reader to study Paramahansa Yogananda with reverence, discovering the eternal wisdom that leads to divine grace, inner joy, and lasting fulfillment.