Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was known to have been influenced by Eastern spirituality, and it is believed that he recommended the Autobiography of a Yogi to several of his colleagues and employees at Apple. There are a few reasons why he might have recommended the book. Virat Kohli, Rajnikanth, and many others recommend it. The Osho said,” to me, a book is not just a book, it is a love affair.”
Autobiography of a Yogi is a spiritual autobiography of Paramahansa Yogananda, first published in 1946. The book has been described as a landmark in spiritual literature and has been in print for over 70 years. It has been translated into over 29 languages and has been a source of inspiration for millions worldwide. The book covers Yogananda’s childhood and family, his experiences with various spiritual teachers, and his own spiritual practices and realizations.
It also includes descriptions of the lives and teachings of many famous saints and yogis from India and the West. Overall, Autobiography of a Yogi is considered a classic text that provides insight into the life and teachings of one of the most influential spiritual figures of the 20th century.
The autobiography of a Yogi offers readers many valuable insights and teachings on a wide range of spiritual topics. Some of the key themes and lessons that can be learned from the book include:
- The power of meditation and yoga:
The book emphasizes the importance of regular meditation and yoga practice as a means to achieve spiritual growth and self-realization. Yogananda explains the benefits of techniques such as Kriya Yoga, which he claims can lead to spiritual experiences such as inner illumination, self-realization, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The book also provides detailed instructions for practicing these techniques.
2. The path of devotion and surrender:
Yogananda teaches the importance of devotion to God and the guru and the power of surrendering one’s ego to achieve a deeper spiritual connection. The book describes how devotion to God and the guru can lead to spiritual experiences such as divine visions, inner peace, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Yogananda also explains the importance of developing a personal relationship with God through prayer and meditation.
3. The unity of all religions:
The Autobiography of a Yogi teaches that all religions ultimately lead to the same goal of spiritual enlightenment and encourages tolerance and understanding of different spiritual traditions. Yogananda explains that all religions are paths to the same ultimate goal and that it is important to respect and understand the beliefs and practices of others. He also explains that the fundamental principles of all religions are the same and that these principles can be experienced directly through spiritual practices such as meditation.
4. The reality of the spiritual realm:
The book provides detailed accounts of Yogananda’s own experiences with spiritual phenomena such as astral projection, levitation, and healing, as well as the experiences of other spiritual figures. These experiences are described as evidence of the reality of the spiritual realm and the possibility of reaching higher states of consciousness through spiritual practices.
5. The importance of service:
Yogananda emphasizes the importance of serving others as a means to achieve spiritual growth and self-realization. He explains that serving others is a way to develop selflessness and compassion, which are important qualities for spiritual growth. He also explains that serving others is a way to develop devotion to God, as serving others is serving God. See god in every human being.
6. The concept of karma and reincarnation:
the book explains the idea that our actions have consequences, and that we are reborn multiple times to work out our past karma and to evolve spiritually. Yogananda explains that the law of karma is a natural law that governs the universe and that our actions in this life will determine our experiences in future lives. He also explains that the ultimate goal of human existence is to evolve spiritually and attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
7. The importance of self-inquiry:
Yogananda encourages readers to question their own beliefs and perceptions and to seek answers through direct experience and inner exploration. He explains that true spiritual understanding can only be attained through direct experience, and not through the study of books or the acceptance of dogma. He encourages readers to be skeptical of their own beliefs and to question everything in order to attain true understanding.
These are some of the key teachings of the book, but there are many more that can be learned by reading it. Read a full book from here.
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