Hachette India

Autobiography of A Yogi

Paramahansa Yogananda

'Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself...'

-Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi

In his biography of Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson revealed that Autobiography of a Yogi was one book in particular that the CEO of Apple read and re-read his entire life - and the only one he ever downloaded on his iPad.

First published in 1947, this amazing memoir has since sold over 4 million copies, and has been read by many times that number. The story of a young Bengali Indian's intense search for God, it describes the lives of a number of living saints whom the author met on his life's journey, especially that of his own great guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar - who in turn predicted that Yogananda's life's mission would be to spread India's ancient meditation technique of Kriya Yoga throughout the world. It also describes, more clearly than any other mystical work, the author's experiences with God, including the highest one possible - Samadhi, or mystical union.

In the US, Yogananda skilfully trod the fine line between maintaining the integrity of his tradition (Hinduism in general and Kriya Yoga in particular) while also adapting his language, format and delivery technique to modern America. Everyone who meditates, goes to yoga classes or has, in any way, benefitted from India's great spiritual heritage, owes a debt of gratitude to him. The first major Indian teacher to settle in America, he has been rightly called 'the 20th century's first superstar guru' by the Los Angeles Times.

Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) was an Indian yogi, spiritual teacher, and author who introduced millions to the teachings of meditation and self-realization. His seminal work, Autobiography of a Yogi, is a spiritual classic that bridges Eastern and Western traditions, offering profound insights into the pursuit of enlightenment and the universal truths that unite humanity. Yogananda's legacy endures as a pioneer who made ancient wisdom accessible to modern seekers worldwide. Gill Hasson has 20 years' experience teaching and writing on a range of issues to do with personal and professional development, mental health and wellbeing. She is the author of more than 22 books; the bestselling Mindfulness, Mindfulness Pocketbook, Emotional Intelligence, Positive Thinking, the Sunday Times bestseller How to Deal with Difficult People, plus other books on the subjects of resilience, communication skills and assertiveness.