Why do I love Yogananda? Because of the honesty and humility with which he shares his struggle in the early years of his life. Arrogant, stubborn, and a bit self-righteous as a youth, he still becomes one of our greatest spiritual masters.
Yogananda’s Search
I first read Autobiography of a Yogi around 2012. I had already been teaching and doing my own New Age practices for many years but felt I wanted to go back to some of the great classics in spiritual literature. The Hindu philosophy was not what drew me to this book. The desire to understand the evolution and life of a living master was.
Yogananda was born into the avatar range of consciousness. In other words, he was born into a high level of mastery, felt deeply connected to the Divine Mother, and worked many miracles as a child. Still, he struggled with spiritual arrogance and searched for many years for the teacher he needed to help him snap out of it. When he met Sri Yuketswar (pictured above with Yogananda), he knew he had found the guru who could take him to the highest levels of mastery.
Even though he was devoted to his spiritual path, Yogananda was often frustrated. Sri Yukteswar was very strict with him, trying to help him through the issues that blocked his final Oneness. The student ran away in frustration more than once, but he always returned. He understood what he needed to heal, what was necessary for the process, and that he would get to Oneness if he persevered.
The Gift of His Many Books
Yogananda had a wonderful writing style and talent for converting spiritual principles into simple language. He was an expert at bridging the gap between the East and West, and his many books have helped millions come to higher levels of understanding.
Another of my favorite of his books is The Yoga of Jesus, in which Yogananda points out the eastern mysticism in the teachings of Jesus. I always knew it was there, but it was refreshing to read it from a true master’s perspective.
You may already know Yogananda’s works. If not, check with your guidance to see if any of his books would benefit you. We all have favorite authors, those who speak to our hearts. This great yogi is one of mine, and he may be one of yours, too.
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