Pratik Suresh Pawar, Student, Sinhgad Institute of Business Administration & Research, Kondhwa, Pune. Have you ever read a book that completely changes how you see the world? For me, that book is Autobiography of a Yogi by ParamahansaYogananda. It’s
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Pratik Suresh Pawar, Student, Sinhgad Institute of Business Administration & Research, Kondhwa, Pune.
Have you ever read a book that completely changes how you see the world? For me, that book is Autobiography of a Yogi by ParamahansaYogananda. It’s not just an autobiography — it’s a journey into the mystical and spiritual depths of life. I picked up this book expecting to learn about meditation and yoga, but I ended up discovering so much more.
The story begins with Yogananda’s childhood in Gorakhpur, India. From a young age, he had a deep longing for God and spirituality. He wasn’t like most kids — while others were playing, he was searching for saints and miraculous experiences. His relentless quest to find a true spiritual master eventually leads him to Sri Yukteswar, a wise and strict guru who changes his life forever.
One of the things that struck me about this book is how vividly Yogananda describes his experiences. It’s like stepping into another world — a world where saints perform miracles, ancient wisdom is alive, and the boundaries of time and space dissolve. For example, he talks about meeting Babaji, an immortal yogi who appears whenever needed, and seeing incredible healings that defy logic. Whether or not you believe in these miracles, the way he writes makes you feel the power and beauty of these moments.
Yogananda also introduces the concept of Kriya Yoga — a meditation technique that he calls a “scientific” approach to spiritual growth. What I loved is how he connects spirituality with science. He doesn’t treat them as separate; instead, he shows how meditation, energy, and the universe are all connected. It’s fascinating to think about how ancient practices can have such a profound impact on modern life.
Another part I really enjoyed is how he talks about meeting famous people like Mahatma Gandhi and Luther Burbank. It’s interesting to see how Yogananda’s spiritual insights resonate with these influential figures. His travels to the United States in the 1920s bring out the cultural contrast between Eastern spirituality and Western materialism — yet he bridges the gap beautifully, teaching that truth is universal no matter where you are.
This book isn’t just about Yogananda’s life — it’s about all of us. It makes you think about big questions: Why are we here? What is the soul? What happens after death? He doesn’t preach; he shares his journey and lets you draw your own conclusions.
Reading Autobiography of a Yogi was like opening a door to a deeper understanding of life. It’s full of wisdom, humor, and inspiration. Even when describing profound spiritual truths, Yogananda’s tone is humble and relatable. He tells stories with warmth and sincerity, making complex ideas feel accessible.
I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about spirituality or looking for a new perspective on life. It’s one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. It encourages you to look within, find your own truth, and realize that there’s so much more to existence than we can see.
In short, Autobiography of a Yogi is not just a book — it’s an experience.
This book is highly recommended by influential figures such as Steve Jobs, Virat Kohli, and Ranveer Allahbadia. People from various fields, who have read it, urge everyone to read it at least once. Their recommendations were the reason I decided to read this book, and after experiencing it, I can see why it resonates with so many
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