Autobiography of a Yogi has been named one of the top 100 most influential spirituality books of the 20th century by Harper Collins and is commonly referenced by many different spiritual cultures and communities as a must-read – including those who practice the Law of Assumption. When Steve Jobs (the co-founder of Apple) became aware of his impending death, he purchased 500 copies of this beloved book and distributed them to all who attended his funeral. Many who read this book swear by its profound impact on their lives.

Paramahansa Yogananda chronicles his life from his childhood in India to a masterful swami in the United States. It is a spellbinding story of complete devotion, desire to know himself and God, the attainment of perfect spiritual connection, and fulfilling his purpose of bringing Kriya Yoga to the West. Yogananda knew as a small child that he wanted nothing more than to be taught by a guru and reach God. He wanted to dedicate his life to it. He pursued this deep desire until his father relented and finally found a master he was fated to meet, one who taught him the power of Kriya Yoga.

“The technique, which as you see is simple, embodies the art of quickening man’s spiritual evolution. Hindu scriptures teach that the incarnating ego requires a million years to obtain liberation from maya. This natural period is greatly shortened through Kriya Yoga.”

Throughout his physical and spiritual growth, Yogananda relates the wisdom he learned from his master and many other evolved spiritual gurus. He tells stories passed along from others as well as the many miracles he witnessed such as non-sleeping saints, non-eating saints, levitating saints, divine healings, and many gurus who could reach you to pass along messages without ever leaving their homes and still materialize out of thin air in front of your path (bilocation). His own master was so well-connected with the Universe, that he was able to send telepathic messages to Yogananda at will.

“The law of miracles is operable by any man who has realized that the essence of creation is light…….The actual form of projection (whatever it be: a tree, a medicine, a human body) is determined by the yogi’s wish and by his power of will and visualization.”

Throughout his learning, Yogananda learns that his thoughts and words have power. They literally have the power to transform reality around him – a lesson that ties in perfectly with the Law of Assumption. Much of what he learns shows that his reality is a mirror and his soul is meant to evolve on this plane. By harnessing the power already available to him through the power of meditation, Yogananda hones in on his own miraculous abilities and creates an astonishing reality for himself.

“I understood later that the explosive vibratory power in speech could be wisely directed to free one’s life from difficulties and thus operate without scar or rebuke.”

Neville Goddard also determined the power of meditation and prayer and that taking the time to connect to the unseen is key. Every religion also states the same thing – that connection to the unseen is essential for growth. In Autobiography of a Yogi, these masters study the connection with all religions, namely Hindi and Christianity, naming Lord Jesus as one of the greatest yogis ever. And if you’ve read the Bible, you know that Jesus regularly repeated how important it is to connect to God silently and privately, as he is shown to go off alone “into the wilderness” to commune with his father on a regular basis.

“Meditate unceasingly, that you quickly behold yourself as the Infinite Essence, free from every form of misery. Cease being a prisoner of the body; using the secret key of Kriya, learn to escape into Spirit.”

Through Kriya, as explained, one can learn to reach “cosmic consciousness” in which the soul is connected to the infinite, bringing incredibly healing peace. Though it took Yogananda many years to achieve this union, once the connection was made he felt extreme bliss, perfect love, and a divine connection to all life. This link helped free him of all negative attachments and desires, something the Hindus believe will keep a soul in indefinite periods of reincarnation. Kriya Yoga was used to achieve this link quickly, and it was his purpose in life to bring it to the Americas.

“Realizing that man’s body is like an electric battery, I reasoned that it could be recharged with energy through the direct agency of the human will. As no action of any kind is possible without willing, man may avail himself of the prime mover, will, to renew his strength without burdensome apparatus or mechanical exercises. By the simple Yogoda techniques, one may consciously and instantly recharge his life force (centered in the medulla oblongata) from the unlimited supply of cosmic energy.”

And just as Jesus and Nevile Goddard ask the student “Who do you say I AM?”, the great yogis also inquire the same. They ask you to name and identify yourself rather than letting the reality around you name you.

“To help suffering humanity regain its forgotten state of Perfection, Sri Ramaman teaches that one should constantly ask himself: “Who am I?” – the Great Inquiry indeed.”

Yogananda was eventually sent to the United States in the early 20th century where is met with deep love and respect by many people. He established a center in California (which still exists and is open to all) where anyone can study Kriya Yoga. Babaji (an eternal undying Yogi) and Yogananda’s master Sri Yukteswar believe that more and more people are needed to bring enlightenment, trusting Yogananda to bring their knowledge to the other side of the world.

“Babaji has promised to guard and guide all sincere Kriya Yogis in their path toward the Goal. Hundreds of thousands, not dozens merely, of Kriya Yogis are needed to bring into manifestation the world of peace and plenty that awaits men when they have made the proper effort to establish their status as sons of the Divine Father.”

And if you’re interested, you don’t have to be a full-time monk to study Kriya! The everyday man or woman can become adept. All you need to do is ask. They believe one enlightened person has the power to influence thousands and the curious are therefore adored. Simply by asking for enlightenment, miracles will be sure to follow.

“As soon as the devotee is willing to go even to the ends of the earth for spiritual enlightenment, his guru appears nearby.”

Autobiography of a Yogi is a beautiful book of love, faith, eternal hope, power, and creation. It should not be missed. This book is an absolute MUST READ for anyone studying the Law of Assumption and spiritual awakening.