# Paramahansa Yogananda

> Yogi, Kriya Yoga guru and founder of Self-Realization Fellowship (1893-1952)

**Wikidata**: [Q312549](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312549)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramahansa_Yogananda)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paramahansa-yogananda

## Summary
Paramahansa Yogananda was an Indian yogi, philosopher, and spiritual leader who introduced Kriya Yoga to the West and founded the Self-Realization Fellowship. He was a key figure in bringing Eastern spiritual traditions to Western audiences through his teachings and writings, most notably *Autobiography of a Yogi*. His work bridged cultural and religious divides, influencing global spirituality.

## Biography
- Born: January 5, 1893
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Studied at the University of Calcutta
- Known for: Founding the Self-Realization Fellowship and authoring *Autobiography of a Yogi*
- Employer(s): Self-Realization Fellowship
- Field(s): Yoga, Philosophy, Writing, Autobiography

## Contributions
Paramahansa Yogananda made several significant contributions:
- Introduced Kriya Yoga to Western audiences through his teachings and spiritual mission.
- Authored *Autobiography of a Yogi*, a spiritual classic that continues to be widely read and translated.
- Founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920, a spiritual organization based in Los Angeles that continues to promote his teachings globally.
- Established a direct spiritual lineage between Eastern and Western thought through his public speaking, writings, and organizational work.
- Influenced global spiritual movements by teaching meditation and yoga to diverse audiences in the United States and beyond.

## FAQs
### What is Paramahansa Yogananda known for?
Paramahansa Yogananda is best known for founding the Self-Realization Fellowship and authoring *Autobiography of a Yogi*. This book remains a cornerstone of modern spiritual literature and has been widely read by seekers of Eastern wisdom in the West.

### When and where was Paramahansa Yogananda born?
He was born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India. His birth name was Mukunda Lal Ghosh.

### What organizations or institutions was he affiliated with?
He was the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, established in 1920, and spent much of his life in the United States teaching and spreading the principles of Kriya Yoga.

### What were his major writings?
His most significant work is *Autobiography of a Yogi*, which has been translated into numerous languages and is considered a classic in the field of spiritual literature. He also wrote several other books and articles that continue to influence spiritual seekers.

### Did he have any formal education?
He studied at the University of Calcutta, one of India's oldest and most prestigious institutions. His early education was rooted in Indian philosophy and Western thought, which he later synthesized in his teachings.

### What is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya Yoga is a form of meditation and spiritual practice that Yogananda taught, emphasizing self-realization and the union of the individual soul with the divine. It involves specific techniques for controlling breath and mental focus to accelerate spiritual development.

### What is the legacy of his work?
His legacy includes the global reach of the Self-Realization Fellowship, the enduring popularity of *Autobiography of a Yogi*, and his role in introducing Indian spirituality to the West, influencing countless individuals and spiritual movements.

## Why They Matter
Paramahansa Yogananda is a pivotal figure in the global dissemination of Indian spiritual philosophy. His work laid the foundation for the modern yoga movement in the West, influencing countless individuals and spiritual traditions. Through his book *Autobiography of a Yogi*, he created a bridge between Eastern mysticism and Western audiences, making ancient practices like Kriya Yoga accessible to a global readership. His teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers, and the organization he founded, the Self-Realization Fellowship, remains active in spreading his message of unity between science and spirituality. His impact is evident in the ongoing popularity of his writings, the global community of practitioners, and the interfaith spiritual movement he helped establish.

## Notable For
- Founding the Self-Realization Fellowship, a global spiritual organization that continues to promote his teachings.
- Writing *Autobiography of a Yogi*, a seminal work that has been translated into multiple languages and remains a bestseller in spiritual literature.
- Introducing Kriya Yoga to the Western world, a practice that has since gained widespread popularity.
- Being one of the first to systematically present Eastern spiritual practices to Western audiences.
- Establishing a spiritual organization that continues to operate internationally, with centers in the U.S. and beyond.
- Educating at the University of Calcutta before traveling to the U.S. to share Indian philosophy.
- Influencing global spiritual thought through his synthesis of science and spirituality.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Paramahansa Yogananda, born Mukunda Lal Ghosh on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India, was introduced early to both Eastern philosophy and Western education. He was educated at the University of Calcutta, one of India's oldest and most respected institutions. His formative years were marked by a deep spiritual inclination and an early initiation into yoga.

### Spiritual Mission and Founding of the Self-Realization Fellowship
In 1920, Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), an organization aimed at spreading the teachings of Kriya Yoga and the unity of science and spirituality. The SRF, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, became the central vehicle for his teachings in the United States and beyond. The organization continues to operate with global reach, maintaining his spiritual legacy through publications, temples, and retreats.

### Autobiography of a Yogi
Yogananda's most famous work, *Autobiography of a Yogi*, published in 1946, is a spiritual classic. The book details his journey from early life in India to his mission in the United States, where he introduced Kriya Yoga to the West. It has been translated into dozens of languages and remains one of the most influential spiritual texts of the 20th century. The work continues to attract readers seeking spiritual enlightenment and cross-cultural understanding.

### Influence on Global Spirituality
Yogananda's synthesis of Eastern and Western thought influenced a wide array of individuals, from spiritual seekers to public figures. His teachings emphasized the unity of all religions and the shared goal of self-realization. This universal message resonated with many, leading to a broader acceptance of yoga and meditation in the West.

### Legacy and Continuing Impact
The legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda is preserved and propagated by the institutions he founded, including the Self-Realization Fellowship and the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India. These organizations continue to publish his works, offer classes, and maintain his temples and hermitages. His impact on global spirituality is evident in the ongoing popularity of his teachings and the widespread adoption of yoga and meditation practices in the West.

### Publications and Writings
Yogananda authored several books, with *Autobiography of a Yogi* being the most notable. Other works include commentaries on the *Bhagavad Gita* and the *Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam*, which reflect his ability to find common ground between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. His writings have been translated into numerous languages, furthering his mission of global spiritual unity.

### Influence on Notable Figures
Yogananda's teachings attracted the attention of many prominent individuals, including scientists, authors, and public figures. His ability to articulate the principles of yoga and meditation in a way that resonated with Western audiences helped establish a lasting bridge between cultures. This influence is evident in the continued popularity of his work and the ongoing relevance of his teachings in contemporary spiritual discourse.

### Autobiographical Elements
As both a yogi and an autobiographer, Yogananda used personal narrative to convey spiritual truths. His *Autobiography of a Yogi* is not just a personal story but a guide for spiritual seekers. It reflects his unique ability to merge personal experience with universal spiritual principles, making it a timeless resource for those exploring Eastern philosophy.

### Educational and Cultural Exchange
Yogananda's mission in the U.S. was not only to teach but also to foster a cultural and spiritual exchange. He traveled extensively, giving public lectures and classes that demystified yoga for Western audiences. His approachable style and universal message helped establish yoga as a respected spiritual discipline in the West.

### Global Reach and Ongoing Work
The organizations he founded, particularly the Self-Realization Fellowship, continue to operate with the goal of preserving and spreading his teachings. These institutions offer classes, retreats, and publications that keep his message alive. His influence persists through these ongoing efforts, ensuring that future generations can access his teachings.

### Synthesis of Science and Spirituality
Yogananda's work emphasized the harmony between science and spirituality, arguing that both disciplines seek to understand the fundamental nature of reality. This message resonated with many and helped position yoga and meditation as legitimate fields of study in Western academic and spiritual contexts. His synthesis continues to influence modern discussions on the intersection of science and spirituality.

## References

1. NNDB
2. Find a Grave
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. CiNii Research
7. Lingua Libre
8. SNAC
9. Discogs
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. CONOR.SI
13. Golden
14. [Source](https://publicdomainreview.org/blog/2023/01/public-domain-day-2023)
15. Catalogo of the National Library of India