Sayings of Paramahansa Yogananda- Author of Autobiography of a Yogi

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In these words, the Government of India paid tribute to the founder of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self- Realization Fellowship, upon issuing a commemorative stamp in his honour on March 7, 1977, the twenty-fifth anniversary of his passing.

A world teacher whose presence among us illumined the path for countless souls, Paramahansa Yogananda lived and taught the highest truths of life. Born in Gorakhpur, India, in 1893, Paramahansa Yogananda was sent by his guru to the United States in 1920 as India's delegate to an International Congress of Religious Liberals. Subsequent lectures in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia were enthusiastically received, and in 1924 he embarked on a cross-continental speaking tour.

For the next decade Paramahansaji travelled extensively, giving lectures and classes in which he instructed thousands of men and women in the yoga science of meditation and balanced spiritual living.

Today, the spiritual and humanitarian work begun by Paramahansa Yogananda continues under the direction of Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri, president of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship. In addition to publishing Paramahansa Yogananda's writings, lectures, and informal talks (including a comprehensive series of Yogoda Satsanga Lessons for home study), the society oversees ashrams, kendras, and meditation centres around the world; monastic training programmes; and the Worldwide Prayer Circle, which serves as a channel to help bring healing to those in need and greater peace and harmony among all nations. Seekers in India and surrounding countries are served by Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.

Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, the master whose words are lovingly recorded in this book, was a world teacher. Pointing out the essential unity of all great scriptures, he strove to unite East and West in the lasting ties of spiritual understanding. Through his life and writings he ignited in innumerable hearts a divine spark of love for God. He lived fearlessly by the highest precepts of religion; and proclaimed that all devotees of the Heavenly Father, no matter what their creeds, are equally dear to Him.

A college education and many years of spiritual training in his native land, India, under the Spartan discipline of his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswarji, prepared Paramahansa Yoganandaji for his mission in the West. He came to Boston in 1920 as the Indian delegate to a Congress of Religious Liberals, and remained in America for over thirty years (except for a return visit to India in 1935-36).

Phenomenal success attended his efforts to awaken in others a desire for attunement with God. In hundreds of cities his yoga* classes broke all attendance records. He personally initiated in yoga 100,000 students.

For devotees who desire to follow the monastic path, the Master founded several Yogoda Satsanga Society/Self-Realization Fellowship ashram centres. There many truth seekers study, work, and engage in meditational practises that quiet the mind and awaken soul awareness.