9 Core Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda

1. "Self-Realization is the Goal of Life"
   – The purpose of existence is to know God directly through meditation and inner experience, not just belief.

2. "The Science of Kriya Yoga"
   – A sacred breath-energy technique to accelerate spiritual evolution by calming the mind and awakening divine energy.

3. "God is Bliss (Ananda)"
   – The universe is made of joy; suffering comes from forgetting our true nature as soul.

4. "Meditation is the Fastest Path to God"
   – Silent communion with the Divine within ("the kingdom of God is within you") dissolves ego and reveals truth.

5. "The Law of Karma & Reincarnation"
   – Every action has an effect; souls reincarnate until they achieve liberation (moksha).

6. "Energy Follows Thought"
   – The mind shapes reality; positive affirmations (e.g., "I am Spirit!") reprogram subconscious blocks.

7. "Love is the Essence of Religion"
   – All faiths lead to the same Truth; universal love transcends dogma.

8. "Balance Spirituality & Material Life"
   – "Standing in the world but not of it"—seek God while fulfilling duties.

9. "The Guru-Disciple Relationship"
   – A true guru is a living bridge to God, transmitting divine energy (shakti) to sincere seekers.

"You are not a helpless mortal, bound by fate. You are the immortal soul, a spark of God’s own light. The darkness of fear and doubt may cloud your mind, but behind it, the sun of your true Self is ever shining. Meditate deeply, and you will feel His presence—not as a distant deity, but as the very love in your heart, the joy in your laughter, the peace in your silence. This world is a dream, but you are the Dreamer. Awaken!"

His Journey in Brief

• Born: January 5, 1893, as Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India.

• Divine Calling: From childhood, he sought saints and yogis, yearning for God.

• Guru’s Blessing: At 17, he met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, who trained him in Kriya Yoga.

• Mission to the West: In 1920, he traveled to America, founded Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), and taught Kriya Yoga to millions.

• Autobiography of a Yogi: His 1946 book became a spiritual classic, introducing yoga and meditation to the West.

• Mahasamadhi: Left his body consciously in 1952 (his untouched corpse remained incorrupt for weeks).

Legacy: A bridge between East and West, proving yoga is universal science, not just exercise.

"The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success." —Yogananda

Want a simple Kriya-inspired practice? Try Hong-Sau breath meditation (focus on the mantra "Hong" inhale, "Sau" exhale).