The Essence of Self-Realization

The Essence of Self-RealizationParamhansa Yogananda was one of the most significant spiritual teachers of the twentieth century. His Autobiography of a Yogi, published in 1946 and printed in more than 20 languages, has touched the hearts of millions and remains the best selling spiritual autobiography of all time. Great teachers work through their students, and Yogananda was no exception. Kriyananda writes in the introduction to the present volume, "After I'd been with him a year

Paramhansa Yogananda was one of the most significant spiritual teachers of the twentieth century. His Autobiography of a Yogi, published in 1946 and printed in more than 20 languages, has touched the hearts of millions and remains the best-selling spiritual autobiography of all time. Great teachers work through their students, and Yogananda was no exception. Kriyananda writes in the introduction to the present volume, "After I'd been with him a year and a half, he began urging me to write down the things he was saying during informal conversations." The Essence of Self-Realization, nearly 300 sayings rich with spiritual wisdom, is the fruit of that labor of love. A glance at the table of contents will convince the reader of the vast scope of this book. It offers as complete an explanation of life's true purpose, and of the way to achieve that purpose, as may be found anywhere.

From The Book

"Live in this world as a guest. This world is not your true home. The deed to the house you live in may be written in your name, but whose was it before you acquired it? And whose will it be after you die? It is only a wayside inn, a brief halt on the long journey to your home in God."

Self-realization is the knowing in all parts of body, mind, and soul that you are now in possession of the kingdom of God; that you do not have to pray that it come to you: that God's omnipresence is you omnipresence; and that all that you need to do is improve your knowing."

About the Author

Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, was widely considered one of the world's foremost experts on spiritual practice, meditation, and yoga. He wrote more than 140 books—including interpretations of the Bible and Bhagavad Gita—which have been translated into more than 30 languages. In 1968 he founded Ananda Village, which over the past 46 years has become one of the most successful intentional spiritual communities in existence. Today, Ananda includes retreats and teaching centers on three continents, ten cooperative spiritual communities, and over 140 meditation groups worldwide.