The Essence of Self-Realization The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda

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 bestselling 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.

Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, is widely considered one of the world's foremost experts on spiritual practice, meditation, and yoga. He has written nearly 100 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 40 years has become one of the most successful intentional spiritual communities in existence. Today, Ananda includes retreats and teaching centers on three continents, seven cooperative spiritual communities, and over 100 meditation groups worldwide.