An Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

Preface

• Autobiography unique as it is written by a yogi about yogis.
• Provides insight into the lives of modern Hindu saints.
• Offers a revealing look into the Hindu mind and heart.
• Narrated by W. Y. Evans-Wentz, who met Sri Yukteswar Giri.

Chapter 1: My Parents and Early Life

• Indian culture emphasizes ultimate truths and guru-disciple relationships.
• The author had early memories of a past life as a yogi.
• Strong emotional life and early spiritual inclinations.
• Recollections of his family life and the influence of his parents.
  • Father: Bhagabati Charan Ghosh, a disciplinarian and intellectual.
  • Mother: Queen of hearts, taught through love and compassion.
• Mother's charity and an incident involving monetary charity.
• Early influences from family stories and spiritual practices.

Chapter 2: My Mother's Death and the Mystic Amulet

• Mother's death leaves a void; Yogananda copes with longing for divine mother.
• Spiritual vision and a sage's prophecy about an amulet.
• The amulet's mysterious appearance and significance.
• Yogananda's early attempts to renounce worldly life and go to the Himalayas.
• The amulet's disappearance and its symbolic role in his spiritual journey.

Chapter 3: The Saint with Two Bodies

• Trip to Benares and meeting Swami Pranabananda.
• Swami Pranabananda's ability to materialize his body.
• Story highlights the subtle unity of the world and the saint's spiritual powers.
• Importance of meditation and the role of a guru in spiritual progress.

Chapter 4: My Interrupted Flight Towards the Himalayas

• Attempt to renounce the world and go to the Himalayas with Amar.
• Series of divine interventions prevent the journey.
• Lesson learned about patience and the right timing for spiritual endeavors.

Chapter 5: A Perfume Saint Displays His Wonders

• Meeting with Gandha Baba, the perfume saint.
• Demonstration of miraculous powers to produce perfumes and fruits.
• Reflection on the purpose and value of such miracles.
• Difference between hypnotic phenomena and true spiritual miracles.

Chapter 6: The Tiger Swami

• Encounter with Swami Sohan, a former tiger tamer turned monk.
• Lessons learned from overcoming fear and desire through mental strength.
• Swami's transition from taming animals to mastering inner spiritual challenges.

Chapter 7: The Levitating Saint

• Introduction to Baduri Mahasaya, a saint known for levitation.
• Discussion on the power of meditation and spiritual presence.
• Importance of direct experience of God over intellectual understanding.

Chapter 8: India's Greatest Scientist, J.C. Bose

• Visit with J.C. Bose, pioneer in plant physiology and wireless technology.
• Discussion on the unity of life and the sensitive nature of plants.
• Bose's spiritual insights into scientific discoveries.

Chapter 9: The Blissful Devotee and His Cosmic Romance

• Meeting with Master Mahasaya, a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
• Yogananda's deep emotional and spiritual connection with him.
• Experience of God as both mother and father.

Chapter 10: I Meet My Master, Sri Yukteshwar

• Momentous meeting with the guru, Sri Yukteshwar.
• Sri Yukteshwar's promise to guide Yogananda to divine realization.
• Lessons in humility and devotion.

Chapter 11: Two Penniless Boys in Brindaban

• Test of faith by going to Brindaban without money.
• Experiences that reinforce faith in divine provision.
• Spiritual lessons in trusting God for daily needs.

Chapter 12: Years in My Master's Hermitage

• Life in the hermitage with Sri Yukteshwar.
• Lessons in discipline, humility, and spiritual practice.
• Realization of deeper truths beyond intellectual understanding.

Chapter 13: The Sleepless Saint

• Encounter with Ram Gopal, the sleepless saint.
• Teachings on the importance of meditation and devotion.
• Experience of inner peace and spiritual insight.

Chapter 14: An Experience in Cosmic Consciousness

• Sri Yukteshwar grants Yogananda an experience of cosmic consciousness.
• Description of the unforgettable mystical experience.
• Realization of unity with the universe and divine bliss.

Chapter 15: The Cauliflower Robbery

• Humorous lesson about detachment and divine intervention.
• Importance of attentiveness and responsibility.

Chapter 16: Outwitting the Stars

• Discussion on astrology and influence of celestial bodies.
• Sri Yukteshwar's teachings on overcoming astrological influences through spiritual advancement.

Chapter 17: Sashi and the Three Sapphires

• Case of healing involving a skeptical friend, Sashi.
• Lesson in faith, divine grace, and the power of prayer.

Chapter 18: A Wonder-Worker

• Story of a fakir with miraculous powers.
• The difference between true spiritual power and misuse of gifts.
• Importance of ethical and spiritual development.

Chapter 19: My Master in Calcutta Appears in Serempore

• Sri Yukteshwar's ability to manifest his presence at a distance.
• Teachings on overcoming doubts and the reality of divine experiences.

Chapter 20: We Do Not Visit Kashmir

• Attempt to visit Kashmir thwarted by illness.
• Realization of divine timing and guidance.

Chapter 21: We Visit Kashmir

• Successful journey to Kashmir with Sri Yukteshwar.
• Spiritual and physical beauty of the region.

Chapter 22: The Heart of a Stone Image

• Transformative experience and vision at Dakshineswar Temple.
• Spiritual intervention and a family member's change of heart.

Chapter 23: I Receive My University Degree

• Challenges in academics due to focus on spiritual pursuits.
• Divine intervention allows Yogananda to graduate.

Chapter 24: I Become a Monk of the Swami Order

• Initiation into the Swami Order by Sri Yukteshwar.
• Significance of the Swami Order and its disciplines.
• Emphasis on self-realization and service to humanity.

These notes summarize the key points from the transcript of "An Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda, capturing the main ideas and important details from each chapter.