What I Learned from Reading Autobiography of a Yogi
Issue #16 A book that changed how I see life, death, and everything in between
Some books teach you something.
Some change your heart.
But once in a while, a book shows you who you really are.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda is that kind of book.
It’s not just about yoga poses or meditation.
It’s about life, death, the soul, miracles, science, and love.
It opened my mind. It quieted my fears. And it reminded me that this human life is just the beginning.
“This book isn’t just for monks or mystics. It’s for anyone curious about life’s deeper side.”
1. There’s more to this world than we think
Yogananda shares real-life stories of saints in India who could live without food, be in two places at once, and even raise the dead.
At first it sounds unbelievable. But the way he writes—calm, clear, and humble—it doesn’t feel like fantasy. It feels like truth we’ve forgotten.
2. A true teacher walks with you—forever
The most beautiful part of the book is his bond with his guru, Sri Yukteswar. It’s full of love, respect, and soul connection.
Even after Sri Yukteswar passed away, he came back in a glowing astral form, shared what the afterlife is like, and guided Yogananda once again.
Real love, real guidance—it never dies.
3. Death isn’t the end—it’s just a change of address
In one amazing chapter, Yogananda’s guru explains that we all pass through three worlds:
Physical world (where we are now)
Astral world (a light-filled world after death)
Causal world (the realm of pure thought and bliss)
We return again and again to learn, grow, and remember who we are—until we merge back into the Infinite.
4. Rebirth is real—and soul connections are eternal
Yogananda shares a touching story about a young boy named Kashi, who promised to return before he died. A year later, Kashi was reborn and recognized Yogananda as a baby.
It melted my heart.
The people we love?
We find them again—this life or the next.
5. You can awaken faster through Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation technique taught by Yogananda and his spiritual lineage. It helps you:
Calm your breath
Control your life energy (prana)
Focus your mind inward
And feel your true Self—beyond the body and ego
It’s like a shortcut to peace.
He calls it a “jet plane” to God.
And the best part? It’s not tied to any religion. It’s for anyone who wants to know their soul.
6. The East and West can learn from each other
Yogananda didn’t just bring yoga to the West. He brought a vision—that science and spirituality can work together.
He believed:
The East offers inner wisdom and stillness
The West offers energy and action
Put together, they can create a better, more awakened world.
Key Messages from the Book:
You are not just a body—you are a soul.
Miracles are natural when you align with higher laws.
Death is not the end—your soul continues and evolves.
A true guru helps you across lifetimes.
Rebirth is real—and love lasts beyond death.
Kriya Yoga can help you awaken faster.
The path to God is open to everyone—no matter your religion.
The world needs both inner silence and outer service.
My Thoughts
If you’ve ever asked yourself:
Who am I, really?
What happens after death?
Can I feel connected to something higher?
Then this book is your answer.
It’s not about converting anyone. It’s about reminding you of what you already are—a divine soul, on a beautiful journey.
“You are not a body with a soul. You are a soul with a body.”
That one sentence changed everything for me.
If you’ve read Autobiography of a Yogi, I’d love to hear what stayed with you.
If you haven’t yet—maybe this is your moment.
🧡 With love,
Priyank