We found that the “Introduction” written by SRF in 2007 is important to absorb, as it provides background information and general gold-dust pertinent for readers of this century. We start the episode by reflecting on the first biblical quote referenced in the book and further information provided for the same verse in Discourse 20 of Paramahansa Yogananda’s ground breaking work “Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You”. The Eternal Law of Righteousness is often skipped by the eager reader, but it provides an Indian context that is essential if the reader is going to really make the teachings a part of their lives. Next episode we will start the AoY proper, Jai Guru!

0:00 “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.”;
7:32 Introduction;
1:01:11 Eternal Law of Righteousness and King Asoka;
1:19:08 Homework, Ben Kingsley narration and closing prayer.
Other links referenced in the episode:
Sri Daya Mata: https://youtu.be/JypSOERppCw
Ananda Mata, Sri Gyanamata and Durga Mata: https://youtu.be/2ncTrmcjCbQ
Sri Mrinalini Mata: https://youtu.be/vLhylKXAqXE

Thumbnail image: 2019 - Paramahansa Yogananda Commemorative Coin – with the State Emblem (Lion Capital of Asoka as Sarnath with the motto Satyameva Jayate, which means ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’).

Homework— Read, absorb and make notes on the first seven paragraphs from:  
“The characteristic features of Indian culture...”
to...
“I have heard very early recollections from the lips of veracious men and women.”

Bonus homework— Watch the following talk “Living the Vision of Autobiography of a Yogi” given by Brother Jayananda):
https://youtu.be/U0-C7CQcHyU

The spiritual legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda merely begins with the Autobiography of a Yogi. How much of his ‘literary corpus’ have you read? The ‘Author’s Acknowledgements‘ are quite revealing if you scratch beneath the surface, the life of Tara Mata for example provides an inspiration for us all. The reader’s first glance at the contents page can be quite daunting as well as exciting, as an aside, we discuss our favourite illustration in the book. Dr Evans-Wentz' beautiful ode to the author and Swami Sri Yukteshwar was certainly quite revealing and his books certainly had a massive influence on shaping the western awareness Tibetan Buddhism, we do our best to provide a background to this illustrious soul’s life as well as his epic works.

0:00 Summary of Section of AoY covered;  
1:49 Spiritual Legacy of Parmahansa Yogananda;  
19:15 Author’s Acknowledgements;  
27:29 Contents and Illustrations;  
53:19 Preface and Dr. Evans-Wentz;  
1:11:05 Tibetan Book of the Dead and Milarepa.

Links referenced in the episode:
https://yogananda.org/paramahansa-yogananda-engage-read
https://yoganandasite.wordpress.com/2021/12/03/tara-matas-role-in-autobiography-of-a-yogi-from-srf-link/
https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/philosophy-and-religion/other-religious-beliefs-biographies/wy-evans-wentz

Thumbnail image: Lama Kazi Dawa Samdup and Evans-Wentz, circa 1919

Homework: Read, absorb and make notes on the “Introduction”, “Eternal Law of Righteousness” and King Asoka.

This, our first episode dedicated to the Autobiography of a Yogi proper covers essential background material relevant to both the time-tested devotee and new reader alike. We discuss the background to the title of the book, the different editions of the book as well as the Self-Realization Fellowship logo — as expertly designed by our beloved guru Paramahansa Yogananda (or is it Paramhansa [sic] Yogananda?). We also discuss that famous picture: The Standard Pose, its origins, evolution and impact on devotees far and near.

0:00 London Centre Christmas Concert Social;  
1:58 Summary of Section of AoY covered;  
4:39 Thirteenth edition (1998);  
21:12 Title and front cover;  
30:39 Back page and spine;  
48:39 SRF Logo;  
56:00 The beautiful picture and signature of Guruji.

Homework: Read, absorb and make notes on the “Preface”, Dr Evans-Wentz and the “Spiritual Legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda”.

Welcome to our podcast about the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, written by our beloved guru Paramahansa Yogananda. Before diving into the main content, you may wish to listen to this introductory episode to provide you some basic information on our podcast, our goals and to meet the hosts! Jai Guru.

0:00 Why are we doing this podcast?;  
1:55 Introducing ourselves and our experiences with this book;  
36:00 The format and structure of this podcast series;  
42:25 How you can watch and listen to the podcast;  
43:37 Awake: The Life of Yogananda Minute by Minute;  
45:59 We need your feedback!;  
53:38 Bibliography and background reading;  
59:30: The next episode preview;  
1:01:05 Brother Anandamoy eloquently explains why.

Our interview with Phil Goldberg
https://youtu.be/PYqxTgRDGa0
Complete talk by Brother Anandamoy: Creating Your Spiritual Environment
https://youtu.be/PaNngy76hK4

#autobiographyofayogi