Autobiography with eternal appeal

THE LIFE of Sri Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda is one of the finest examples of East-West encounter and understanding during the last century and his lasting legacy to humanity which has become a literary classic in living memory, ``Autobiography of a Yogi'', has transformed every seeker of truth who has read it without fail. He had presaged,

`When I have left this world, this book will change the lives of millions. It will be my messenger when I am gone''. This was recalled by Sri Sri Daya Mata, Yoganandji's spiritual heir, Sanghamata and president of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realisation Fellowship, in her message sent on the occasion of the release of its Tamil edition, ``Oru Yogiyin Suyacharitam'', recently in the city, which was graced by the Sankaracharyas of the Kanchi Kamakoti Math, Swami Jayendra Saraswati and Swami Vijayendra Saraswati. Adjudged as one of the best 100 books of the century by the worldwide book trade in two categories - of all the books published and also among religious and spiritual books - this autobiography has created publishing history of sorts having been printed 16 times in India (published by Jaico Books) since its publication in 1946 and translated into 22 languages, and is prescribed as reading text and reference book in 100 universities and colleges in the U.S. in various disciplines. Its popularity perhaps is due to its timely, yet, timeless appeal and is standing testimony to faith in the Spirit even in this age of materialism.

Citing the aptness of the Bhagavad Gita statement, ``In the very last of all births the enlightened soul worships Me, realising that all this is God. Such a great soul is very rare,'' to the life and mission of Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda, Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swami in his benedictory address, after releasing the Tamil translation, said that as an ambassador of Sanatana dharma to the West he has demonstrated the universal appeal of Yoga and also its utility to offset the ills of this modern age. By this translation the book would extend its reach to the Tamil-knowing population across the globe. (Tamil edition published by Manivasagar Pathipagam in association with Jaico Books)

Swami Suddhananda Giri of Yogoda Math at Dakshineswar, Kolkata, in his welcome address, outlined the uniqueness of this autobiography which is a documentation of the experience of his encounters with many Yogis and saints. Born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, right from his birth, Paramahamsaji's longing desire was God-realisation and his search led him to his Guru Sri Yukteswar Giri, foremost disciple of Sri Lahiri Mahasaya of Benaras, under whom he received spiritual training at his Serampore ashram.

In 1915, he joined the monastic order and his Guru entrusted the responsibility of serving the larger family of humanity to him. He established the Yogoda Satsanga Vidyalaya at Ranchi in 1918 on the educational ideals of the forest ashrams of the sages and the turning point in his spiritual life which became his mission from then on till his Mahasamadhi in 1952, came in 1920 when he was invited as a delegate to the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston, U.S.

Paramahamsa's speech was a resounding success and harbinger to his spiritual ministry in the U.S. for over three decades through the Self-Realisation Fellowship he founded and which he nurtured as a non-sectarian, non-profit institution with international headquarters at Los Angeles, California.

His teachings focussing on the unity of the scriptures of the East and the West have great relevance today in the wake of increasing globalisation. The various Yogoda Satsanga Society centres (local Kendra 14, Rajarathanam Street, Chennai - 600010. Tel: 6481232) attested to not just national but international integration transcending nationality, creed and caste, which he had wrought through his message of love and service, said Swami Krishnananda Giri of Ranchi Math in his presidential address.

Mr. T. N. Seshan, chief guest, stated reading of the book was a revelation to him and was relevant now when our country was in the process of re-understanding its spiritual heritage which was its gift to the world. Thiruppananthal Math Sri Muthukumara Swamigal's message was read out and Mr. N. Mahalingam, Mr. M. S. Udaya Murthy and Dr. K. P. Mishra offered their felicitations on the occasion.

SUDHAKSHINA RANGASWAMI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : A life of selfless service