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Autobiography of a Yogi

Written by: Paramahansa Yogananda
Narrated by: Ben Kingsley
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Publisher's Summary

When Autobiography of a Yogi first appeared in 1946, it was acclaimed as a landmark work in its field. The New York Times hailed it as "a rare account". Newsweek pronounced it "fascinating". The San Francisco Chronicle declared, "Yogananda presents a convincing case for yoga, and those who 'came to scoff' may remain 'to pray." Today it is still one of the most widely read and respected books ever published on the wisdom of the East.

This audio edition, featuring Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley's masterful narration, contains the complete text of Paramahansa Yogananda's life story, an absorbing account of a singular search for Truth. Yogananda describes his experiences with modern-day saints and illuminated masters of India, and presents a definitive introduction to the whole science and philosophy of Yoga.

©1981, 1998, 2007 Self-Realization Fellowship (P)1996, 2000 Self-Realization Fellowship

What the critics say

"A superb audio translation....Extraordinary work." (Library Journal)
"Ben Kingsley's smooth, articulate performance makes the formal writing style accessible to the listener." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about Autobiography of a Yogi

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One of the best books of all time

Yes this is one of the best books of all time. Not because it was so well written by yogaNanda and not because I love Yoga, but because it has a gripping tale which is a remarkably true one, about an incredible life of an incredible soul.

This hypnotic tale combined mysticism with astrology and Yoga teachings and well it is very serious in parts it also has lots of comedic parts and also basically tells how the universe works through the teachings of many of Yoga’s masters.

It may answer many of your questions to the mysteries of life and the universe. It did mine and now I can’t wait to read his other books as well.

I was so sorry when it was over as I don’t know if he could match the magic in his other books but I’m sure I will learn much.

Some of the material goes into so much detail that I am going to go over the paperback version as well because it is too difficult to entirely assimilate when somebody is reading it quickly as such material is very deep.

That is more in the latter part of the book when his guru, after he has passed from this plane, teaches him the mysteries of the universe. Earlier when he was alive the guru teaches him about astrology and I will need to go over that in the paper back as well but otherwise with Ben Kingsley The narrator it was a pleasure listening to this book daily and I couldn’t stop until it was done.

Years ago I started the paper back and it was so long I couldn’t finish it even though it was great so this audiobook was a godsend and in 10 days while listening to it driving an hour a day I was done!

And now that I have it to keep I will probably listen to it once a year at least!

Sometimes we are asked if we could choose one famous person we would like to meet in our lifetime and sit down and have a conversation with them he wouldn’t be.

Mine would probably be yogaNanda

4 people found this helpful

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Astounding

This book satisfies my in inquisitive mind and soul. Absolutely recommend this book for anyone.

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A Must Read for Everyone

I've read this book years ago but was so delighted to be able to sit back, relax and allow the beautiful voice of Ben Kingsley to transport me to destinations in days of yore. I will never tire of this story and learning about the incredible life of Paramahansa Yogananda.

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Free your mind

This is the best spiritual book in existence - make sure you read it multiple times!

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A gem among books.

the most beautiful book in every aspect, it has the teaching we all need today.

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Inspiring

I liked the journey in which swami Yogananda explores himself and faith in energy. Stories of great people in history like Mahatama Gandhi and Guru Rabindranath Tagore who followed the spiritual path in same but different way are inspiring.

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Worth every minute

When I saw how long this book was I was a bit unsure if I could get through it. Now that I’m finished I can’t wait to listen again - and I’m not sure I have ever listened to a book more than once. The narration by Ben Kingsley could not be any better and the story is absolutely beautiful. A must read.

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Finest work ever

Very knowledgeable and this is the book one should listen to or read tone and time again. I would recommend this book to everyone! You are kissing on life if you don’t read this book .

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autobiography of a Yogi

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Kingsley is powerful and I plan to read it over and over again.

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Fantastic!

Beautifully shows the power of meditation with continued practice in daily life - some of the stories are amazing and out of this world!

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  • D
  • 2004-12-27

Spiritually Uplifting -- and entertaining!

Many have read this book, and have come away inspired to follow the path established by its author, P. Yogananda. Others have simply been left with a fascinating story about a man who came to America in 1920 with nothing, and by the time that he left his body, had met with the President of the United States and future governor of California and established a religious path which is still standing to this very day.

Regardless of the vantage point you may be coming from, this is a delightful read, and an excellent introduction to Eastern religious thought -- the way it had been originally taught -- before it was watered down by charlatans simply looking to cash in on the "latest fad."

The audio version is an absolute delight, and Ben Kingsley's reading is inspired. This is not a man "going through the motions" to collect a paycheck. Every single word is thoughtfully and smoothly enunciated, making this a pleasure to listen to. Thus, I would highly recommend this to even those who have already read the print version.

Finally, let me recommend the following: don't listen to this while jogging, driving in heavy traffic, or while otherwise distracted. Set some time aside and listen intently.

153 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Jenny
  • 2005-12-28

An elegant discourse on Why?

I downloaded this book out of curiosity; I wasn't looking for enlightenment or truth. And with a length of nearly 18 hours, I didn't expect to listen to the whole thing. But I did, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I can't say it transformed my life or that I agree with what the writer believes in, but it has brought me to a deeper appreciation of another way of "right living", another way of looking at and valuing the things in our lives. It also opens a window into a certain period of time, the religious life in India from the later 1800's to early part of our century which is very fascinating to behold. Kingsley's voice is gorgeous and infuses elegance into every word and phrase. I must say, whenever road rage struck me, listening to a bit of this audiobook was always very soothing.

88 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Scott Mueller
  • 2004-11-18

Inspirational

A must read for anyone who is interested in spiritual teachings and religion of the east. Entertaining story of Paramahansa Yogananda's life with his guru and teaching of Kriya Yoga. If you are inspired by the teachings of Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra, you will be very interested in this book. I am now inspired to go to the Self Realization Fellowship in NYC and be initiated in Kriya Yoga myself.

72 people found this helpful

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  • toromei
  • 2012-10-12

Too rich for my mind...

I hate to say anything bad about this book. In fact, I can't. It was charming and insightful. Yet somehow -- in spite of the warm, inviting performance and presence of Ben Kingsley, and the inspiring and playful narrative -- this book just didn't grab me, and it was difficult to get through.

I will have to revisit this again in the future. Perhaps with age and experience I will grow to appreciate it more next time. :)

59 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Peter A.
  • 2004-11-30

One of the finest books on Spirituality ever

It doesn't matter what your religious understanding is - you will be uplifted and spiritually enriched by the depth of experience, love and humility of this author.

Learn the truly great gift Jesus left for us, far beyond that understood from the Christian scriptures. Understand the true meaning of "In the image of God".

You will never see your religious training in the same light again.

57 people found this helpful

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  • brian hilden
  • 2007-12-12

Another Oscar for Kingsley

Others here have given appropriate praise for this timeless gem of a book.

I will instead tell you about how well it is read. Ben Kingsley gives Yogananda's words an uncanny richness and colour. In several years of Audible membership I've never been so moved by the narrator. I enjoyed Kingsley so much, I rented Ghandi [on DVD] and watched it for the 1st time in 25 years [it won about a dozen Oscars!]...from it I learned he is half Indian...which helps explain how justly he treats all the yoga terminology, all the place names, all of Yogananda's Indian terms.

Search Kingsley's name and you'll see, he has read very few books, unfortunately! He no doubt was honored to read this one, as he never misses a step.

I've read this 4 times now, it keeps getting better! And finally, thankfully, it has brought me to my own regular meditation practice. Stop reading about it and go get it!

41 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Valera
  • 2005-03-09

Fascinating in many ways

Yogananda talks about his life with great clarity using a writing style specific to the age at which he describes himself at each point of the book. The book fascinated me with the richness of India's social and spiritual traditions, which I wasn't previously aware of. The author is examplary in his dedication to pursuit of spiritual truth, which acts as an affirming beacon to modern spiritual seekers. Many details of yogic wisdom are explained, often in conjunction with author's life experiences. The stories about Indian masters are fascinating and often had me sitting in the car after I finished driving.

Overall, a great combination of a biography, a novel, a cultural text and a book of wisdom and spirituality all in one. I've read many spiritual books and highly recommend this one for its particular taste. Narration is superb also, one of the best I've heard.

26 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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  • Jason
  • 2005-06-07

Cult Leader and no true pure soul

First, I do yoga and have studied the Sutras and masters for years. Ananda is nothing more then a con-man. He speaks as he is an Avatar or Godlike yet he partakes in behaviors that show differently.
He teaches a "modified" version of Hinduism to give himself more power. The oppisite of what a real Guru would do. He teaches his brand as if Americans don't know the truth. Maybe 20 years ago, now he looks like a Television Evangilist.

That said, some of his words are verbatim from the Sutras and others works. So he can cut and paste thats deep wisdom.

His cult followers are some of the nicest people I have met. Just beware of those who tell you they are spiritually better then you. That is a good sign that they lack the one thing that makes them spiritual, humility.

Don't follow him follow yourself.

25 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Ivo
  • 2005-03-07

Unparalleled !!!

This book was the end of my search for a spiritual path. It offers a theory of the workings of the universe which unlike many others has been tested and proved right by many ancient seers and modern seekers of truth, of which the author himself was one. Here many religious dogmas and new age "mysticisms" lose their grip on the open discriminative mind. Read and Think!!!

Thank You Paramahansa Yogananda...

25 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Mike
  • 2004-12-09

A well read classic

It is unfortunate that the previous reviewer would choose to lower the average rating with a joke. It is hard to read this book and not feel anything. Yogananda was a generous soul who dedicated his life to helping bring a valuable and universal teaching to all of us. Ben Kingsley gives the book a beautiful and sensitive reading. Many times I forget that it is not Yogananda himself speaking. This audiobook is highly recommended to any open minded person of any spiritual belief.

22 people found this helpful

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  • Client Amazon
  • 2023-03-15

Such a strange book, beautifully read

I have mixed feelings about that book, it sounds like the Bible or any collection of myths and legends, filled with miracles defying science, gravity, the laws of nature as we observe them. There are only two ways of contemplating it : from a vantage point of rationality, and it's sometimes boring and sometimes funny, or from a vantage point of faith: then it's a wonderful acknowledgment of wisdom and truth. I'm oscillating in between. (Ben Kingsley is a wonderful reader)