Autobiography of a Yogi (Self-Realization Fellowship)

by Paramahansa Yogananda

“Seeds of past karma cannot germinate if they are roasted in the fires of divine wisdom.”

“One night, in this very room, I had a vivid dream. Glorious angels floated in unimaginable grace above me. So realistic was the sight that I awoke at once; strangely, the room was enveloped in dazzling light.

“My husband, in lotus posture, was levitated in the center of the room, surrounded by angels. In supplicating dignity they were worshiping him with palm-folded hands. “Astonished beyond measure, I was convinced that I was still dreaming. “‘Woman,’ Lahiri Mahasaya said, ‘you are not dreaming. Forsake your sleep forever and forever.’ As he slowly descended to the floor, I prostrated myself at his feet.

‘Sacred soul, arise. You are accepted.’ He motioned toward the angels. ‘Please bow in turn to each of these holy saints.’ “After I had finished my humble genuflections, the angelic voices sounded together, like a chorus in an ancient scripture. “‘Consort of the Divine One, thou art blessed. We salute thee.’ They bowed at my feet and lo! their refulgent forms vanished. The room darkened.

When one feels his unity with mankind, all minds become transmitting stations through which he can work at will.’

the selfless guru did not keep the beloved disciple by his side but released Lahiri Mahasaya for an outward world mission.

Devotee-bees from every part of India began to seek the divine nectar of the liberated master.

In addition to these spiritual duties and to the responsibilities of his business and family life, the great master took an enthusiastic interest in education. He

“He only is wise who devotes himself to realizing, not reading only, the ancient revelations,” he said. “Solve all your problems through meditation.14 Exchange unprofitable speculations for actual God-communion.

“Clear your mind of dogmatic theological debris; let in the fresh, healing waters of direct perception. Attune yourself to the active inner Guidance; the Divine Voice has the answer to every dilemma of life.

“I will guide you to the Cosmic Home through your ever enlarging spiritual perceptions.”

“Let the fragrance of the Kriya flower be wafted in a natural way,” he said. “The seeds of Kriya will take sure root in the soil of spiritually fertile hearts.”

Those on whom I am divinely directed to bestow the title of swami never cast it off.’

‘for the faults of the many, judge not the whole. Everything on earth is of mixed character, like a mingling of sand and sugar. Be like the wise ant that seizes only the sugar, and leaves the sand untouched. Though many sadhus here still wander in delusion, yet the mela is blessed by a few men of God-realization.’

‘I felt the pangs of your heart, broad enough for all men. That is why I summoned you here. “‘East and West must establish a golden middle path of activity and spirituality combined,’