“Autobiography of a Yogi”– Tribute Series
Chapter 1: My Parents and Early Life
Narrative & Deep Meditative Insight
From the very first pages, we are invited into the radiant household of young Mukunda (the birth name of Yogananda), whose family pulses with devotion, discipline, and loving guidance. His father and mother stand as pillars of spiritual strength, modeling piety not only in rituals and prayers but in their everyday conduct. The aroma of incense, the recitation of holy texts, and the gentle wisdom filling the home steered the sensitive child towards the light.
Yogananda describes early experiences that foreshadowed his destiny—intuitive moments, tender prayers, and subtle inner guidance. Even as he plays with siblings and ponders the mysteries of life, there is a growing sense that something profound is unfolding in his soul. That early environment, steeped in faith, instilled in him the magnetic longing for God that would later define his life.
“My own path led me to a Christlike sage whose beautiful life was chiseled for the ages. He was one of the great masters who are India's sole remaining wealth.”
— Autobiography of a Yogi
Key Spiritual Takeaways
- The Foundation of Family: The love and spiritual discipline in the family home are a sanctuary for the soul, nurturing seeds of devotion that will blossom in later life.
- Early Divine Yearning: A true seeker often feels the call of Spirit—even as a child—through dreams, inner questions, and moments of intuition.
- Spiritual Destiny Begins in Childhood: Those first impulses toward the divine are not random; they are signposts confirming one’s path and purpose.
Practical Wisdom for the Modern Seeker
Cherish moments of stillness and inquiry in your daily life; they are the gateway to deeper understanding.
Instill enthusiasm for spiritual practice within the home through shared prayer, meditation, and loving dialogue.
Meditative Reflection
Before closing this chapter, let us sit quietly, close our eyes, and imagine ourselves in Mukunda’s place—surrounded by love, nature, and an unspoken promise. Let each breath remind you of the purity and possibility that resides within your own heart. The journey has only just begun.
Read more about Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings
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