Autobiography of a Yogi

By: Paramahansa Yogananda

Narrated by: Ben Kingsley

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

Critic reviews

"A superb audio translation....Extraordinary work." (Library Journal)

"Ben Kingsley's smooth, articulate performance makes the formal writing style accessible to the listener." (AudioFile)

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!

Magical, Enchanting, and true.

OK so you want to better understand the thinking of the other side of the world. Not so long ago America welcomed these divergent ideas in a spirit of naive discovery and wonder. The Chattauqua lectures were happening on the east coast and Big Sur was a colony of artistic thinkers and lifestyle experiments. And P. Yogananda , having discovered the discipline/ritual/extacy of an enlightened life brought it to America and we loved it. This is the story of how one person developed to become a spiritual leader for millions. It makes sense to see his life unfold.
I found this to be a wonderful story of his experience. Not preachy, not pushy. just where he came from what he saw and how it affected him. How it changed his thinking. If you are a devout Christian or Catholic this will not sway your faith but it may expand your idea of what a saint is.

Union

Kryia Yoga is for everyone, not just for a few. It is just like the sun light, meant to inlight whoever receives it. The east has the within, the west has the without.

Well written, well read...

I read this book about 35 years ago and it made a big impression on me. My daughter read it about 10 years ago and she says it changed her life. It has the feeling of truth to it and can make one believe in miracles even if you haven't experienced one.
Ben Kingsly does a great job reading it and Yogananda's words have inspired me all over again. I give it the highest rating!

Just really fascinating and inspirational

Would you listen to Autobiography of a Yogi again? Why?

Yes, as a matter of fact I have already listened to this audio book no less than six times. I find it inspirational and really interesting, and I am encouraged to take on my life on a whole new level - its resulted in me really exploring other spiritual books and teachings, take up yoga as a practice, and engage in an inquiry of my purpose on earth.

Have you listened to any of Ben Kingsley’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I think the narration here is superb - excellent really.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definately - the book is fairly long, but I could not get enough of it. I have even gone to get the hard copy, the kindle version, and some other writings of Yogananda.