Paramahansa Yogananda, widely known as Yogananda Ji, was an Indian yogi and spiritual teacher whose work brought meditation and the ancient practice of Kriya Yoga to audiences around the world. Born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India, he was originally named Mukunda Lal Ghosh. His teachings emphasized the shared essence of all religions and the transformative power of inner practice.
He is perhaps best known for Autobiography of a Yogi, a landmark book that has inspired generations of spiritual seekers and remains deeply influential today. In 1920, Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) to share his teachings more widely and support a path of spiritual growth rooted in meditation and yoga.
After moving to the United States, he spent many years lecturing and teaching, introducing large audiences to a disciplined yet accessible approach to inner stillness, self-awareness, and spiritual awakening. His legacy continues to resonate with those seeking a deeper connection to meditation and a more meaningful way of living.