From an early age Yogananda was fascinated with meeting spiritual Saints and seekers. His autobiography recounts many riveting occasions of meetings with different Saints (including Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar Giri, Mahavatar Babaji). Even as a young child Yogananda spent many hours in meditation, aspiring to attain God – Consciousness.

At the age of 17 Yogananda became a disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar who expertly guided him along the spiritual path.

"Yogis teach that a disciple is spiritually magnetized by reverent contact with a master; a subtle current is generated. The devotee's undesirable habit-mechanisms in the brain are often cauterized; the groove of his worldly tendencies beneficially disturbed. Momentarily at least he may find the secret veils of MAYA lifting, and glimpse the reality of bliss. My whole body responded with a liberating glow whenever I knelt in the Indian fashion before my guru."

He founded his School of Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 when he was around 27 years old.

Swami Sri Yukteswar

Was a disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya

Combines profound wisdom (Jnanavatara) with a loving and compassionate nature.

Has deep knowledge of the spiritual sciences and the practice of Kriya Yoga

Imparts the teachings of Kriya Yoga to Yogananda, which becomes a transformative element in Yogananda's life

His teachings and insights contribute to the overarching theme of the book, which is the quest for self-realization and the unity of all religions

"His every utterance was chiselled by wisdom. . . . The essence of truth, all-pervasive with even a physiological aspect, came from him like a fragrant exudation of the soul.. . . His feet were firm on the earth, his head in the haven of heaven" Yogananda

Kriya, controlling the mind directly through the life force, is the easiest, most effective, and most scientific avenue of approach to the Infinite. In contrast to the slow, uncertain ‘bullock cart’ theological path to God, Kriya Yoga may justly be called the ‘airplane’ route.

Described as a faster and more efficient path to spiritual growth and self-realization compared to traditional methods. It is believed to accelerate one's spiritual progress.

Involves directing the life force and breath along the spine. This is said to awaken the dormant spiritual energy, or kundalini, that resides in the human body.

Yogananda and Sri Yukteswar stress that Kriya Yoga is not limited to any specific religion or belief system. It can be practiced by individuals of all faiths, and the book highlights the unity of all religions.

The ultimate goal of Kriya Yoga is to realize one's oneness with the Divine or the Universal Spirit. It is a path toward experiencing God's presence directly

Kriya Yoga emphasizes the importance of mastering the mind. Through meditation and specific techniques, individuals learn to silence the mental chatter and attain inner peace.

Yogananda describes the initiation into Kriya Yoga as a sacred and transformative experience. He provides insights into the process of receiving Kriya initiation from a qualified guru.

Importance of freeing oneself from worldly desires and aligning with spiritual development in order to achieve unity with the Divine.

Lineages of Kriya Yoga from master to student.

He is portrayed as a householder, meaning that he was not a monk but lived a normal family life while maintaining deep spiritual realization

Known for his humility, simplicity, and his ability to convey profound spiritual teachings in a clear and practical manner.

Yogavatar - the embodiment of yoga

He elevated the spirituality of society both quantitatively and qualitatively by setting examples of goodness. Being capable of raising immediate disciples to the level akin to Christ and widely spreading the truth among people.

Was the one whom Babaji chose to teach openly for the first time the ancient, almost lost science of Kriya Yoga.

Mahavatar (Great Avatar) Babaji

Portrayed as an immortal and highly advanced spiritual master who resides in the Himalayas

Babaji is depicted as an elusive and deeply spiritual figure who occasionally interacts with other great yogis and gurus, including Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswar.

Babaji is ever in communion with Christ; together they send out vibrations of redemption and have planned the spiritual technique of salvation for this age.

Shortly before Paramahansa Yogananda left for America in 1920, Mahavatar Babaji came to Yoganandaji's home in Calcutta, where the young monk sat deeply praying for divine assurance regarding the mission he was about to undertake. Babaji said to him: "Follow the behest of your guru and go to America. Fear not; you shall be protected. You are the one I have chosen to spread the message of Kriya Yoga in the West.

Regarded as the supreme guru of the lineage of Kriya Yoga.

In the book mentions several instances of siddhis and superhuman abilities demonstrated by yogis and saints:

>Levitation: Some yogis, including Swami Pranabananda, are described as having the power of levitation, allowing them to hover or float above the groun

>Materialization and Dematerialization: The book recounts instances where yogis, such as Lahiri Mahasaya, could materialize objects out of thin air and dematerialize them at will.

>Long-Distance Telepathy: Master Mahasaya demonstrates the ability to transmit thoughts and messages over vast distances through telepathy.

>Control Over Elements: Some yogis, like Yogi Ramaiah, are depicted as having control over the elements, such as creating fire from water and ice from fire.

>Bi-Location: Sri Yukteswar Giri is mentioned as having the siddhi of bi-location, where he could be physically present in two places simultaneously.

>Self-Preservation: Swami Kebalananda is cited for his ability to choose the time of his physical departure from the world, displaying control over the life and death of his body.

>Healing Powers: Maitri Mahasaya's siddhi involves the ability to heal ailments and provide relief to those in need.

The book uses these examples of siddhis to illustrate the extraordinary potential of human consciousness and the remarkable abilities that can be developed through the practice of yoga, meditation, and spiritual realization. The siddhis mentioned in the book serve as a source of inspiration and demonstrate the limitless possibilities of spiritual evolution.