“I met Paramahansa Yogananda in Calcutta in 1935. I have been following the accounts of his activities in America ever since. As a bright light shining in the midst of darkness, so was Yogananda’s presence in this world. Such a great soul comes on earth only rarely, when there is a real need among men.”

— His Holiness Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati,The Shankaracharya of Kanchipuram

“[Paramahansa Yogananda’s] Autobiography of a Yogi has been an outstanding best seller for many years. His Self-Realization Fellowship Centres in various parts of the world are favourite retreats for sincerely seeking souls....I remember the impression he made on me when I met him [at the Self-Realization Fellowship Headquarters] in greater Los Angeles in 1950....He was convincingly messianic. His loose-fitting, saffron-coloured robe covered a strong body, and the dynamic of his presence charged the room with charismatic force. I remember my romantic thinking, ‘He carries the longing of the universe together with its joy.’ There was a sense of peace about him not quite of this world and a serenity beyond the kind we commonly look for in our daily quest. The reason for his popularity was obvious....

“His success was more than glamour. He had a secret, the secret of Kriya Yoga (the yoga of universal action) which today is the main contender, along with Hatha Yoga, for the interest and attention of the Western world.”

— Dr. Marcus Bach, author-educator, minister,United Church of Christ

“In one week’s training under Swami Yogananda, I have received more genuine education than in the two universities and two seminaries of which I am a graduate. The Course has been to me a startling revelation. I have learned the vital difference between interpretation and realization....I would that all my brother ministers could come under the gracious and Christlike influence of a teacher who has a living experience of the truth.”

— The Rev. Arthur Porter, M.A., D.D., minister,Congregational Church, London

“If any power in heaven or earth can establish peace among men and nations, and heal the human heart, that power is to be found in the teachings of [Yogananda].”

— The Rev. Edward A. LohmanCleveland, Ohio

“I found in Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship (established by Paramahansa Yogananda) the highest spirituality, service, and love.”

— His Holiness Bharati Krishna Tirtha,The Shankaracharya of Puri

“A rare gem of inestimable value , the like of whom the world is yet to witness, H. H. Sri Paramahansa Yogananda has been an ideal representative of the ancient sages and seers, the glory of India.

“He has rendered yeoman service in the field of spirituality. He has greatly contributed towards the spiritual progress of all by setting in action the spiritual dynamo that is latent in men. Sri Yogananda has made it possible for all God’s children to taste the nectar that flows in abundance from the eternal source, the Vedas and the Upanishads.

“Today the world centres of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship represent Paramahansa Yogananda in action. They will multiply themselves, making a closely woven magnetic net of spirituality that will shower peace and bliss on the world.”

— Swami Sivananda, The Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, India

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