Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952) was an esteemed Indian yogi and spiritual teacher, best known for introducing the ancient practice of Kriya Yoga to the West. He is the author of the widely acclaimed book Autobiography of a Yogi, which has inspired millions around the world and remains a spiritual classic.

Born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, Yogananda became a disciple of the great yogi and saint Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri. He spent many years in India studying the teachings of various saints and masters before traveling to the United States in 1920. There, he established the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles, with the mission of disseminating the teachings of Kriya Yoga and the principles of meditation and self-realization.

Yogananda's teachings emphasize the unity of all religions and the importance of direct experience of God through meditation. He is also celebrated for his ability to bridge the gap between Eastern spirituality and Western scientific understanding, promoting the idea that inner peace, joy, and spiritual growth are available to everyone, regardless of background or religion.

His life and teachings continue to inspire countless seekers on their journey toward self-realization, offering practical tools for living a life of peace, balance, and spiritual awakening.