The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda (Paperback)

~ J. Donald Walters (Author) "The truth simply is. It cannot be voted into existence..." (more)
Key Phrases: cosmic vibration, deeper meditation, astral world, Paramhansa Yogananda, Divine Mother, Christ Consciousness (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A wonderful book! To find a previously unknown message from Yogananda now is an extraordinary spiritual gift." -- Body, Mind, Spirit magazine

Product Description

Yogananda was one of the most significant spiritual teachers of the 20th century. Since his classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, was first published in 1946, its popularity has increased steadily throughout the world.

Great teachers work through their students, and Yogananda was no exception. Swami Kriyananda writes in the introduction to the present volume, "After I'd been with him a year and a half, he began urging me to write down the things he was saying during informal conversations." The Essence of Self-Realization, nearly 300 sayings rich with spiritual wisdom, is the fruit of that labor of love.

The scope of this book is vast–it offers as complete an explanation of life's true purpose, and the way to achieve that purpose as may be found anywhere. A few of the chapters include: The True Purpose of Life; On Meditation; How to Pray Effectively; The Law of Karma; The Lesson of Reincarnation; and Ways in Which God Can Be Worshiped.

Filled with lessons and stories that Yogananda shared only with his closest disciples, this volume offers one of the most insightful and engaging glimpses into the life and lessons of a great sage. Much of the material presented here is not available anywhere else.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Crystal Clarity Publishers (January 25, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0916124290
• ISBN-13: 978-0916124298
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #993,274 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Divine Quotes for meditation, April 29, 2000

By A Customer

What a wonderful tool this book is for any spiritual seeker. The author has recorded quotes from his great guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, and has presented them in such a way as to bring the reader very close to the consciousness of Yogananda. Each of the twenty chapters focuses on a theme, for instance, "The Lesson of Reincarnation", and covers many aspects with numerous quotes, some of which cover multiple pages. The author must have an amazing memory to be able to produce such volumes of quotes, or a great ability to tune in to the wisdom of his great guru.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words of Deathless Wisdom, May 10, 2006

By	Richard Salva "Host: 'LincolnReincarnation.co... (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Luckily for us, Swami Kriyananda wrote down in his journals practically everything beautiful and wise that his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, said to him in private conversation. The Essence of Self-Realization, a compilation of many of these private teachings, gives us an idea of what it was like to speak with an enlightened master on a variety of spiritual topics. Yogananda didn't go in-depth into these things with every disciple. He tried to encourage many to develop a silent, inner attunement. But he foresaw that Kriyananda would share what he learned with many thousands of people, so he blessed him with these pearls of wisdom. This is a book that should be read and mentally digested slowly. Take your time, read a little bit, and meditate on it. At least, that is how I've gotten the most out of it. And there is a great deal here to absorb.

Richard Salva--author of Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh [UNABRIDGED]

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words Cannot Describe!, June 8, 2005

By	P. R THOMPSON "Galactic Master" (Brooklyn NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This book, like all things relating to Yogananda, is a priceless gem. What more can I say? Words cannot adequately describe it.