The Path: Autobiography of a Western Yogi

Rating:
Summary: A more comprehensive sequel
Review: There was too little information in 'The Autobiography of a Yogi'. That book was intended to paint a picture of what a genuine Indian saint happens to be. The story of the long and painful struggle (over lifetimes) that led to his present perfection was left implicit, for the intelligent reader to fathom through what was written between the lines.

'The Autobiography of a Yogi' was among the first books that a genuine saint from India has written, in which he has taken up the subject of himself and his own blossoming on a personal note. 'The Path' takes off where 'The Autobiography....' ends. The spirit of Yogananda shines palpably throughout this book, finding concrete embodiment in the story of the making of Kriyananda. The guru's greatness is seen through the eyes of a true devotee in a living narrative, filled with humor and gladness, without seeking to deny the existence of negativity of any kind. It is a book laden with joy, the joy of service, the joy of meditation, the simple, basic joy of existence.

The total involvement of Yogananda with the people who had entrusted themselves to his care has been beautifully depicted in the many personal stories that are strewn throughout the book. An attempt is also made to give the reader, a glimpse of the total picture of events that Yogananda saw, and which Kriyananda had access to, due to his proximity with him. However, self- glorification (even in the reflected light of his guru) is the last thing one could accuse the author of.

The later parts of the book talk of the hard test faced by the author when he was cast out of the organization to which he had given his life. This part has been written without any bitterness and self pity. It does not put the blame on anyone and can provide a real ray of hope to those who have been through a similar kind of 'dark night of the soul', when he was tempted even to question his guru. It is a part I have come back to read again and again at different periods of crisis in my own life. Each time I have found sustenance.

This book is well complemented by 'Conversations with Yogananda'. Together these books make one of the greatest saints of our time relevant and accessible to minds anchored in the technologically advanced but spiritually stunted twentieth century.





Rating:
Summary: Ideal for serious yoga students and followers of Yogananda.
Review: I have always wanted to know more about Yogananda, and this book certainly provides it, in detail. Whereas Yogananda talked about the miracles involved with eastern mysticism in his "Autobiography of a Yogi", Kriyananda shows the western world how one can bring the higher principles of yoga into practical manifestation. This book gives a first-hand account of what it was like to live with one of the great masters of yoga (Yogananda)and all its challenging implications. Anyone who is interested in yoga or the spiritual path will find this book inspiring. What is even more fascinating is how Kriyananda went on to selflessly serve his guru through the creation of the Ananda World Brotherhood Colony. It is obvious that Yogananda and Kriyananda are very close and that Yogananda has been able to "continue" many of his visions for society through the willing instrument of Kriyananda. This in itself lends inspiration and encouragement for one's own spiritual path.

Rating:
Summary: Yogananda's student
Review: This book gives further insight into Yogananda's life and teachings. It is written by one of his main students, who spent much personal time with him, and assisted Yogananda in putting his writings into finished form. Kriyananda (the author's spiritual name) tells how he, as a westerner, finds his spiritual path, and what he goes through as he follows it It is well written and enjoyable.

Rating:
Summary: A book everyone should read
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read. Donald Walters {Swami Kriyananda} makes God not only more understandable, but treats Him in a manner we don't always see; as a friend and mentor, a constant loving companion who is enjoying His grand drama of life and death, pleasure and pain, good and bad, through each one of us. {Actually I should have said enjoying Herself, As Walters often speaks of God as the Divine Mother, the feminine aspect of Divinity}.

If you have read "The Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda, "The Path"is the perfect companion piece, for it pictures Yogananda as Yogananda himself could not, as a being of pure Light and Divinity, a Yogi-Christ walking amongst us. If you have yet to read Yogananda's autobiography, it will be next on your list.
Believe me, the God spoken of in the "The Path" is a God we can all relate to. A warm, personal God, full of love and compassion for each one of us. A God of Ecstatic Bliss of whom we are all part; our seeming separation only a minor, and very temporary circumstance. A God who is gently bringing each of us, step-by-step, back to our true home in the ever new joy of pure Spirit. [The new edition of this book is entitled "The Path: One Man's Quest on the Only Path There Is."]