This is an unparalleled firsthand account of Paramhansa Yogananda and his teachings, written by one of his closest students. Yogananda is one of the world's most widely known and universally respected spiritual masters. HisAutobiography of a Yogi has helped stimulate a spiritual awakening in the West and a spiritual renaissance in his native land of India.

More than half a century ago, in a hilltop ashram in Los Angeles, California, an American disciple sat at the feet of his Master, faithfully recording his words, as his teacher had asked him to do. Paramhansa Yogananda knew this disciple would carry his message to people everywhere.

Kriyananda was often present when Yogananda spoke privately with other close disciples; when he received visitors and answered their questions; when he was dictating and discussing his important writings. Yogananda put Kriyananda in charge of the other monks, and gave him advice for their spiritual development. In all these situations, Kriyananda recorded the words and guidance of Yogananda, preserving for the ages wisdom that would otherwise have been lost, and giving us an intimate glimpse of life with Yogananda never before shared by any other student.

These Conversations include not only Yogananda's words as he first spoke them, but also the added insight of an intimate disciple who has spent more than 50 years reflecting on and practicing the teachings of Yogananda. Through these Conversations, Yogananda comes alive. Time and space dissolve. We sit at the feet of the Master, listen to his words, receive his wisdom, delight in his humor, and are transformed by his love.

Paramhansa Yogananda born in India in 1893, lived in the United States from 1920 until his passing in 1952. For years he toured America conducting "spiritual campaigns" which filled the largest halls in most of the major cities. He introduced thousands of people to the eternal truths of Self-realization. Many also took initiation into an ancient technique of meditation called Kriya Yoga. Widely considered to be one of the most influential spiritual teachers ever to come to America, Yogananda became known as India's "Spiritual Ambassador to the West."

In addition to his best-selling classic Autobiography of a Yogi, his spiritual legacy includes music, poetry, and extensive commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, theRubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and the Christian Bible, showing how the principles of Self-realization are the unifying truth behind all religions.

Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters), became a student of Yogananda in 1948. Yogananda guided and trained him for a life of editing, writing, and lecturing.

Kriyananda is the founder of Ananda Sangha, a worldwide organization for the dissemination of Yogananda's teachings. Ananda includes eight communities in the United States, Europe, and India based on Yogananda's ideal for "world-brotherhood colonies." Kriyananda has also written 79 books, which have been translated into 27 languages, and has composed over 400 pieces of music, which have won international awards.

Kriyananda divides his time between the United States, Europe, and India.