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Autobiography of a Yogi
Review by Vijay on 2005-02-05
Perhaps the only one book of its kind,this book by Yogananda,published originally in 1946,no doubt,is a spiritual treasure. He narrates his childhood experiences, his search for an enlightened master,his meeting with his Guru,Yukteswar and his experiences with him.The book concludes with a brief summary of his life in America, since 1920,where he lived and taught the famous Kriya Yoga techniques. 1. What do you think about spiritual leaders? Is there only one, or can there be more than one?
2. Do you feel your spirituality makes you a hopeful person?
3. Have you ever felt "initiated" into your spirituality (i.e. through a ritual, baptism, blessing, words said, promises made, etc.)?
4. How can you, as an enlightened being, help reduce suffering in the world?
5. Do you believe "the truth shall set you free?" as most religions purport? Have you ever felt "set free" by the truth? How did that truth arise?
6. What have felt like building blocks to you in your spiritual journey, taking you to a new and higher place?
7. How do you "unclutch" in your spiritual life, and find a way to let go of what hinders you from going forward?
8. Do you believe miraculous things occur?
9. Where would you claim to see/feel/know the Divine is at work? Is there anywhere you would claim the Divine is at work in the world?
10. How can you show honor to everyone you meet? What is the starting point for this?
11. How is your spirituality tied to your cultural upbringing? What did you absorb or not absorb as a child about spirituality from your cultural setting?
12. How does the culture you presently live in inform your spirituality and how does your spirituality inform your culture?
13. What are your views on what happens after death? Is there an afterlife? Reincarnation? An eternal life? Do you believe we have one life?
14. What manifestation of God or the Divine speaks to you most clearly?
15. Where in the world are you most able to hear the Divine speak?
Film Suggestion after this book:
Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road); directed by Satyajit Ray, based on the novel "Pather Panchali" by Bibhutibhushan Banerjee.
Universal Hindu Prayer:
Aum Bhoor Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Pracho Dhayat
O God, The Giver of Life, Remover of pains and sorrows,
Bestower of happiness, and Creator of the universe,
Thou art most luminous, pure and adorable;
We meditate on Thee, May Thou inspire
and guide our intellect in the right direction.
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