Only love

Paramahansa Yogananda is widely revered as one of the preeminent spiritual figures of our time. Born in northern India, he lived and taught in the United States for more than thirty years - from 1920, when he was invited to serve as India's delegate to an international congress of religious leaders in Boston, until his passing in 1952. Through his life and teachings, he contributed in far-reaching ways to a greater awareness and appreciation in the West of the spiritual wisdom of the East. His life story, Autobiography of a Yogi, is considered a modern spiritual classic and has found its way into the hearts of millions of readers around the world.

Today Paramahansa Yogananda's spiritual and humanitarian work is being carried on by Self-Realization Fellowship - the international religious society he founded in 1920 - under the guidance of Sri Mrinalini Mata. In addition to publishing his writings, lectures, and informal talks (including a comprehensive series of lessons for home study), the society oversees temples, retreats, and centers around the world; the monastic communities of the Self-Realization Order; and a Worldwide Prayer Circle.

Sri Daya Mata (1914-2010) was one of the earliest and closest disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda (see inside back flap). During the more than twenty years that she was privileged to receive his personal spiritual guidance and instruction, he personally prepared her to carry on his worldwide work in the future. From the beginning, it was evident that he had singled her out for a special role, and he encouraged the other disciples to pattern their lives after her example.

Shortly before his passing, Paramahansa Yogananda told Daya Mata that he would soon leave his body. Stunned, she asked how his work could continue without him. With quiet humility, he replied, "Remember this: When I am gone, only love can take my place. Be absorbed night and day in the love of God, and give that love to all." These words became the guiding inspiration of her life.

In 1952, Paramahansa Yogananda's life came to a close. Sri Daya Mata succeeded the late, saintly Rajarsi Janakananda as president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India in 1955. Reporting on her many years of spiritual service and leadership, a Los Angeles newspaper wrote in 1990: "As one of the first women in recent times to be appointed spiritual head of a worldwide religious movement, she has been a forerunner of today's increasing trend toward accepting women in positions of spiritual authority that have traditionally been reserved for men in most denominations. In the thirty-five years she has held that position, many have become acquainted with her through her global speaking tours, her writings, and the films and recordings of her talks on the universal ideals espoused by the great religions of both East and West."