Why did Steve Jobs and George Harrison keep this spiritual classic on their nightstands?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Paramahansa Yogananda’s 1946 spiritual memoir, Autobiography of a Yogi, has captivated millions, from tech titans to rock stars. It serves as a gateway to Eastern philosophy and Kriya Yoga, though critics argue its miracle-heavy narrative leans into the paranormal. Discover the polarizing legacy of a book that changed countless lives.

Published in 1946, Autobiography of a Yogi chronicles the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in India. The narrative follows his journey from a young seeker to a monk who introduced Kriya Yoga to the West. Yogananda’s path led him to America in 1920, where he established the Self-Realization Fellowship. The book, which Yogananda claimed was prophesied by his master’s master, Lahiri Mahasaya, serves as an introduction to Eastern spiritual wisdom and God-realization methods that were previously inaccessible to most Westerners.

The book’s influence is vast, reaching figures as diverse as Steve Jobs, who reportedly re-read it annually, and George Harrison, who credited it with sparking his interest in Vedic culture. It has been translated into over fifty languages and sold millions of copies. Despite its status as a spiritual classic, the work faces scrutiny. Scholar Srinivas Aravamudan characterized the text as a guide to the paranormal, noting its repetitive focus on miracles and Yogananda’s adept use of mass media and specific rhetorical techniques to promote his teachings.

The publication history reflects the book's enduring reach. Initially printed by Philosophical Library, the rights were acquired by the Self-Realization Fellowship in 1953. Since then, the organization has overseen numerous editions, expanding the text from its original 498 pages to later versions exceeding 500 pages. While some readers find the storytelling masterful and compassionate, others remain skeptical of the testimonials used to validate the miraculous events described throughout the memoir.

Ultimately, the book remains a cornerstone of modern spiritual literature. It continues to serve as an unofficial prerequisite for students of the Self-Realization Fellowship and remains a cultural touchstone, even inspiring progressive rock albums and the personal spiritual journeys of celebrities like Mariel Hemingway and Dennis Weaver. Whether viewed as a profound spiritual guide or a controversial collection of anecdotes, its impact on the global perception of Indian philosophy is undeniable.

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