About the Author Paramahamsa Prajnanananda is the current spiritual leader of the Kriya Yoga international organizations. These organizations were founded by his master, Paramahamsa Hariharananda, who spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga all over the world. Paramahamsa Hariharananda was Swami Shriyukteshwar and Paramahamsa Yogananda's most outstanding direct disciple, one of the greatest realized Kriya Yoga masters in the lineage of Mahavatar Babaji Maharaj and Shri Lahiri Mahashaya.

Born in Odisha, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda was raised in a profound spiritual environment that inspired his search for Truth. He received his higher education in Cuttack and became a professor of economics there. In 1980, while still a student, he met Paramahamsa Hariharananda, who initiated him into Kriya Yoga, then fifteen years later, into the sacred path of sannyasa. After only three years, at the early age of 39, his master conferred upon him the highest title of Paramahamsa, a designation reserved for monks and saints who have attained the summit of realization.

Enriched by his own direct experience, fathomless wisdom, and deep love for humanity, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda guides and inspires spiritual seekers, a living example of how to fulfill one's infinite potential. In addition to running the main ashrams in Puri. Cuttack, Vienna, and Miami, Prajnananandaji spreads spiritual knowledge and the ancient science of Kriya Yoga by holding seminars and retreats all over the world. Prajnana Mission, founded by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, provides service to humanity with free medical assistance units and centers, residential schools for the poor, and many other charitable and educational activities.

Author of many books on the science of yoga, practical guidelines to the application of the wisdom of Vedantic philosophy, and insightful metaphorical commentaries on the major holy scriptures and world religions, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda binds and bridges Eastern and Western cultures with a harmonious, fresh, and non-sectarian approach.

Preface India has always been enriched and blessed by a brilliant constellation of saints and sages. The messages they have preached as well as the lives they have led have continued to shed unfailing illumination on the true path to God. The Lord has said in the Bhagavad Gita (4:9): janma karma cha me divyam, which means "My birth and activities are divine and immortal." In precisely such a manner, the life history, deeds, teachings, and achievements of Yogiraj Shri Shyamacharan Lahiri are like a priceless treasure trove to the entire human race.

While leading an ordinary life amidst every sort of adversity possible to the worldly man, he was able to reach the apogee of God-realization, keeping it as his ultimate goal, solely through his sadhana and his love for his Gurudev. Through the practice of the divine and immortal Kriya Yoga, he not only sanctified his life but was able under the guidance of his master, kalpa yogi Babaji Maharaj, to spread the teaching and practice of Kriya Yoga throughout India and through his disciples throughout the world.

Through Lahiri Mahashaya's company and blessings, many worldly people were able to transform the aimless voyage of their lives into one of perfect communion with God. The history and influence of his sixty-seven years on this earth continue to inspire and rekindle divine impulses within disciples even today.

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