This year marks the 100th anniversary of the arrival in America of Paramahansa Yogananda – widely considered to be the father of yoga in the West. Yogananda devoted his life to traveling and speaking across America, bringing a message of spirituality and unity between religions.
He introduced millions to the practice of meditation and Kriya Yoga. His influence was vast. His book, “Autobiography of a Yogi,” was deeply influential in the lives of figures from George Harrison to Elvis Presley. Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Computers, arranged for every attendee at his funeral to receive a copy. Jobs is said to have read the book every year.
To learn more about Paramahansa Yogananda, Beliefs producer Jay Woodward went to the Self-Realization Fellowship International Headquarters on Mount Washington, overlooking downtown Los Angeles. The guests this week include Sister Draupadi, Brother Prafullananda, Brother Bhumananda, and Brahmachari Andy of the Self-Realization Fellowship.