Recommended Reading

Autobiography of a Yogi
Autobiography of a Yogi is at once a beautifully written account of an exceptional life and a profound introduction to the ancient science of Yoga and its time-honored tradition of meditation. This acclaimed autobiography presents a fascinating portrait of one of the great spiritual figures of our time. With engaging candor, eloquence, and wit, Paramahansa Yogananda tells the inspiring chronicle of his life: the experiences of his remarkable childhood, encounter with many saints and sages during his youthful search throughout India for an illumined teacher, ten years of training in the hermitage of a revered yoga master, and the thirty years that he lived and taught in America.
Mahavatar Babaji: The Eternal Light of God
The life of a realized master is mysterious. The life and teaching of the great master Mahavatar Babaji is even more mysterious and hidden. Although nothing is known about his life, his mission and teachings are well-known throughout the world. Originally written in Oriya by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda Giri, and translated into English by Dr. Narottam Gaan, Ph.D., this book is a loving tribute to the Deathless Guru.
Lahiri Mahasaya: Fountainhead of Kriya Yoga
While leading an ordinary life amidst every sort of adversity possible to the worldly man, Lahiri Mahasaya was able to reach the apogee of Self-realization, keeping it as his ultimate goal, solely through his spiritual practice and his love for his master. 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 Mahavatar Babaji to spread the teaching and practice of Kriya Yoga throughout India, and through his disciples, throughout the world. Through Lahiri Mahasaya'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 spiritual seekers, even today.
Swami Shriyukteshwar: Incarnation of Wisdom
Swami Shriyukteshwar Giri is still one of the most respected and accomplished masters known today. It can easily be stated that few men have ever been blessed to play such a pivotal role in the spiritual evolution of humanity as he. His life's message was to awaken human beings to the Truth that the primary goal in life is spirituality rather than chasing after fleeting pleasures. As a master and guru, he was renowned for his strict discipline and rigorous training, which molded the lives of many prominent disciples, most notably Paramahamsa Yogananda. His spiritual mission continued with yet another of his devoted disciples, Paramahamsa Hariharananda. Swami Shriyukteshwar Giri was the epitome of poise and dignity, and his exemplary life and inspiring teachings continue to serve as a polestar for seekers on the spiritual path.
Yogananda Sanga: As I have Seen and Understood Him
Swami Satyananda Giri was the childhood companion of Paramahamsa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi). This book is a brief reflection of the friendship, love, and oneness of these two beautiful souls. Their childhood, youth, adolescence, and adulthood were spend in such close intimacy that reminiscence of only one without the other seemed impossible.
Life and Teachings of Paramahamsa Hariharananda
Herein is a small glimpse of the treasures contained in the life experiences and teachings of the great Indian yogi and world humanist Paramahamsa Hariharananda. More than most, he believed in the sanctity and divine essence of the human spirit and that the realization of the Self is the divine birthright of every human being.
Paramahamsa Hariharananda: A Life and Legacy in Pictures
In his 95 years, Paramahamsa Hariharananda's radiant love and ability to guide seeker's spiritual progress compassionately, in very individual ways, deeply toughed the lives of all who encountered this divine master, known affectionately as 'Baba' (father). Using Krya Yoga meditation techniques as the basis of his teaching, he nurtured the spiritual development of each sudent. Often, Baba encouraged, 'Watch every breath.' 'Kriya Yoga is a short-cut technique for soul culture.' 'In just 5 minutes time, you can achieve it.' Printed to commemorate the centenary of our loving Baba, this pictorial biography offers a rare glimpse into the life of this spiritual master.
Paramahamsa Hariharananda: A Yogi of Modern India
A beautifully illustrated book about the life of Paramahamsa Hariharananda. Children's Literature Series 1.
River of Compassion: The Life of Paramahamsa Hariharananda
This book contains the precious recollections of Paramahamsa Hariharananda's loving disciple and successor, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, who had the opportunity to hear and witness first-hand many of the incidents recorded here. Prajnananandaji gives a vivid picture of the life and the unique personality of a realized master of yoga. What emerges is a portrait of Paramahamsa Hariharananda as a truly great, yet extremely humble soul, with a deep compassion for humanity. This fascinating biography contains a wealth of details not only about the life and teachings of this enlightened master, but also about India's spiritual heritage and the sacred truths extolled by our ancient wisdom.
Footprints of the Master: Memories of Paramahamsa Hariharananda
Paramahamsa Hariharananda's life was one of love and service, completely dedicated to God and masters. Those who came in contact with him in various ways have experienced his boundless love and compassion, his immeasurable depth of wisdom, and his sincere devotion. His beautiful, God-intoxicated life always motivated people to follow the spiritual path. The memories of his students who had the opportunity to be with him have been compiled in this book, and they reflect his beautiful teachings and reveal his love and kindness. They speak of a towering personality of the spiritual life, who lived among us in an unassuming way.
Humble Hariharananda
Letters by spiritual masters are a source of inspiration, just like the letters of Saint Paul in the Bible were of practical, spiritual instructions. Paramahamsa Hariharananda was a spiritual guide, who not only taught Kriya Yoga meditation and the lessons of the scriptures, but also gave students guidance on how to live. He wrote letters from his early days as a brahmachari, right until his last days. His letters were full of love, guidance, and understanding. This compilation of some of his letters will help students in their studies, householders in living a family life, and spiritual seekers on various aspects of spiritual life.
Divine Quest
Paramahamsa Hariharananda taught countless people on the path of spirituality in general, and Kriya Yoga in particular, for over half a century. His intuitive knowledge, metaphorical interpretation of scriptures, and practical outlook on spiritual life has become a source of inspiration to many. In the course of his travels he was asked many questions from different fields of life and was asked to solve varying problems. He replied to these queries in his inimitable style. His teachings are unique in nature, mostly based on the inner aspect of life. This book includes a compilation of questions from devotees and disciples asked at various places and times together with Paramahamsa Hariharanandas answers, in order to bring a greater understanding of his teachings. These questions may be your questions at present too. His answers are for each and every one, and they cross the limitations of time.
Kriya Yoga: Path of Soul Culture
This booklet is an introduction to the practice of Kriya Yoga.
Kriya Yoga: In the Flow of Omniscience
There are many different ways to bring the messages of the masters into our lives. Their lives are completely directed for our spiritual progress and evolution. Their divine look inspires us. Their messages motivate us. Their thought brings a new throb in the heart. Paramahamsa Hariharanandaji was the living manifestation of the teachings of all the masters and the harmony of teachings of the scriptures of different religions. He is the guiding force for countless seekers in the entire world. Through his loving presence in the life of the spiritual aspirants, he creates a new ray of hope to grow and progress in the unknown path of God-realization. He makes the path simple, and provides enough spiritual food for the seekers. This is a colorful pictorial book with beautiful, rare, and original paintings of the masters of the Kriya Yoga lineage with brief descriptions of their lives and messages, photos of Paramahamsaji's ashrams, charity projects, and centenary events, and much more.
Divine Blossoms
A brief synopsis of the life and teachings of each of the lineage of the Kriya Masters.
Ocean of Divine Bliss: Complete Works of Kriya Yoga Master Paramahamsa Hariharananda
Who Am I? From time immemorial, yogis have approached this essential question scientifically through intuition and experiment. The conclusion they reached was that the Creator and creation are one, and human beings can find their origin in this great cosmic play through love, service, and spiritual practice. Compassionate yogis then sought to impart this knowledge of Self for the liberation of all. Paramamahamsa Hariharananda, affectionately known as Baba (father), is such a yogi, teacher, and true master in every sense of the word. While on this earth, instruction with eloquence, kindness, and understanding for the unique challenges facing humanity today, ceaselessly poured forth from his lips and hands. Thoughout Paramahamsa Hariharananda's long life, a great body of work was delivered in formal lectures, talks to disciples, letters, articles, and books to help all true seekers to 'cross the worldly ocean.' These instructions cover all facets of life as he always emphasized 'all-round development' as the objective of spiritual practice. With compassion and objectivity, he helps us to return to our true nature and leads us to the supreme goal of being in God consciousness while living in the world. By compiling these Complete Works, it is our sincere hope that Paramahamsa Hariharananda will continue to enlighten, inspire, and encourage those who search for God to discover that, 'I and He are One, and always have been One.' The master's inspiring ten volume set of teachings will be released during the auspicious year of his centenary.
My Time with The Master
Filled with the private memories of Prajnananandaji's life with his beloved Kriya Yoga Master, Paramahamsa Hariharananda.

The following books can be found at your local bookstore and at www.amazon.com

Fodor's India

Frommer's India

Lonely Planet's India

Rough Guide's India

Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette: India

Lonely Planet's India Phrasebook