Mejda: The Family and Early Life of Paramahansa Yogananda

I've known of Yogananda for almost twelve years. My introduction to him was his autobiography. Since then I've read much of his literature, and the writings of some of his disciples. Of them all, this book has been the most inspiring and informative. I feel any open hearted seeker will find some good in it, and any lover of Yogananda would deeply enjoy and cherish it.

Although this is not the book with which to *begin* your exposure to Yogananda's life and teachings (that would be Autobiography of a Yogi, ISBN 0876120834 ), it is one of the very few places where you can appreciate the yoga master's life from youth. The author, younger brother Sananda, vividly relates the powerful effect on the entire family of having a child saint in its midst. Stories demonstrating young Yogananda's rare combination of devotion, will, and divine atunement will remind you of how the child Jesus impressed adult relatives. And yet he certainly was a boy during those early years - playing pranks, gradually learning lessons, and steadily expanding the spiritual burden he was to shoulder as an adult teacher in Europe and the Americas. If you have ready his Autobiography and crave further connection with Yogananda's spirit, pick up "Mejda" - you'll not be disappointed. Sananda brings alive many astounding experiences he and his saintly brother shared - stories not available anywhere else in print. Don't neglect the appended Q & A and Discourses sections. Even if you've been taking Yogananda's Self-Realization Lessons in meditation, you'll find some unique points pertaining to the Bhagavad Gita, how reincarnation happens, the role of life force in yoga, etc. in these appendices.

This is a biography of Yogananda by one of his youngest brothers. Don't expect Yogananda to be like he was in his autobiography. I would advise you to please read the autobiography first. Mukunda (Yogananda) could be trying, to say the least. All this energy would culminate in his Worldwide Mission to bring yoga to the entire world. But let us face facts. He did have a temper in the early days. He would spend time in graveyards practicing tantric yoga! This brought a lot of dismay to his father who had to take a firm but gentle hand with him. He would frequently hypnotize the author until his father finally put a stop to it. Yes, he was a tiger. But a benevolent one. He was determined to find God as described in his classic autobiography. But I don't think he was ever secure until he found his Guru, Sri Yukteswar. This work also corresponds with the biography. In that work, a chapter is written on how Yogananda simply insisted on going to the Himalayas despite hisGuru's admonitions. So this biography simply highlights this man's life from an outsider's view. It is a very wonderful book about a simply wonderful man. But read the autobiography first in order not to get any false notions.

"MEJDA" is a most fascinating study of the early life and experiences of one of the world's great modern prophets. We are so often at a loss to know the many intimate and amazing details about these sacred lives. This unique biography not only gives us inspirational insights on Yogananda's formative years, but also serves as a major study of how this great yogi so intently, lovingly, and single-mindedly sought Self-Realization as a youth. It clearly demonstrates the subtle influence of the divine in our lives. Leaving little doubt as to the authenticity and timeliness of His divine mission, which is being substantiated by it's great success and influence in the spirirtual lives of so many persons. The author, a sibling of Yogananda, stands as one of many witnessess to the many miraculous happenings through the Masters outstanding life's work. This testimony should be read by anyone who may find the amazing encounters and stories in the classic "AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI" difficult to believe. Paramahansa Yogananda established the Self-Realization Fellowship to be the Authorized publisher of His writings and the teacher of Babaji's sacred Kriya Yoga.Contents: Father's Humble Beginnings......Mejda's Birth and Boyhood in Gorakpur......Mejda at Lahore.......Our Mother.......Family Life after Mothers Death......Our Days in Bareilly......Early Years in Calcutta......Mejda Explores the Realms of Mind and Spirit.......Mejda's Guru and College Years......Sannyas and a Worldwide Mission......Return to India........The Last Years and an Ongoing Mission.......Biographical Notes....Also Recommended: In The Sanctary of the Soul.......Only Love...........Finding the Joy Within You......The Divine Romance.......Man's Eternal Quest.....The Scienc of religion....Journey to Self-Realization..etc.