18 hours and 30 minutes (a significant commitment, but well worth it!)
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Kingsley does not simply read the book; he performs it with a rare combination of theatrical precision, warmth, and deep reverence. His voice shifts effortlessly between humorous anecdotes, complex philosophical discourses, and deeply emotional mystical experiences. Technical and Audio Specifications Author Paramahansa Yogananda Narrator Sir Ben Kingsley Publisher Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) / HarperAudio Format Unabridged Audio Recording Tone Reverent, poetic, clear, and deeply engaging Key Themes Explored in the Audio Format
Kingsley forces you to slow down. Through his inflection, he highlights the playful banter between student and teacher. He brings out the humanity of the saints, reminding us that the path to enlightenment is not devoid of laughter. Hearing the dialogue spoken aloud makes the characters feel less like distant mythological figures and more like real people navigating the path to God. 18 hours and 30 minutes (a significant commitment,
The autobiography serves as both a personal memoir and a definitive introduction to the science of . Autobiography of a Yogi - Amazon.com
"The life of a yogi is not measured by years but by the depth of his realization." – Paramahansa Yogananda
: A more condensed physical format where the entire 18-hour narration is contained on a single MP3-formatted disc, suitable for compatible players and computers. search results provide a good starting point
“Kingsley doesn’t just read; he channels. His Gandhi training comes through. This is the gold standard of spiritual audiobooks.”
The audiobook takes listeners on a journey from Yogananda's childhood in India to his establishment of the Self-Realization Fellowship in America. Key elements include:
For those who prefer physical media, the audiobook is also available as an Audio CD. search results provide a good amount of information
First published in 1946, Autobiography of a Yogi was an immediate sensation. The hailed it as "a rare account," while Newsweek called it "fascinating," and the San Francisco Chronicle noted, "Yogananda presents a convincing case for yoga". Its impact has only grown over the decades. The book is consistently named "One of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century". It has been translated into more than thirty languages, with several million copies sold, and continues to appear on best-seller lists after more than sixty consecutive years in print. The Self-Realization Fellowship's edition, which this audiobook is based upon, includes the definitive, complete text with extensive material added by the author after the first edition was published—including a final chapter on his closing years.
In ancient India, spiritual knowledge was rarely written down. It was transmitted through the Shruti (that which is heard) tradition—spoken by a guru and received by a disciple. The audiobook format inherently revives this ancient method of learning.