Self-Realization Fellowship Blog

We are happy to announce the release of the ebook edition of Rajarsi Janakananda: A Great Western Yogi — which tells the story of James J. Lynn (later known as Rajarsi Janakananda), one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s closest disciples and his first spiritual successor. Readers can now enjoy this inspiring biography on their preferred digital devices, making it easier than ever to explore the life and spiritual legacy of a man who achieved tremendous success in the material world, and, at the same time, became a God-illumined saint.
 

A Rare Collection of Personal Letters

One of the highlights of this book is the inclusion of an extensive collection of excerpts from Paramahansaji’s personal correspondence with Rajarsi Janakananda — words of guidance and love that offer glimpses of the intimate spiritual accord they shared, and powerfully convey the depth of the guru-disciple relationship. 

About Rajarsi Janakananda

When James J. Lynn first met Paramahansa Yogananda in 1932, he was a self-made millionaire who had risen from a poverty-stricken boyhood to become one of the most successful businessmen in America. Yet, as he later recounted: “I was a totally frustrated man. I had thought money could give me happiness, but nothing seemed to satisfy me. I lived in a state of nervousness, a state of strain, an inward state of uncertainty.”

That meeting with Paramahansa Yogananda transformed the life of this great American disciple. He began practicing Yoga under the Master’s direction, and his rise to spiritual eminence was as meteoric as his material advancement had been. “I have learned to live by inward joy,” he declared.

Paramahansa Yogananda often spoke of Mr. Lynn’s exalted spiritual stature, and would say to the other disciples, “I hope you will all follow his saintly example.” Paramahansaji even lovingly referred to him as “Saint Lynn,” until bestowing on him the monastic title of Rajarsi Janakananda in 1951. Following Paramahansaji’s mahasamadhi (a great yogi’s final conscious exit from the body in a state of oneness with Spirit) in 1952, Rajarsi Janakananda succeeded him as president and spiritual head of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India until his passing on February 20, 1955.
 

Get the eBook Today!

The ebook edition of Rajarsi Janakananda is now available through major online ebook retailers. 

Do you already have a copy? If so, you can help more people find and benefit from Paramahansaji’s practical wisdom and teachings of yoga by reviewing the book on Amazon, social media, or other forums.