New Delhi: ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Paramahansa Yogananda was one of the most influential spiritual books of the 20th century and has inspired millions. But what do spiritual aspirants today make of such classic tales about monks and miracles in the Himalayas?
In the ‘Wisdom of a Yogi: Lessons for Modern Seekers from Autobiography of a Yogi’, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist Rizwan Virk reinterprets Yogananda’s classic for the 21st century readers. Virk brings some ancient lessons on ‘karma’, yoga, meditation and ‘siddha’ in 14 unforgettable episodes.
Yogananda’s autobiography has influenced musicians, teachers and spiritual searchers alike. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc, was also a huge devotee and had even declared it as one of his favourite books, according to Virk.
“I wrote this book to say, emphatically, that Yogananda’s book, his stories and lessons, are as relevant today as they were in the previous century. I wanted to write about some of the stories that inspired me to demonstrate that the lessons are timeless. Even for someone like me, raised and well-versed in the use of modern technology, the autobiography continues to be a reminder — to bring Yogananda’s eternal spiritual wisdom into the modern world, every single day,” Virk said.
A graduate of MIT and Stanford University, Virk is a successful entrepreneur and a pioneer in the video game industry. He is also a venture capitalist and the founder of the Play Labs @ MIT startup accelerator.
Also a faculty associate at the Arizona State University, Virk has written several books on business, including Zen Entrepreneurship and Startup Myths and Models: What You Won’t Learn in Business School, Treasure Hunt: Follow Your Inner Clues to True Success and The Simulation Hypothesis: An MIT Computer Scientist Explains Why AI, Quantum Physics, and Eastern Mysticism All Agree We Are in a Video Game.
Talking about the book, author Ashwin Sanghi said that it “distills the very essence of Yogananda’s autobiography, thus making the great monk’s work, life and teachings accessible to a wider universe”.
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