Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) was an Indian spiritual master and teacher who introduced millions of Westerners to the ancient science of Kriya Yoga and the timeless wisdom of the East. He is widely recognized as one of the preeminent spiritual figures of the 20th century and the author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda's teachings emphasize the unity of all religions and the importance of direct, personal experience of the Divine.