March 18, 2025: Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi is not only a spiritual memoir but also a profound exploration of the deeper mysteries of life, death, and the soul’s journey. In this revered work, Yogananda presents his reflections on the purpose of human life, and why we are born into this world. His teachings offer insights into the nature of existence, the purpose of suffering, and the quest for spiritual realization.
The Eternal Soul and the Nature of Birth
One of the central themes of Autobiography of a Yogi is the concept of the soul’s eternal existence. According to Yogananda, we are not mere physical bodies born for the first time. Instead, each human being is an immortal soul, temporarily inhabiting a physical form. He emphasizes that the true essence of who we are is not the body, but the soul—an aspect of God’s divine consciousness that is eternal and indestructible.
In his writings, Yogananda explains that birth is not a random event but a part of a divine cosmic plan. He states, “The purpose of life is the evolution of the soul.” The soul is on a journey of spiritual growth, and each incarnation is an opportunity for further progress along this path. Every human birth is a chance for the soul to refine itself, overcome limitations, and move closer to the ultimate realization of oneness with the divine.
Karma and the Law of Rebirth
Integral to Yogananda’s explanation of birth is the concept of karma—the law of cause and effect. According to this universal law, every action, whether good or bad, creates an impression on the soul and influences its future. Our actions in past lives determine our circumstances, relationships, and experiences in this one. Yogananda explains that we are born into specific conditions to work through the results of past actions, and that each life is an opportunity to rectify the mistakes of the past and earn spiritual growth.
For Yogananda, the law of karma is not about fate or punishment but a mechanism for spiritual evolution. The soul, in its many lifetimes, accumulates experiences that either bring it closer to divine consciousness or keep it bound in ignorance and material attachments. Birth, then, is seen as a result of karma—both as a means of resolving past karmas and as an opportunity to gain wisdom and liberation.
The Search for God
Another key reason for our birth, according to Yogananda, is the soul’s innate desire to reunite with God. Yogananda teaches that all human beings, deep within, are seeking God. This search is the central thread that connects all of humanity, irrespective of religious background, culture, or belief. It is the underlying motivation for all human endeavors, even if people are not consciously aware of it.
The soul’s longing for divine union is expressed in the Bible as “Man shall not live by bread alone,” illustrating the emptiness that material pursuits cannot fulfill. Yogananda emphasizes that true satisfaction comes from spiritual fulfillment—knowing God and realizing one’s own divine nature. Birth, in this sense, serves as a reminder of the soul’s original state of bliss and unity with the divine, and the quest for God’s presence is what propels the soul through different lives.
The Role of Gurus and Spiritual Teachings
Yogananda also discusses the role of spiritual guides, or Gurus, in this journey. He firmly believes that each soul, in its quest for self-realization, needs the guidance of a realized master. According to Yogananda, the guru is not only a teacher but a divine instrument through which the soul can awaken to its true nature.
In Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda recounts his own spiritual journey and the guidance of his guru, Sri Yukteswar. He explains that through the grace of the Guru, the soul can be led out of the illusion of the material world and towards the ultimate truth of divine existence. Birth, therefore, is not merely a cycle of rebirth but a process of spiritual evolution, and the guru’s teachings act as a beacon of light on this path.
Overcoming Suffering and the Path to Freedom
Another significant aspect of Yogananda’s perspective on birth is the notion of suffering. He recognizes that human life is often marked by pain, struggle, and disappointment, but he views these experiences as a natural part of the soul’s journey toward spiritual liberation. According to him, suffering arises from ignorance of our true nature and our attachment to the material world.
He writes, “The world’s true meaning is not to be found in things. The reason for our birth is to transcend this limited world and recognize that we are one with the Infinite.” The purpose of birth, therefore, is not to accumulate wealth, fame, or possessions, but to discover our higher, spiritual nature and transcend the cycle of suffering. Yogananda urges his readers to seek inner peace through meditation, prayer, and self-realization in order to overcome the ego and attachment to fleeting pleasures.
Conclusion: The Purpose of Birth as a Spiritual Evolution
In the Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda provides a profound and holistic understanding of the reason for our birth. He explains that we are born into this world not by accident, but as part of a divine plan for spiritual evolution. Birth is an opportunity for the soul to progress toward ultimate realization—through the resolution of karma, the search for God, and the guidance of enlightened masters.
Ultimately, Yogananda teaches that the reason for our birth is to awaken to the truth of who we really are—immortal souls on a journey back to the divine. In this light, every human life becomes not just an individual story, but a part of the grand cosmic narrative of spiritual awakening, love, and unity with the Divine. By understanding this deeper purpose, we can approach life with greater clarity, peace, and a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment.