Yogananda was one of the most significant spiritual teachers of this century. Since his classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, was first published in 1946, its popularity has increased steadily throughout the world. In Italy, in February, 1990, it was listed as the number one best seller in the nonfiction category. Great teachers work through their students, and Yogananda was no exception. Swami Kriyananda writes in the introduction to the present volume, `After I`d been with him a year and a half, he began urging me to write down the things he was saying during informal conversations.` The Essence of Self-Realization, nearly 300 sayings rich with spiritual wisdom, is the fruit of that labor of love. A glance at the table of contents will convince the reader of the vast scope of this book. It offers as complete an explanation of life`s true purpose, and of the way to achieve that purpose, as may be found anywhere.