Paramahansa Yogananda was an Indian yogi and spiritual teacher, best known for introducing Kriya Yoga to the Western world. Born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India, he dedicated his life to promoting the unity of science and religion, emphasizing the importance of meditation for spiritual growth. In 1920, Yogananda traveled to the United States, where he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship to disseminate his teachings. His influential book, Autobiography of a Yogi, has inspired countless readers and remains a classic in spiritual literature, highlighting his experiences and insights into the nature of God and the human soul.