Born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on January the 5th, 1893, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda devoted his life to helping people of all races and creeds to realize and express more fully in their lives the beauty, nobility and true divinity of the human spirit. After graduating from Calcutta University in 1915, Sri Yogananda was initiated into "sannyas" by his guru Sri Sri Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri. Sri Yukteswar had foretold that his life's mission was to spread throughout the world India's ancient meditation technique of "Kriya Yoga". Sri Yogananda accepted an invitation in 1920 to serve as India's delegate to an International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston, USA. Paramahansa Yoganda founded Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship as the channel for the dissemination of his teachings. Through his writings and extensive lecture tours in India, America and Europe he introduced thousands of truth-seekers to the ancient science and philosophy of yoga and its universally applicable methods of meditation. Paramahansaji entered "mahasamadhi" on March the 7th, 1952 in Los Angeles. This autobiography offers a look at the ultimate mysteries of human existence and a portrait of one of the great spiritual figures of the 20th century.

If, as the I Ching says, thoughts are spirits, then this collection of highly distilled thoughts from history?s greatest philosophers and religious figures will certainly put you in good spirits. Laurence Boldt has long made a practice of applying Zen principles to everyday life. Here he applies wisdom from all corners of the world to twenty-five aspects, or qualities, associated with the Zen tradition. The result is a soup of the most hearty and wholesome kind, well-seasoned with age, and filled with delicious surprises: ?Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, thence lies your vocation.? --Aristotle ?A man with outward courage dares to die: A man with inward courage dares to live.? --Lao Tzu You?ll also find Flip Wilson on living in the moment; Will Rogers on the beginner?s mind; Helen Keller on courage; Chekhov on self-confidence; and Colette on joy. Each chapter includes an entertaining and informative essay that explains the principle and its application to Zen wisdom. The rest is up to you. Read it in one gulp or savor each morsel. Either way, Zen Soup is sure to whet your spiritual appetite as it nourishes your soul.