The Making of a Modern Religious Seeker

Abstract

This chapter places Yogananda’s spiritual development in the context of Indian modernity, with rapid travel, exposure to diverse traditions, and awareness of the outside world—particularly the U.S. and the larger West. The chapter examines his childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, focusing on the spiritual journey that culminated in his decision to become a swami under the leadership of a guru. He grew up in Kolkata, influenced by the writings of the Bengali Renaissance who opposed British imperialism. His connection to modernity continued with his college education and adoption of modern Hinduism, a framework that severed belief from its historic embeddedness in land, caste, life stage, and gender. This universalizing of Hinduism paved the way for Yogananda’s American ministry as a Hindu missionary.