Paramahansa Yogananda is the founder of Self-Realization Fellowship and the Yogada Satsanga Society in India. The international headquarters of these two nonsectarian, nonprofit corporations is in Los Angeles, California, and loving referred to as "The Mother Center". These two organizations are dedicated to bringing the teaching of Kriya Yoga to all desiring, sincere truth seekers.

Kriya Yoga (from the root words meaning "union with The Infinite through a given rite or action") is a yogic technique, taught by Lahiri Mahasaya, an Indian "householder" yogi. Lahiri Mahasaya’s was an example of balanced living. He was a working professional (for the railroad), married father, and an important yogi and guru to thousands. He remains an inspiration to all those struggling to maintain a spiritual balance in a hectic, materialistic society.

Paramahansa Yogananda was a prolific writer. His Autobiography of a Yogi is famous worldwide, and has been translated into many languages. This remarkable book, is not only an accounting of Yogananda’s life, it is invaluable as a resource about yoga and spirituality.