What do you think?
Rate this book
Living Fearlessly (Self-Realization Fellowship)
In this powerful book, Paramahansa Yogananda - renowned author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi - provides positive affirmations for achieving success, outlines definite methods of creating lasting happiness, and tells us how to overcome negativity and inertia by harnessing the dynamic power of our own will.
86 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
143 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Paramahansa Yogananda
877 books2,194 followersParamahansa Yogananda (Bengali: পরমহংস যোগানন্দ Pôromohôngsho Joganondo, Sanskrit: परमहंस योगानंद Paramahaṃsa Yogānaṃda), born Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Bengali: মুকুন্দ লাল ঘোষ Mukundo Lal Ghosh), was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced many westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book,
Autobiography of a Yogi
.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 23, 2020
A go-to book for every bad day. This book has saved my life and calmed me on more than one occasion. I'm eternally grateful to my grandfather for introducing me to this.
May 7, 2024
This book is the most helpful and inspiring thing on earth to me while going through a tough time. Could not be more grateful 0:,) danke Yogananda
June 19, 2022
“Self-realization is the knowing —in body, mind, and soul—that we are one with the omnipresence of God; that we do not have to pray that it come to us, that we are not merely near it at all times, but that God's omnipresence is our omnipresence; that we are just as much a part of Him now as we ever will be. All we have to do is improve our knowing!”
“It is the mind that must be strengthened. An important part of the adventure of life is to get hold of the mind, and to keep that controlled mind constantly attuned to the Lord. This is the secret of a happy, successful existence. It comes by exercising mind power and by attuning the mind to God through meditation. The easiest way to overcome disease, disappointments, and disasters is to be in constant attunement with God.” (p. 6)
“Everything the Lord has created is to try us, to bring out the buried soul immortality within us. That is the adventure of life, the one purpose of life. And everyone's adventure is different, unique. You should be prepared to deal with all problems of health, mind, and soul by commonsense methods and faith in God, knowing that in life or death your soul remains unconquered. You can never die. "No weapon can pierce the soul; no fire can burn it; no water can moisten it; nor can any wind wither it. The soul is immutable, all-permeating, ever calm, and immovable." You are eternally the image of Spirit.” (p. 9)
“True yogis are able to control the mind under all circumstances. When that perfection is reached, you are free. Then you know life is a divine adventure. Jesus and other great souls have proved this. You will finish this life-adventure only when you conquer its dangers by your will power and mind power, as did the Great Ones. Then you will look back and say: "Lord, it was a pretty bad experience. I came near failing, but now I am in the safety of Your presence forever. We can see life as a wonderful adventure when the Lord finally says, "All those terrifying experiences are over. I am with you evermore. Nothing can harm you."” (p. 10 - 11)
“Laugh at any trouble that comes. Know you are everlasting in the Lord.” (p. 11)
“Meet everybody and every circumstance on the battlefield of life with the courage of a hero and the smile of a conqueror. You are a child of God. What have you to fear?” (p. 12)
“There is always a way out of your trouble; and if you take the time to think clearly, to think how to get rid of the cause of your anxiety instead of just worrying about it, you become a master.” (p. 13)
“One who has faith in the divinity of his own soul, his true nature, and who has love for God and faith in His omnipotence, finds quick freedom from suffering. The light of faith ushers his consciousness from the dark realm of mortal limitation into the kingdom of immortality. Faith means knowledge and conviction that we are made in the image of God. When we are attuned to His consciousness within us, we can create worlds. Remember, in your will lies the almighty power of God.” (p. 14)
“God does help those who help themselves. When your mind is calm and filled with faith after praying to God in meditation, you are able to see various answers to your problems; and because your mind is calm, you are capable of picking out the best solution. Follow that solution, and you will meet with success. This is applying the science of religion in your daily life.” (p. 16)
“Be fearless. It is the only way to be healthy. If you commune with God, His truth will flow to you. You will know that you are the imperishable soul.” (p. 26)
“What are you afraid of? You are an immortal being. You are neither a man nor a woman, as you may think, but a soul, joyous, eternal.” (p. 29)
“No judgment from God or fate, but your own pronouncement on yourself, keeps you poor or worried. Success or failure is determined in your own mind. Even against the negative opinion of the rest of society, if you bring out by your all-conquering God-given will the conviction that you cannot be left to suffer in difficulties, you will feel a secret divine power coming upon you; and you will see that the magnetism of that conviction and power is opening up new ways for you. Do not grieve over your present state, and do not worry. If you refuse to worry, and if you make the right effort, you will remain calm, and you will surely find a way of reaching your goal.” (p. 34)
“Nothing is impossible, unless you think it is.” (p. 35)
“Be a friend to all. Even if your love and trust are betrayed by some, don't worry. Always be yourself; you are what you are. This is the only sincere way to live. Though all may not want to be your friend, you should befriend all, never expecting anything in return. I understand and love all, but I never expect of anyone that he should be my friend and understand me. On the strength of this principle, I am at peace with myself and the world, and never feel any cause for worry. The treasure of friendship is your richest possession, because it goes with you beyond this life. All the true friends you have made you will meet again in the home of the Father, for real love is never lost.” (p. 36-37)
“Realize that the infinite presence of the Heavenly Father is ever within you. Tell Him: "In life and death, health and sickness, I worry not, O Lord, for I am Thy child evermore.” (p. 40)
“You have all the power you need. There is nothing greater than the power of the mind.” (p. 48)
“Smile that perpetual smile —that smile of God. Smile that strong smile of balanced recklessness —that million-dollar smile that no one can take from you. Live every second in the consciousness of your relationship with the Infinite.” (p. 50)
“Meditation is the way. Meditate with patience and persistence. In the gathering calmness, you will enter the realm of soul intuition. Throughout the ages, those beings who attained enlightenment were those who had recourse to this inner world of God-communion. Jesus said: "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Go within the Self, closing the door of the senses and their involvement with the restless world, and God will reveal to you all His wonders.” (p. 59)
“Blessed you are that you are hearing the message divine, the message of Spirit, the message that solves the mystery of the universe. What fear have you? Cast out all fear! There is nothing to be afraid of anymore when you have touched the Great Power of Spirit, which controls the very forces of creation, all the machinery of this universe. What greater hope could you have, what greater security could you seek, than the contact of the Infinite Being that is the essence of all that exists?” (p. 72)
“The time has come for you to know and understand the purpose of religion: how to contact that supernal Joy, which is God, the great and eternal Comforter. If you can find that Joy, and if you can retain that Joy all the time, no matter what happens in your life, you will stand unshaken amidst the crash of breaking worlds.” (p. 75)
“Do not be afraid of anything. Even when tossing on a wave in a storm, you are still on the bosom of the ocean. Always hold on to the consciousness of God's underlying presence. Be of even mind, and say: "I am fearless; I am made of the substance of God. I am a spark of the Fire of Spirit. I am an atom of the Cosmic Flame. I am a cell of the vast universal body of the Father. I and my Father are One.” (p. 76)
— Paramahansa Yogananda, Living Fearlessly: Bringing Out Your Inner Soul Strength
“It is the mind that must be strengthened. An important part of the adventure of life is to get hold of the mind, and to keep that controlled mind constantly attuned to the Lord. This is the secret of a happy, successful existence. It comes by exercising mind power and by attuning the mind to God through meditation. The easiest way to overcome disease, disappointments, and disasters is to be in constant attunement with God.” (p. 6)
“Everything the Lord has created is to try us, to bring out the buried soul immortality within us. That is the adventure of life, the one purpose of life. And everyone's adventure is different, unique. You should be prepared to deal with all problems of health, mind, and soul by commonsense methods and faith in God, knowing that in life or death your soul remains unconquered. You can never die. "No weapon can pierce the soul; no fire can burn it; no water can moisten it; nor can any wind wither it. The soul is immutable, all-permeating, ever calm, and immovable." You are eternally the image of Spirit.” (p. 9)
“True yogis are able to control the mind under all circumstances. When that perfection is reached, you are free. Then you know life is a divine adventure. Jesus and other great souls have proved this. You will finish this life-adventure only when you conquer its dangers by your will power and mind power, as did the Great Ones. Then you will look back and say: "Lord, it was a pretty bad experience. I came near failing, but now I am in the safety of Your presence forever. We can see life as a wonderful adventure when the Lord finally says, "All those terrifying experiences are over. I am with you evermore. Nothing can harm you."” (p. 10 - 11)
“Laugh at any trouble that comes. Know you are everlasting in the Lord.” (p. 11)
“Meet everybody and every circumstance on the battlefield of life with the courage of a hero and the smile of a conqueror. You are a child of God. What have you to fear?” (p. 12)
“There is always a way out of your trouble; and if you take the time to think clearly, to think how to get rid of the cause of your anxiety instead of just worrying about it, you become a master.” (p. 13)
“One who has faith in the divinity of his own soul, his true nature, and who has love for God and faith in His omnipotence, finds quick freedom from suffering. The light of faith ushers his consciousness from the dark realm of mortal limitation into the kingdom of immortality. Faith means knowledge and conviction that we are made in the image of God. When we are attuned to His consciousness within us, we can create worlds. Remember, in your will lies the almighty power of God.” (p. 14)
“God does help those who help themselves. When your mind is calm and filled with faith after praying to God in meditation, you are able to see various answers to your problems; and because your mind is calm, you are capable of picking out the best solution. Follow that solution, and you will meet with success. This is applying the science of religion in your daily life.” (p. 16)
“Be fearless. It is the only way to be healthy. If you commune with God, His truth will flow to you. You will know that you are the imperishable soul.” (p. 26)
“What are you afraid of? You are an immortal being. You are neither a man nor a woman, as you may think, but a soul, joyous, eternal.” (p. 29)
“No judgment from God or fate, but your own pronouncement on yourself, keeps you poor or worried. Success or failure is determined in your own mind. Even against the negative opinion of the rest of society, if you bring out by your all-conquering God-given will the conviction that you cannot be left to suffer in difficulties, you will feel a secret divine power coming upon you; and you will see that the magnetism of that conviction and power is opening up new ways for you. Do not grieve over your present state, and do not worry. If you refuse to worry, and if you make the right effort, you will remain calm, and you will surely find a way of reaching your goal.” (p. 34)
“Nothing is impossible, unless you think it is.” (p. 35)
“Be a friend to all. Even if your love and trust are betrayed by some, don't worry. Always be yourself; you are what you are. This is the only sincere way to live. Though all may not want to be your friend, you should befriend all, never expecting anything in return. I understand and love all, but I never expect of anyone that he should be my friend and understand me. On the strength of this principle, I am at peace with myself and the world, and never feel any cause for worry. The treasure of friendship is your richest possession, because it goes with you beyond this life. All the true friends you have made you will meet again in the home of the Father, for real love is never lost.” (p. 36-37)
“Realize that the infinite presence of the Heavenly Father is ever within you. Tell Him: "In life and death, health and sickness, I worry not, O Lord, for I am Thy child evermore.” (p. 40)
“You have all the power you need. There is nothing greater than the power of the mind.” (p. 48)
“Smile that perpetual smile —that smile of God. Smile that strong smile of balanced recklessness —that million-dollar smile that no one can take from you. Live every second in the consciousness of your relationship with the Infinite.” (p. 50)
“Meditation is the way. Meditate with patience and persistence. In the gathering calmness, you will enter the realm of soul intuition. Throughout the ages, those beings who attained enlightenment were those who had recourse to this inner world of God-communion. Jesus said: "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Go within the Self, closing the door of the senses and their involvement with the restless world, and God will reveal to you all His wonders.” (p. 59)
“Blessed you are that you are hearing the message divine, the message of Spirit, the message that solves the mystery of the universe. What fear have you? Cast out all fear! There is nothing to be afraid of anymore when you have touched the Great Power of Spirit, which controls the very forces of creation, all the machinery of this universe. What greater hope could you have, what greater security could you seek, than the contact of the Infinite Being that is the essence of all that exists?” (p. 72)
“The time has come for you to know and understand the purpose of religion: how to contact that supernal Joy, which is God, the great and eternal Comforter. If you can find that Joy, and if you can retain that Joy all the time, no matter what happens in your life, you will stand unshaken amidst the crash of breaking worlds.” (p. 75)
“Do not be afraid of anything. Even when tossing on a wave in a storm, you are still on the bosom of the ocean. Always hold on to the consciousness of God's underlying presence. Be of even mind, and say: "I am fearless; I am made of the substance of God. I am a spark of the Fire of Spirit. I am an atom of the Cosmic Flame. I am a cell of the vast universal body of the Father. I and my Father are One.” (p. 76)
— Paramahansa Yogananda, Living Fearlessly: Bringing Out Your Inner Soul Strength
January 21, 2011
This book is better than I thought it would be, it is filled with Yogananda quotes that I find fascinating and inspiring, I am certainly going to read more of his work.
April 4, 2024
Really disliked most of what was in here. Really couldn’t quite tell what TF religion was being advocated for, but it was ringing too Christian for my Still Traumatized From My Own Childhood Church Experiences brain…I was weary the whole time lol.
However, there are always a few diamonds in the rough so as a reminder to future me of the good advice that was in here:
Laugh at your troubles
Have faith in your abilities
There is always a way out of your troubles, but you may not have it at the moment so you have to be patient and trust time and yourself to figure it out eventually
Be yourself; you are what you are
I also enjoyed their definition of ‘worry’: a psychological state of consciousness in which you are caught in feelings of helplessness and apprehension about some trouble you don’t know how to immediately get rid of…never thought of it like this. Interesting.
Shoutout to the lady who worked at the Dutch thrift store I was at a few weeks ago for selling me this. I had hoped it would be much better, but even though it was not very good in my opinion I absolutely loved how someone had written dutch translations of words in the margins.
However, there are always a few diamonds in the rough so as a reminder to future me of the good advice that was in here:
Laugh at your troubles
Have faith in your abilities
There is always a way out of your troubles, but you may not have it at the moment so you have to be patient and trust time and yourself to figure it out eventually
Be yourself; you are what you are
I also enjoyed their definition of ‘worry’: a psychological state of consciousness in which you are caught in feelings of helplessness and apprehension about some trouble you don’t know how to immediately get rid of…never thought of it like this. Interesting.
Shoutout to the lady who worked at the Dutch thrift store I was at a few weeks ago for selling me this. I had hoped it would be much better, but even though it was not very good in my opinion I absolutely loved how someone had written dutch translations of words in the margins.
May 4, 2020
Motivational
This book is very short. However the quotes of Paramhansa Swami Yogananda is very inspiring. It would be great to read if it was a long read. In this 30% content is redundant in the beginning and end.
Though it was great book because suggested quotes are very practical in real life.
Thanks
This book is very short. However the quotes of Paramhansa Swami Yogananda is very inspiring. It would be great to read if it was a long read. In this 30% content is redundant in the beginning and end.
Though it was great book because suggested quotes are very practical in real life.
Thanks
December 11, 2021
Este libro está hecho de retazos de las charlas y conferencias de Paramhansaji. En seguida se nota la fuerza de sus palabras en cada parte del libro que te conmina a buscar a Dios en primer lugar y en tener fe. La fe hace que el miedo desaparezca ya que Dios sabe mejor que nosotros lo que más nos conviene.
February 13, 2018
Short and easy to read. Love this
A must read . Any writings from this yogi is pure honesty and truth. I learn so much every time I read these books. Definitely a book to keep near.
A must read . Any writings from this yogi is pure honesty and truth. I learn so much every time I read these books. Definitely a book to keep near.
August 9, 2020
Fearless enrich yourself with wit of being fearless
Fearless book Is a well explained philosophy of being spiritual and be fearless. Journey in the book is very practical and easy to enrich yourself and be in the state of fearless
Fearless book Is a well explained philosophy of being spiritual and be fearless. Journey in the book is very practical and easy to enrich yourself and be in the state of fearless
October 12, 2020
Practical and effective ways to overcome fear
This book is a good read and provides a few absolute solutions to overcome fear. I found immediate comfort and peace by reading the book. I am going to follow the teachings to overcome fear permanently.
This book is a good read and provides a few absolute solutions to overcome fear. I found immediate comfort and peace by reading the book. I am going to follow the teachings to overcome fear permanently.
December 20, 2018
Short book full of his pertinent writings about courage and strength. Great for a person who deals with anxiety!
April 26, 2020
Beautifully translated. Yogananda's meditations on living free from fear.
July 4, 2020
Good short read
It's a quick short read but does iterate message of the Gita well. I wanted to get a flavour before I start reading Autobiography of a Yogi and am not disappointed.
It's a quick short read but does iterate message of the Gita well. I wanted to get a flavour before I start reading Autobiography of a Yogi and am not disappointed.
January 10, 2024
Magnífico. Yogananda, como siempre, haciéndote sentir que vivir espiritualmente es posible para todos y no es solo para yoguis del Himalaya.
June 8, 2024
Incredible!
I,m looking foreword to applying the teachings and meditations of Yogananda. I,ll try living fearlessly. I did enjoy it very much.
I,m looking foreword to applying the teachings and meditations of Yogananda. I,ll try living fearlessly. I did enjoy it very much.
June 24, 2024
Very good book. The book contains lots of messages by Holy Paramahamsa Yogananda on living fearlessly.
July 12, 2024
This fantastic book is all about how to live fearlessly by bringing out your inner soul strength.
This is our third Note on one of Yogananda’s books/booklets.
As we discussed in the first two Notes on How to Be a Success and The Law of Success, I got into Yogananda and his work after getting more deeply into Michael Singer’s work. (See Notes on The Untethered Soul and Living Untethered.)
I got even more into Yogananda and his work after I learned that Steve Jobs re-read his Autobiography of a Yogi every year and gave a copy of it to his friends as the very last gift as they left his memorial service.
This is a tiny little booklet. As the title and sub-title suggest, it’s all about how to live fearlessly by bringing out your inner soul strength. Or, as we’d like to say: How to forge antifragile confidence by high fiving your inner daimon. It’s fantastic.
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Afraid of Ghosts? - Look fear in the face, Hero.
2. The Pickax - Releasing spiritual strength.
3. Calm Confidence - And how to forge it.
4. Roar, Lion, Roar! - Bleating sheep begone.
5. Be Not Afraid - “I LOVE STORMS!”
P.S. I’ve added Living Fearlessly by Paramahansa Yogananda to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
“In his ‘how-to-live’ teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental and spiritual inharmonies—to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-around success.
The books in this series present Paramahansaji’s how-to-live wisdom on many subjects, providing readers with spiritual insight and practical keys for bringing into daily life the inner balance and harmony that is the essence of yoga. Through the practice of meditation and the universal principles of right action and right attitude highlighted in these books, one can experience every moment as an opportunity to grow in awareness of the Divine.
While each book addresses a distinct topic, one message resonates throughout the series: Seek God first. Whether speaking of creating fulfilling relationships, raising spiritual children, overcoming self-defeating habits, or any of the other myriad goals and challenges of modern living, Paramahansa Yogananda again and again refocuses our attention towards life’s highest attainment: Self-realization—knowing our true nature as divine beings. Through the inspiration and encouragement of his teachings, we learn how to live a truly victorious life—transcending limitations, fear, and suffering—by awakening to the infinite power and joy of our real Self: the soul.”
~ Self-Realization Fellowship from Living Fearlessly
This is our third Note on one of Yogananda’s books/booklets.
As we discussed in the first two Notes on How to Be a Success and The Law of Success, I got into Yogananda and his work after getting more deeply into Michael Singer’s work. (See Notes on The Untethered Soul and Living Untethered.)
I got even more into Yogananda and his work after I learned that Steve Jobs re-read his Autobiography of a Yogi every year and gave a copy of it to his friends as the very last gift as they left his memorial service.
This is a tiny little booklet. As the title and sub-title suggest, it’s all about how to live fearlessly by bringing out your inner soul strength. Or, as we’d like to say: How to forge antifragile confidence by high fiving your inner daimon. It’s fantastic.
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Afraid of Ghosts? - Look fear in the face, Hero.
2. The Pickax - Releasing spiritual strength.
3. Calm Confidence - And how to forge it.
4. Roar, Lion, Roar! - Bleating sheep begone.
5. Be Not Afraid - “I LOVE STORMS!”
P.S. I’ve added Living Fearlessly by Paramahansa Yogananda to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
August 3, 2016
I got it with some other Yogananda books and the quotes are great. It is tiny, a snack. Seems to be the after death collected writings of Yogananda on topic of fear/ fearlessness. He comes across, but I found the self-help style a bit off putting. Would prefer to read his words in their full context.
February 2, 2020
prieš 7 metus kai paėmiau pirmą kart į rankas, ji buvo įkvepianti knygutė, dabar ji man nieko ypatingo.
December 28, 2024
Mirada demasiado religiosa para mi gusto, pero esta bueno
Read
May 2, 2018dnf
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews