Sri Yukteswar Giri was a highly revered spiritual guru during the late 19th and early 20th century in India. He is most famously known as the guru of Paramahansa Yogananda, the founder of Self-Realization Fellowship. Sri Yukteswar's teachings were unique and differed from other spiritual gurus of his time in several ways.

Firstly, Sri Yukteswar's teachings were rooted in the ancient Vedic scriptures of India. He emphasized the importance of understanding and following the spiritual principles laid out in these scriptures, rather than blindly following rituals and customs. This approach was quite different from other gurus who often focused on external practices and rituals.

Secondly, Sri Yukteswar's teachings were based on the principles of Kriya Yoga, a powerful meditation technique for spiritual advancement. He believed that the true purpose of life is to attain self-realization and that this can be achieved through the practice of Kriya Yoga. This was in contrast to other gurus who focused on various forms of yoga and meditation, but did not emphasize the importance of self-realization.

Moreover, Sri Yukteswar's teachings were rational and scientific, which was uncommon among spiritual gurus of his time. He explained complex spiritual concepts in a logical and practical manner, making them accessible to people from all walks of life. This approach was refreshing and appealed to many who were seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality.

Another distinguishing aspect of Sri Yukteswar's teachings was his emphasis on the harmony between science and spirituality. He believed that science and spirituality were not opposing forces, but rather two sides of the same coin. He encouraged his students to embrace both and see the interconnectedness between them. This was a progressive and forward-thinking perspective, especially during a time when science and spirituality were often seen as conflicting ideologies.

In addition, Sri Yukteswar's teachings were inclusive and universal. He did not discriminate based on caste, creed, or gender, and welcomed people from all backgrounds to learn from him. This was a departure from the prevalent societal norms and caste-based discrimination during that time.

Overall, Sri Yukteswar's teachings stood out for their rationality, inclusivity, and emphasis on self-realization through the practice of Kriya Yoga. His teachings continue to inspire and guide spiritual seekers even today, making him a revered and beloved guru of his time and beyond.