Paramahansa Yogananda’s philosophy may be seen as a synthesis of classical Vedanta, yoga, and a universalist understanding of religion, all oriented toward direct God-realization. At its heart lies the conviction that the ultimate purpose of human life is Self-Realization: to know one’s true nature as the soul, eternally connected with the Divine, through direct inner experience rather than mere belief. God is understood as the omnipresent, ever-conscious Spirit, and the soul as an individualized expression of this universal consciousness. This realization is not treated as an abstract ideal but as a practical possibility, attainable through disciplined spiritual practice and inner transformation. Central to this vision is Kriya Yoga, presented as a scientific method of meditation and life-force control that accelerates spiritual evolution. Through specific practices of breath and energy regulation, the mind is calmed and attention is interiorized, enabling the awakening of higher states of consciousness and the gradual overcoming of karmic tendencies. Yogananda framed this as a “science of religion,” suggesting that spiritual truths can be verified through repeated inner experience, much as experiments are verified in a laboratory. Meditation in this sense becomes the primary means of transcending ego-consciousness and entering into communion with the Divine. A prominent feature of this teaching is the affirmation of the unity of all genuine religions. Different traditions are seen as distinct paths leading toward the same ultimate Reality, with great masters such as Christ, Krishna, and Buddha expressing the same essential truths in diverse cultural forms. Rather than emphasizing doctrinal differences, Yogananda urged seekers to discover the mystical, experiential core common to all faiths. This universalism is complemented by an emphasis on a personal relationship with God, approached through devotion, prayer, and loving surrender, whether God is conceived as Father, Mother, Friend, or Beloved. Ethical and practical dimensions are integral to this philosophy. Spiritual life is not portrayed as world-denying, but as a balanced integration of meditation with right work, selfless service, and harmonious living. Renunciation is primarily inward: releasing ego and attachment while fulfilling one’s duties with integrity and calmness. Principles such as plain living and high thinking, non-harm, truthfulness, self-control, and the cultivation of divine love for all beings are treated as indispensable supports for inner realization. Within this framework, karma and reincarnation describe the soul’s gradual evolution toward liberation, a process that can be greatly hastened through disciplined practice, devotion, and the guidance of a God-realized guru, while