Paramahansa Yogananda’s influence can be seen most clearly in the way he helped reshape the global understanding of yoga and meditation. Rather than presenting yoga as a mere system of physical postures, he articulated it as a complete spiritual path centered on inner transformation and direct experience of the Divine. Through the introduction of Kriya Yoga to Western seekers, he offered a systematic method of meditation that many came to regard as both accessible and profound. This emphasis on disciplined practice and personal realization encouraged countless individuals to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth, rather than relying solely on external authority or ritual. Another enduring aspect of his impact lies in his role as a bridge between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. He interpreted Hindu and yogic concepts in a language that resonated with Western minds, drawing parallels with Christian mysticism and emphasizing the underlying unity of all religions. By presenting yoga and meditation as a “science of religion,” open to experiential verification, he appealed to those inclined toward rational inquiry while preserving the depth and reverence of traditional spirituality. This approach helped legitimize Eastern contemplative practices in cultures that had often been skeptical of them, and it fostered a more inclusive, interfaith understanding of the spiritual quest. The institutional and literary legacy associated with his life further extended the reach of his teachings. Through the Self-Realization Fellowship and its counterpart in India, Yogoda Satsanga Society, his methods of meditation, ethical living, and God-communion were organized into lessons, centers, temples, and meditation groups that continue to serve seekers around the world. His book “Autobiography of a Yogi” became a widely read spiritual classic, translated into many languages and embraced by readers from diverse backgrounds, including notable cultural figures. By narrating his own spiritual journey and the lives of other saints and sages, that work helped normalize ideas such as karma, reincarnation, the guru-disciple relationship, and subtle spiritual realities in the global imagination. Taken together, these contributions helped shift the spiritual landscape far beyond the circle of his direct disciples. Yoga and meditation came to be viewed not only as esoteric disciplines, but as universal tools for inner growth and holistic well-being. The modern interest in experiential spirituality, interreligious harmony, and the integration of spiritual practice with everyday life owes much to the pathways he opened. His legacy endures wherever seekers approach yoga and meditation as a living science of