With the acclaimed film ‘The Answer’ releasing today, it is interesting to note that the movie is based on the teachings of one man - Spiritual Master Paramhansa Yogananda - who influenced millions.
Paramhansa Yogananda authored ‘Autobiography Of A Yogi’, a book that changed the lives of many influential people in the world. James Donald Walters (later known as Swami Kriyananda) also started his journey with this book that went on to transform his life. The film is a true story of his years as a disciple of his Guru Paramhansa Yogananda and how it altered his life and destiny.
Regarded as one of the most important spiritual books, ‘Autobiography Of A Yogi’ has been translated into over 50 languages. Many famous personalities across the world have spoken about the influence it had on their lives, including Mahatma Gandhi, Virat Kohli, Rajnikanth, Elvis Presley, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Steve Jobs. According to reports, Jobs read the ‘Autobiography Of A Yogi’ every year and even asked for it to be given to every person who attended his funeral.
While religion, cast or faith divide us, spirituality brings us together as humans. The book and the film both promote 'Oneness' and 'Inclusion', which are the need of the hour.
Talking about the book, Pandit Ravi Shankar shares, “I have read many books on yoga by yogis, but I was never impressed by them as much as I was with this book. It has some magic in it."
While the book continues to enlighten millions across the globe, ‘The Answer’, directed by Pavan Kaul and produced by Kaveeta Oberoi Kaul, has noted actor Victor Banerjee essaying the role of Paramhansa Yogananda. The worldwide business consultant is filmmaker Madhureeta Anand.
Pia Singh of DLF, that is not only backing the film but is also the force behind the production, shares, “This film powerfully portrays the search for God and the guru-disciple relationship between Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda. The book changed my life, as it has of so many others. Knowing Swami Kriyananda personally was a great blessing and helped me guide my own spiritual search.”