Further Changes
The publisher’s note to the 7th edition states that the work (of incorporating the author’s revisions) has been accomplished in time for the seventh edition. Further revisions, however, appear in this 8th edition.
In the recent SRF edition one reads the explanation that Tara Mata made, after 1956, further editorial revisions, in accordance with guidance she had received from Yogananda before his passing. The count shows that in this 8th edition around 280 further paragraphs and footnotes are changed.
Altogether over 1000 paragraphs and footnotes have been changed between editions 5 and 8. The “feel” of the book certainly changed.
Again, we prefer not to publish the detailed study of the changes in this edition, in order not to trickle dispute. The only two which cannot remain unmentioned are:
- Yogananda’s 11 “Aims and Ideals” are now changed.
Here are the three main changes:
– “To prove the practical truth in the immortal teachings of Jesus Christ and the Self-realized Masters of India” is now different, expanded.
– “To attain threefold perfect development: body, mind, and soul” now talks about the purpose of life: To attain God Consciousness; and to this end to establish SRF temples throughout the word, and to encourage the establishment of individual temples of God in the homes hearts of men.
– “To spread a spirit of brotherhood among all peoples; and to aid in establishing, in many countries, self-sustaining world-brotherhood colonies for plain living and high thinking” has now become an encouragement for plain living and high thinking, and to spread a spirit of brotherhood among all peoples, by teaching the eternal basis of their unity: kinship with God.
2. Yogananda’s spiritual title “Paramhansa” is now changed to “Paramahansa”.
Yogananda’s handwritten signature is falsified by the editors.
This edition lasted for almost a decade.
Next chapter: 1968-1996