Autobiography of a Yogi, Chapter 29

What it is

This is a chapter from Autobiography of a Yogi, a memoir written by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1946, years after Tagore's death. In it, Yogananda recalls visiting Tagore after he received the Nobel Prize and discusses Tagore's school at Santiniketan and his approach to music and poetry.

Why it matters

The passage shows how Tagore was remembered and admired by other prominent Indian figures of his time, and how his songs and poetic style reached ordinary people across Bengal. It also touches on criticism Tagore faced for mixing colloquial and classical language in his poetry.

Look closer

• Why does Yogananda describe Tagore's courage in facing his critics?
• Since this was written after Tagore died, how might memory shape what Yogananda chose to include?
• What does the popularity of Tagore's songs among