Blessed Lanfranc: The Past Life of Swami Sri Yukteswar, Guru of Paramhansa Yogananda

A New View of Swami Sri Yukteswar

We know a lot from Autobiography of a Yogi about Sri Yukteswar’s personality in his final incarnation on earth, but what was he like in past lives? Was he, perhaps, gentler and more approachable? And how might that knowledge affect how we attune with him today?

Paramhansa Yogananda said that he had been William the Conqueror in a past life, and that Sri Yukteswar had been William’s great counselor and ally, Archbishop Lanfranc.

In Blessed Lanfranc: The Past Life of Swami Sri Yukteswar, Guru of Paramhansa Yogananda, Richard Salva highlights scores of fascinating similarities (and important differences) between these two famous incarnations of a great spiritual master.

Through historical evidence and personal experiences at Lanfranc’s sites, this book resurrects Sri Yukteswar’s image from one that can be daunting, to another much more kindly to every seeker.

“Deeply satisfying. Worthy of the towering figures whose lives arise—with all their power to inspire—from its pages. A meticulously researched and sensitive portrait.” —Catherine Kairavi, author of Two Souls: Four Lives

“Helps us witness the power behind William the Conqueror’s throne.” —Biraj Palmer, meditation instructor

“Sri Yukteswar is really brought to life in this book. His presence is right there for you.” — Suzanne Kripamayi Caughlan, yoga instructor

“I love this book. An amazing blend of historical research and spiritual insight. Blessed Lanfranc really brings Sri Yukteswar to life in a way I have never experienced before. A great service to all who seek to understand the mission of the masters, and to be in tune with each of our gurus.” —Asha Praver, spiritual teacher, counselor, author of Swami Kriyananda: As We Have Known Him