Swamiji's 80th Birthday Weekend, May 19-21

Hundreds of devotees from around the world gathered at Ananda Village for a celebration of Swamiji's 80th birthday. On Friday and Saturday mornings Swamiji gave stirring talks as he reminisced about his life of discipleship to his great Guru, read from the Essence of the Bhagavad Gita, and shared his vision for Ananda's work in India.

In the afternoons, the guests enjoyed panel discussions with Ananda ministers, a birthday reception at the Crystal Hermitage, satsang with Ananda Meditation Group Leaders, and heartfelt sharing between friends.

On Friday evening the audience was profoundly moved by a devotional play Jewel in the Lotus, written by Kriyanandaji and put up by a group of Ananda devotees. On Saturday evening the Ananda Choir gave a thrilling performance of Christ Lives Oratorio.

After Sunday Service lead by Jyotish and Devi, Swamiji, along with the hundreds of visitors, attended a birthday banquet at the Expanding Light. Afterwards, Swamiji was visibly moved as he thanked everyone for "the best birthday of my life."

An atmosphere of palpable joy permeated the entire weekend, radiating from soul to soul, and uniting everyone in the great outpouring of divine love.

"Around the World in 80 Years" birthday banner at the Crystal Hermitage

Delicious raspberry-mango birthday cake was enjoyed by all!

Birthday gift to Swamiji from Ananda Sangha: a crystal plaque based on an earlier photograph of Kriyanandaji with his Guru. The inscription reads: "I give you my unconditional love" "You have a great work to do" "You have pleased me very much" - words uttered by Yogananda to his beloved disciple.

More Birthday Weekend Photos>>>

Photos of Swamiji in Sacramento
Photos of Swamiji in Portland and Seattle
Photos of Swamiji at Ananda Village
Photos of Swamiji in Palo Alto
Audio and Video of Swamiji's talks during his visit to America
Swami Kriyananda's Schedule of Events