If I were to choose a spiritual name for myself, it would have to be Gratitude. I started drinking in my early teens. Drugs came later, in the ’60s, just before I turned twenty. All my friends drank, and everything that happened after sundown involved drugs and alcohol. So we were more inclined to play loud music than to play … Read More
“Mountains remote and still, hint at higher worlds unseen. So may our lives be, soaring and serene.” — Swami Kriyananda, in his song “Channels”. Listen to the song: The mountains in Yosemite are magical. One of the most grand and mystical ones is called Half Dome. It’s as if God made a slice with His knife, making it look almost … Read More
In June, forty devotees gathered to share their experiences on the spiritual path. The goal was simple: to go deep in their divine friendship, and build connections for their future together. What came was a deep inspiration that will last a lifetime.
In a recent conversation with other yogi parents, I had a realization. It had been slowly creeping into my awareness, but now it solidified and it’s importance finally made sense. My spiritual practice affects my children, and if I want them to have a positive association with spirituality, I need to understand how they experience it. This reality began with … Read More
I said nervously, “He sounds creepy.” My son is a young adult who feels every conversation has unseen potential for self-discovery and conversations with strangers hold huge adventure potential. I tend to be introverted and protective of my comfort zone and since he doesn’t share either of those traits, a “stranger” becomes a friend as soon as he knows their … Read More
All the way up the winding staircase on the fifth floor of a brownstone townhouse in Boston, I sat in my dorm room reading about Kriya Yoga in Paramhansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi. My father had given me his copy of the Autobiography when I was home on winter break, worried about my health—physically, mentally, and spiritually. I had … Read More
As my partner, Ken, faced imminent death some years ago, I suggested he make a videotape, saying “I love you, and goodbye” to his family and friends. Forty minutes long, it was the highlight of his funeral! I determined to make one myself some day. Isn’t that what’s been missing from every memorial service you’ve ever attended? The dearly beloved, … Read More
My friend Brindey passed away on March 9, 2016, the morning of Sri Yukteswar’s mahasamadhi. It was an fitting transition for a warrior devotee who drew such strength from Sri Yukteswar’s life and teachings. Even as she died, a photo of him was resting on her body. After spending 25 years living away, Brindey returned to Ananda Village in the … Read More
I was once a part of a team writing spiritual curriculum for children and had the fascinating assignment of writing the story for the Easter lesson (read the story). It was fascinating and challenging because I was asked not to refer to the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ. This group took a more scholarly approach to the life of Christ … Read More
Who would not want to visit the Ananda village, especially after watching the Finding Happiness movie? By the grace of our gurus and master, I got the opportunity to be at Ananda Village for a few hours on a pleasant Tuesday in March. I started early from San Francisco at 7 am hoping to get to Ananda by 11. The … Read More
