I recently learned that one of the major influences on my life, Goswami Kriyananda, has passed away. Occasionally I would call the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago to get advice from him, but he was not there this time. I got the general stoic answer from the temple that he has left the body and moved on to better things. Yogis do not see death as the end. I fact, its viewed like going to sleep.

To say that this man has had an impact on my life would be putting it mildly. I joined the Temple Seminary program in 2009. I never did make it ordination. Something inside of me told me that it was not the right time. I may go back and finish the program, but I am content to share what I know now. Personally, I have never been one for titles and my rebellious nature generally throws a wrench into my academic pursuits.

Goswami Kriyananda’s take on Kriya Yoga was unique. I have studied under other gurus, but he had a way of making Kriya accessible to all. He was also the first guru I have encountered that used western astrology. Of his many admirable attributes, one I held in high esteem is that he never put himself above his teachings. Over the course of his life, he wrote many wonderful books about Kriya Yoga. Thanks to him, we now have access to valuable knowledge. As I go along in my blog, I will be referencing his materials.

Goodbye Guruji, I will miss you.