In India, it is customary to commence celebrations at the start of an anniversary year. In this spirit, beginning September 2007, we honor Swami Kriyananda's 60th anniversary of discipleship and service to his Guru. Below are tributes to Swami Kriyananda from friends around the world.

Dear Brother Kriyananda,

Warm good wishes on this special day.

In God and Gurus,

–Roy Eugene Davis, direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda.

The thing that’s so valuable to me about knowing Swamiji, is to see how one can be so dedicated to the spiritual path, and at the same time be so wonderfully human, kind, and joyful.

He is the bridge to the Guru, who most of us know only second-hand. What a difference that makes! I am so grateful to Swamiji for teaching me by example how to be fully human, fully engaged, seeing God in everyone and in every circumstance.

Bless you, Swamiji! Happy 60 years of discipleship.
–Joe Begley, California

Every trip to Ananda is an experience of expansion. The energy there is accepting and calm. What is the source of all of this?

My first Spiritual Renewal Week [held annually at Ananda Village] in 1980 was an ample introduction to Swami Kriyananda. He was everywhere! He did the morning class, the evening programs, the question and answer sessions, and the Kriya Yoga Initiation. There was a clear and focused energy in him.

He has done so much – more than we know. His outer accomplishments are great indeed, but his example of devotedness is even greater. Swami is much the cause of the purity and focused purpose you feel when you visit Ananda. I am forever grateful to Swamiji for his enduring energy and pure expression of the Masters.
–Jeff Kundert, Wisconsin 

Though I was raised as a Mormon, I am an active Ananda Sangha member.

Kriyananda has inspired my life immensely. Especially in the past few years, even as his body becomes more fragile, I can't help but see his personal self diminishing, and divine love taking over. 

I am very grateful to Kriyananda and the work he has done to bring more light onto the planet. Without him, I would be a different person. I know this, and I cherish him.
–Holipriya, California

All good wishes to you, Swamiji! Your discipleship has given each of us the opportunity to attune ourselves to Master. What a great gift you have made available to all who wish to take advantage of it. Thank you. We send our love and devotion of 34 years for Byasa and 27 years for Janakidevi.
–Byasa and Janakidevi Steintmetz, Ananda Village

Swami Kriyananda is the most important person in my life. He brought Yogananda to life for me, made him real. By sharing his own experiences with the Master, he revealed many facets of him that I would not otherwise have known. Swamiji, your discipleship has always been an inspiration to me. Through your example, I feel closer and closer to God. Master must be very pleased with the work you have done in his name. Happy 60th anniversary! –Pushpa, Ananda Village What a joyous celebration for a lifetime of dedication to "the only path there is!" Swami Kriyananda’s fun comment at the L.A. Revelations of Christ book launch runs through my mind: "I can't help it if I'm an odd ball!" It raised a smile in my heart because that is often how I feel inside.  I think of Swamiji’s example of courage during difficult times, and the steadfastness of his loyalty to his Guru when his peers cast him out. Thank goodness for such books like The Path, A Place Called Ananda, and Swami Kriyananda As We Have Known Him. Reading them shed light on how a true disciple ought to be. Thank you, Swamiji, for your guidance. –Rose Gradel, Southern California Dear Swamiji, A true gift came to me from Master [Yogananda] when I met you in Denver, Colorado in the spring of 1978.  Since that time, Master has offered me many blessings when I draw his light from you – the purest example of discipleship I have ever known or experienced. Thank you! –David Praver, California Happy 60th Anniversary of Discipleship! Thank you for your friendship in God, and for your courageous steps to follow Master. Your courage gives me courage. Thank you for your countless talks, stories about Master, and all your music, especially "God's Call Within," "Secrets of Love," and "God is the Doer.” For me there is no difference in God's love, Master's love, and your love.  Even though I can't fathom what being one with God actually means, I know I can get there, with you holding the beacon and welcoming all.  –Kristy Dewey, Ananda Village Paramhansa Yogananda said to follow the living link of the Masters. Well, I have never met a more alive "link" to the great ones than Swami Kriyananda. Words are inadequate to describe the gratitude I feel for his selfless service, devotion to God & Guru, and humble example that have so utterly transformed my life. All I can say is "thank you, Swamiji." –Narayan Romano, Ananda Village  Swami Kriyananda is the living example of Eternal Source of Enlightenment. – Mohan, India