Goswami Kriyananda
Goswami Kriyananda: A Life of Spiritual Devotion and Literary Excellence
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Goswami Kriyananda was born as J. Donald Walters on May 16, 1926. He is also known by his spiritual name, Da, and has been affectionately referred to as Baba.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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Born: May 16, 1926
Died: January 24, 2019
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession(s): Author, Spiritual Teacher, Composer
#### Early Life and Background
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Goswami Kriyananda was born in Pennsylvania to a Christian family. Growing up, he felt an inner calling that went beyond the conventional boundaries of his faith. At 19, he met Paramhansa Yogananda, the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), who would become his spiritual guide and mentor. This encounter marked the beginning of Kriyananda's lifelong journey on the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Under Yogananda's guidance, Kriyananda was initiated into the ancient science of Kriya Yoga, a practice aimed at realizing one's full potential through meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion. He spent the next few decades studying with his guru and immersed himself in the SRF community, quickly rising to prominence as a talented musician, writer, and speaker.
#### Major Accomplishments
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Kriyananda was an accomplished author, penning several books on spirituality, philosophy, and personal growth, including "Awakening to Christ Consciousness" and "Journey to Nowhere: A Guide to Spiritual Awakening." He also composed music for various SRF publications and wrote songs that have been sung by devotees worldwide.
As a spiritual teacher, Kriyananda was renowned for his ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner. He founded the Ananda Sangha community, which still thrives today as a global network of like-minded individuals seeking spiritual growth.
#### Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his literary and musical endeavors, Kriyananda traveled extensively, giving lectures and workshops on spirituality and personal development. His tireless efforts helped spread the teachings of Yogananda and SRF worldwide.
He also established Ananda Village in California's Sierra Nevada foothills, a thriving spiritual community that serves as a testament to his vision for creating harmonious living spaces.
#### Impact and Legacy
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Kriyananda's impact on modern spirituality cannot be overstated. Through his writings, teachings, and community-building efforts, he helped popularize the concept of Kriya Yoga and its emphasis on meditation, self-awareness, and service to humanity.
His legacy extends beyond the realm of spirituality, as well. As a musician, composer, and poet, Kriyananda's creative output has touched hearts worldwide, transcending borders and cultures.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Goswami Kriyananda is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the human condition, his compassionate approach to spiritual growth, and his commitment to creating harmonious communities that embody love and service. His teachings continue to inspire seekers of truth from all walks of life, offering a beacon of hope in an increasingly complex world.
Through his remarkable life's work, Kriyananda has left behind a lasting legacy – one that reminds us of the transformative power of spirituality, compassion, and devotion.
Quotes by Goswami Kriyananda
You can accept it that it may be true what somebody else says, but until you have experienced it, it is not dynamic to your own awareness.
My master’s visualizations were so powerful their condensation into matter was mere signature. Donald Walters, formerly Kriyananda, author of The Path about his guru Yogananda.
The two-fold goal of all human striving is the avoidance of pain, and the fulfillment of happiness.
Take whatever cause for outward happiness you might have and take it within yourself, so that, if the sun should go out, you will not be any less happy; if the birds stop singing you will not be any less happy.
If you want to do one good thing in the world, the best thing you can do is give other people joy.
It’s not insincere to say you’re happy if your determined to make it true and live in that consciousness.
Those who walk, run, or slide downhill eagerly would rather not think about the long, hard climb back up the hill again.
The real sign of His blessings is if you can have more and more happiness inside. Learn always to be happy; to be happy with the happiness of God. Even- minded and cheerful. This is the fastest route to divine bliss.