I begin my 80^th trip around the sun today, having completed 79 years. I know many yogis who are ahead of me and I celebrate their presence in this world.

As I thank so many of you for your birthday greetings and well-wishes, I know it’s not about my birth. When I was born, like all babies, no one knew what I might choose to do with my life or how it would affect others. It is my yogic dedication that makes my decades worth celebrating.

For this, I thank my Guru, Swami Muktananda Paramahansa. His gift of Shaktipat was like a second birth for me, giving me clarity and purpose — a direction for my life. The years before that great event were confusing, even frustrating in their purposelessness. Once he turned on the light inside me, I knew where to go.

One of my favorite verses of Shree Guru Gita explains it perfectly:

Guu.dha-vidyaa jagan-maayaa dehe caaj~naana-sambhavaa,

udayo yat-prakaa”sena guru”sabdena kathyate. — Guru Gita 10

Birth is into not-knowingness, spellbound by Maayaa’s worldly dance.

Giver of the upwelling light of your own Self is called Guru.

I did my best to max out on the not-knowingness, looking for a sense of self-worth in other people’s eyes. Baba gave me my own Self, freeing me from the neediness and fear that consumes most people’s lives.

Now it is my honor and privilege to share his great gift with you. I am deeply touched when you accept the gifts I offer, through our Ashram’s publications and programs. Thank you for letting me serve you.