About Swami Kripalvanandji

Affectionately known to his throngs of followers as Bapuji, Swami Kripalvanandji was born in 1913 in Gujarat. Even in childhood, his devotion to God was exceptional and by the age of 19, his longing for God was so strong he made several suicide attempts, as his worldly life seems so futile. It was during prayer as he contemplated a fourth attempt that Dadaji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, manifested in person and averted his plans, beginning Bapuji's journey on the path of Kundalini Yoga.

For eight months, Bapuji studied under Dadaji's tutelage. After enduring rigorous practices, including 40 days of seclusion, chanting and fasting, Bapuji received initiation. Less than a year later, Dadaji unexplainably disappeared. Brokenhearted, Bapuji carried on alone, sustained only by his guru's promise to return at the appropriate time. It wasn't until 1952 when Dadaji reappeared in the purified yogic form of a perfect young man. After giving Bapuji special instructions, he again dematerialized. Two years later, Dadaji reappeared. It was during this final meeting that the advanced teachings of Kundalini Yoga were revealed to him in an instant. Bapuji began an intense 10-hour daily practice of meditation, which he continued for the remainder of his life. During 12 of those years, he maintained total silence.

When Bapuji assented to deviate from his sadhana and visit America in 1977, the trip was intended to be brief. However, Bapuji was so struck by the devotion of Yogi Desai's followers at the Pennsylvania ashram, he remained in residence for an astonishing 3 1/4 years. To the delight of his many American devotees, Bapuji refrained from silence to deliver a series of rare lectures. In September 1981, Bapuji returned to India where he left his body on December 29.

Although the Lord is the personification of love, we seldom allow him to enter the temple of our hearts. Truly, the wise proclaim that love is the only path, love is the only God, and love is the only scripture. Impress this verse upon your memory and chant it constantly if you want to realize your dreams of growth. Only love purifies the body and mind. Love is the all seeing divine eye and the wish fulfilling touchstone. Every living being is a stream of love. Let us allow someone to taste our love and let us taste someone else's love. Love flowing in another's life is the source of our happiness, and the love flowing in our own life is the source of another's happiness. This is the universal law.

Love is not far away.
Love is as close as each of our hearts.
Victory to the Path of Love.
Victory to the Lord of Love.