Posts by Yatkara

News #96: Sri Chinmoy Centre at Gracie Mansion Diwali 2025, New York

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Sri Chinmoy Centre Joins Diwali Celebration at Historic Gracie Mansion

A Night of Light, Music, and Unity

The Sri Chinmoy Centre joined a radiant Diwali celebration at Gracie Mansion on October 18, 2025. The evening brought together community leaders, artists, and cultural organizations for a night full of light, music, and shared joy. With glowing lamps, festive décor, and the warm energy of attendees, the mansion became a true stage for celebration.

Among the highlights was a performance by renowned sarangi musician Ustad Kamal Sabri. His music added soul and depth to the evening, inspiring everyone present. Guests also shared Diwali greetings and spoke about peace, unity, and community connection. The Sri Chinmoy Centre took part in the evening, joining others in the celebration of light, music, and community.

Media coverage by ITV Gold ensured that the event reached a wider audience. Interviews captured the atmosphere and allowed members of the Centre to express warm wishes for the festival. The celebration was more than entertainment — it demonstrated the beauty of harmony across cultures, faiths, and generations.

The occasion was covered by ITV Gold

Who Was Sri Chinmoy — In Short

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) was a spiritual teacher, poet, artist, and musicianSri Chinmoy (1931–2007) was a spiritual teacher, poet, artist, and musician. After moving to New York in 1964, he devoted his life to guiding people toward inner peace, self-transcendence, and universal oneness. Over his lifetime, he created nearly 1,600 books, including poetry, essays, lectures, stories, and plays, and produced a vast collection of spiritual art and meditations.

Through his works, Sri Chinmoy encouraged seekers to look beyond surface-level differences and recognize the shared divine essence in all beings. His vision was global: he believed that inner peace leads to outer harmony and that every gesture — no matter how small — can contribute to universal love. The Centre’s Diwali celebration embodied this vision by sharing light, music, and goodwill in a civic space, bringing spiritual ideals into everyday life.

Light is the Creator yet to be fulfilled.
Light is the Creation yet to be realised.
Light is the Voice of Silence in the inner world.
Light is the fruit of action in the outer world.

– Sri Chinmoy, My Ivy League Leaves

Why This Evening Mattered

Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. These themes are universal. The event naturally highlighted the values of Diwali, and the Sri Chinmoy Centre joined the celebration warmly, simply enjoying the evening alongside other honored guests. 

The event showed that spirituality, culture, and community are not separate; they are intertwined in our shared human experience. Music, tradition, and fellowship created a space where compassion and unity were tangible. Attendees left with a sense of belonging and hope, reminded that light — both inner and outer — brings people together.

Ultimately, the evening carried a quiet sense of Sri Chinmoy’s teachings, felt more than spoken. It reminded participants that spiritual ideals are alive in every sincere smile, greeting, and act of kindness. By fostering connection across boundaries, the Diwali celebration became a celebration not only of light but also of human unity and shared purpose.

Learn More

For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #95: ‘Listen to Nature’ at Miami Book Fair – A Quiet Call for Earth and Spirit

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Listen the Nature booth at Miami Book Fair 2025

From November 16 to 23, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Centre of Miami set up a gentle Listen to Nature booth at the Miami Book Fair. This is one of the largest literary gatherings in the United States.

Listen to Nature: A Place to Pause

The fair is always full of energy. Thousands of visitors move between hundreds of booths and talks. Yet, in the middle of it all, the Listen to Nature space offered stillness. Many people stopped by simply because it felt peaceful.

The Sri Chinmoy Centre of Miami joined the fair to share a few of Sri Chinmoy’s books. Over eight days, visitors from different countries quietly browsed. Some asked questions. Others stayed longer to read.

Listen to Nature — A Book Rooted in Love for the Earth

Listen to Nature: Living in Harmony with the Earth appeared in 2021. It gathers Sri Chinmoy’s poems, answers, meditations, and reflections from decades of talks and earlier writings. Everything is arranged by theme. As a result, the book flows gently and invites meditation on our bond with nature.

The volume includes:

  • poems from earlier collections,
  • short aphorisms and prose passages,
  • spiritual thoughts on environmental care,
  • answers to questions from seekers, scholars, and UN officials,
  • simple exercises to meditate on trees, rivers, silence, and the Earth.

Jane Goodall wrote the foreword. Professor Kusumita Pedersen wrote the introduction. Together, they create an accessible bridge between spirituality and today’s ecological concerns.

At the booth, visitors also found other Sri Chinmoy titles on meditation, poetry, and the inner life. This gave a fuller picture of his creative legacy.

Sri Chinmoy — A Voice of Peace and Oneness

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) taught meditation and wrote over 1,600 books. He was also a poet, musician, and artist who dedicated his life to world harmony. Above all, he encouraged inner peace and love for all living beings.

Nature has its own rhythm, its own harmony, its own peace and joy.

– Sri Chinmoy, Meditation: man’s choice and God’s Voice, part 1

A Quiet Corner of the Fair

The Miami Book Fair takes place each year in downtown Miami. It brings together publishers, authors, and tens of thousands of readers. Amid the lively crowds and bright displays, the Listen to Nature booth became a gentle refuge. Here, people could pause, breathe, and feel the link between inner peace and the living Earth.

Some visitors loved the simplicity. Others were touched by its care for the Earth. Many discovered Sri Chinmoy’s lifelong work for peace and service for the first time.

Several people said how refreshing it was to find such a calm corner. A few called it “a breath of fresh air.” Others simply smiled, nodded, and carried the quiet feeling with them.

The Sri Chinmoy Centre of Miami enjoyed the fair very much. Therefore, they hope to join similar events again. After all, the simplest things — a book, a smile, a moment of silence — can touch a heart.

More about Listen to Nature and Sri Chinmoy

Video #330: Sri Chinmoy “News Report” – with a Smile

Posted on by Yatkara

This playful “News Report” takes you through some remarkable moments with the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT) – celebrating extraordinary endurance, global heart, and good-humoured community spirit.

Triathlon in Canberra: Not Your Average Swim

At 5:30 AM, athletes in Canberra, Australia, dove into the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, a 150 km off-road extravaganza. Picture this: three full triathlons back-to-back, swimming in three different lakes, biking up and down ten peaks, and running all over the city. Solo competitors and teams competed, all sharing one goal – pushing their boundaries, then doing it again. The “Stuffed Puffs” won top honors, while the “Diggers” came in second – and yes, they joked that Australia’s dangerous wildlife couldn’t catch them.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra, Australia

Vasanti Niemz and the Iconic Manhattan Swim

Meanwhile, Vasanti Niemz of Germany took on the legendary 20 Bridges Challenge – a 48.5 km swim around Manhattan Island. She navigated three tidal rivers – the East, Harlem, and Hudson – in conditions that most would call “completely crazy.” Despite it all, she completed the swim in 9 hours 34 minutes. She cheerfully suggested that 27 bridges would be more meaningful than 20, and even pressed New York’s mayor to build a few more.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Vasanti Niemz 48.5 km swim around Manhattan Island - 9 hours 34 minutes

Shamita Runs Across Europe, London Goes 24-Hour

On the running side, Shamita Achenbach-König, a musician from Vienna, ran 2,000 km from Vienna to Oslo, crossing several countries for friendship and harmony. Back in the UK, SCMT’s 24-hour race in London brought runners together for a full weekend – laps, laughter, and the shared joy of endurance.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Shamita runs across Europe 2000 km, Vienna - Oslo

And in other cities – Munich, Salzburg, San Diego – 6-hour races added to the global mix. In San Diego, the race got a surprise visitor: a large rattlesnake allegedly finished (at 5.2 mi) and helped itself to 80% of the race snacks. (Yes, that part’s playful.)

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race - Amstelveen, Netherlands

Why This Report Connects with Everyone

This “News Report” works because it makes extraordinary feats feel familiar. By pairing real SCMT achievements with playful commentary, it invites a wide audience — not just ultrarunners – to marvel at what people can do when they combine heart, discipline, and a little humour.

Whether you’re inspired by long-distance triathlons, open-water swims, or cross-continental runs, this video shows that the Sri Chinmoy community is about more than athleticism. It’s about connection, self-transcendence, and uplifting one another – values that resonate far beyond any finish line.

Learn More About These Incredible Stories

If you’re curious to explore more about the events mentioned:

Featured News

  • News #61: Vasanti Niemz Completes 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan – Read more
  • News #66: The 18th Annual Self-Transcendence 4/21 km Race – Erdenet, Mongolia, September 13, 2025 – Read more
  • News #67: The 12th Annual Sri Chinmoy Peace-Mile 6-Hour Race – Munich, Germany, September 13, 2025 – Read more
  • News #71: Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Track Race – London, United Kingdom – Read more
  • News #73: Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race – Amstelveen, Netherlands – Read more
  • News #92: Inspiring Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race in San Diego 2025 – Read more
  • News #93: Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra – A Day of Endurance, Teamwork and Inspiration – Read more

Featured Videos

  • Video #314: Shamita Achenbach-König’s Solo Run – Vienna to Oslo – A cross-continental journey for harmony – Watch video
  • Video #316: Swimming 20 Bridges Around Manhattan for Peace – Vasanti Sets Record – An aquatic odyssey around New York City – Watch video

More Information

To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org.

 

Video #329: Epic Spirit – Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra 50 km & 100 km

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A Spirit of Self-Transcendence in Paris Woods

The Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra – 50 km & 100 km event on July 19, 2025, was a remarkable celebration of endurance, harmony, and inner strength in the beautiful Bois de Vincennes. At 8:00 AM, 47 ultrarunners began the 100 km race, looping through a 1,589 m circuit of shaded woodland and paved paths. Later in the morning, 69 athletes set out for the 50 km, and by the end, 60 runners crossed the finish line, a testament to both physical stamina and spiritual resilience. 

This year’s edition brought fresh changes: the race village was relocated, and the loop was extended by approximately 280 meters, introducing a new turnaround that challenged participants to adapt with grace.  Though weather forecasts hinted at both heat and storms, nature remained calm for most of the day. A gentle evening rain greeted runners at the end — quietly poetic, almost like a blessing for their efforts. 

The Heart of the Race: More Than Distance

Watching the slideshow, you’ll feel more than just the rhythm of feet on pavement — you’ll sense a shared journey. There are scenes of runners rounding the loop, strong but humble, faces marked by effort and inner calm. Aid stations offer water, energy drinks, and fresh fruit, while volunteers cheer, encouraging each lap with warmth. 

What makes this event so special is the mix of experience: elite ultrarunners standing alongside veteran runners in their 60s and even 70s, all united by a deeper drive than speed alone. This isn’t just a competition — it’s a community of self-transcendence, a place where the personal challenge becomes a spiritual practice.

Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra runners on loop course

Reflections & Meaning

If we run, we see our capacities becoming fully manifested. … But when we run, we bring to the fore our hidden capacities and are able to do something and become something

— Sri Chinmoy, The outer running and the inner running

This race, and this video, embody that truth. Every step, every loop, every quiet moment in the woods feels like an offering — not just to the finish line, but to something greater within.

For those who want to dive deeper into the event, check out News #53 (posted  August 11, 2025).

Why This Video Matters

This video isn’t just a recap — it’s a meditation in motion. It invites you into a space where every lap becomes a moment of reflection, and every runner’s effort is a silent prayer. If you’ve followed Sri Chinmoy’s races before, or are discovering them for the first time, this is a powerful reminder of what true endurance looks like — not just in miles, but in spirit.

Photos, Results, and Event Highlights

A Continuing Legacy of Inspiration

Sri Chinmoy’s races continue to inspire runners worldwide. They remind us that endurance is not only about distance but also about discovering inner strength and peace.

Learn More

News #94: Agnikana’s Group Offers a Soulful Concert in Subotica

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Agnikana’s Group Offers a Soulful Concert in Subotica

A Soulful Evening in Subotica

On November 7, Agnikana’s Group offered an uplifting concert at the historic Velika Većnica in Subotica’s City Hall. Around 100 guests gathered for an evening of soulful, meditative music. The hall’s warm acoustics and quiet atmosphere created an ideal setting for their gentle harmonies. As a result, listeners were able to relax and enter a peaceful inner space.

A Stop in Budapest

Before arriving in Serbia, the group also performed in Budapest, Hungary. This additional concert allowed them to share their peaceful musical journey with local seekers and music lovers. Moreover, the short tour reflected their long-standing tradition of offering free concerts across Europe. They always travel with the intention of spreading peace through music.

About Agnikana’s Group

Agnikana’s Group began in 1997, founded by the Czech musician Agnikána Senkyříková. Over time, the group has grown into a beautifully coordinated, all-female group with members from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Switzerland.

Their repertoire is dedicated to the meditative music of Sri Chinmoy. The group combines pure vocals, gentle harmonies, and acoustic instruments such as harmonium, guitar, wooden flutes, violin, santur, metalophone, bells, and soft percussion. Because of their simple and soulful arrangements, their concerts create a peaceful atmosphere for every listener.

Importantly, all of their performances are offered free of charge, given as gifts of the heart. This reflects Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy of sharing peace through music.

A Legacy of Peace Through Music

Throughout the years, the group has offered many concerts around the world. They perform in churches, galleries, cultural centres, and public halls. Furthermore, their mission is always the same: to share moments of peace and to offer audiences a space for reflection and upliftment. In every country they visit, they continue to inspire listeners through their devotion and sincerity.

Sri Chinmoy’s Vision for Music

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007)Sri Chinmoy (1931 – 2007), whose songs the group performs, saw music as a powerful path to inner peace and self-transcendence. He wrote thousands of devotional and meditative songs in Bengali and English. These songs express the soul’s longing for light.

Additionally, Sri Chinmoy taught that music is a universal language of the heart — a direct way to awaken peace within. Because of this, his melodies speak to people from many cultures.

Music is the inner or universal language of God.

– Sri Chinmoy, God the Supreme Musician (1976)

Agnikana’s Group continues to embody this vision. Each performance becomes not just a concert, but a quiet inner journey.

Learn More & Listen