Category: Interview

Video #318: Andrea Marcato Wins Sri Chinmoy 3100-Mile Race 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Andrea Marcato makes history by winning the Sri Chinmoy 3100-mile race 2025 for the sixth time. In an extraordinary display of endurance and determination, he completed the world’s longest certified footrace in 46 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes, and 8 seconds. This incredible achievement highlights his consistency, discipline, and the true spirit of self-transcendence.

Marcato’s Record of Achievement

This extraordinary accomplishment marks his sixth finish in the world’s longest certified footrace. Over the years, Marcato has consistently demonstrated resilience, endurance, and determination:

  • 2020: 43 days, 12 hours, 7 minutes, 26 seconds
  • 2021: 42 days, 17 hours, 38 minutes, 38 seconds
  • 2022: 43 days, 3 hours, 20 minutes, 27 seconds
  • 2023: 43 days, 13 hours, 23 minutes, 23 seconds
  • 2024: 43 days, 3 hours, 4 minutes, 6 seconds
  • 2025: 46 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes, 8 seconds

Each finish tells a story of perseverance, self-discipline, and the power of pushing human limits.

About the Sri Chinmoy 3100-Mile Race

The 3100-mile race (about 4989 km) is the longest certified footrace in the world. Each year, runners circle one city block in Queens, New York, completing 5649 laps. They run daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, facing heat, rain, and fatigue for nearly two months.

In 2025, Marcato averaged 106.9 km per day – around 66 miles – showing incredible consistency and focus. His performance highlights the essence of self-transcendence, the central idea behind the race founded by Sri Chinmoy: going beyond one’s limits through inner strength and perseverance.

Endurance, Discipline, and Inspiration

Marcato’s repeated success reflects not only physical endurance but also deep discipline and spiritual aspiration. Over the years, he has inspired fellow runners and supporters from around the world. Each race brings new challenges, yet he continues to find fresh motivation and purpose on the same 883-meter loop.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team organizes the event each summer, attracting a small but devoted group of international runners who test the boundaries of human potential.

Learn More

To find out more, visit the official website: www.3100.srichinmoyraces.org. 
For more information about races, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #292: The transformative power of surrender | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.17

Posted on by Yatkara

In this episode of the podcast Abhinabha and Vajin explore the profound concept of surrender in the spiritual life. They discuss how surrender is not only yielding to the Divine Will, but also involves a deep understanding of prosperity and adversity as essential paths to growth. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of unconditional surrender, the relationship between surrender and devotion, and how true surrender leads to a life of service and connection with the universe. Through various analogies and insights, they illustrate the transformative power of surrender and its role in personal and spiritual development. During the conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the profound themes of surrender, service, and authenticity. They discuss the importance of contributing to the world, the challenges of surrendering self-deception, and the journey towards true integrity. The dialogue delves into the concept of changing one’s ‘boss’ from ego to soul, the interconnectedness of life, and the significance of individual roles in the universe. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the transformative power of acceptance and the beauty of surrendering to the divine orchestration of life.

Takeaways:

  • Surrender is a deep and complex subject that requires years of practice.
  • True surrender involves accepting both prosperity and adversity with equanimity.
  • Unconditional surrender is the highest form of surrender, where one accepts all experiences as necessary for growth.
  • The universe is friendly and wants to see us flourish, even through adversity.
  • Failures can be seen as opportunities for growth and spiritual progress.
  • Surrender transforms life into a journey of infinite progress.
  • Devotion is an intense love for the divine, and surrender is a deeper expression of that love.
  • Surrender involves letting go of the lower parts of our being to connect with the higher self.
  • Awakening the heart is essential for spiritual growth and surrender.
  • True surrender leads to a life of service and connection with the universe.
  • Service makes you happy in the long term.
  • Surrendering self-deception is a challenging but necessary step.
  • Authenticity requires facing our deepest truths.
  • Surrendering to a higher power can lead to personal growth.
  • We all have a unique role in the universe’s tapestry.
  • Near-death experiences can provide profound insights into surrender.
  • Resistance causes suffering; acceptance brings peace.
  • Surrender is a lifelong journey of letting go.
  • Our lives are interconnected like threads in a tapestry.
  • Embracing surrender allows us to play our part in the divine orchestra.

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

Video #291: Seeing the good in others: a philosophy for the next 1000 years | The Acceptance of Life, Ep.16

Posted on by Yatkara

Abhinabha and Vajin discuss the philosophy for the new millennium as articulated by Sri Chinmoy. They explore the unprecedented rate of change in the modern world, the importance of oneness and world peace, and the role of happiness and service in achieving a fulfilling life. The conversation delves into the significance of the new millennium, the stories that shape human experience, and the need for a collective consciousness that aims for harmony and unity among all beings. In this conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the evolution of consciousness, the significance of the multiverse theory, and the impact of historical revolutions on human development. They discuss the cognitive revolution, the agricultural revolution, and the role of great spiritual teachers throughout history. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of community, acceptance, and the shift from a judgmental mindset to one of love and understanding in the new millennium. They highlight the need for a deeper connection with the heart and the transformative power of spirituality in modern life.

Takeaways:

  • The philosophy for the new millennium emphasizes seeing the good in others.
  • Rapid changes in technology and society create new challenges for humanity.
  • Oneness is recognizing our shared consciousness despite our differences.
  • Happiness should not be the goal; living a good life is paramount.
  • Pessimistic predictions often distract from positive action and growth.
  • The new millennium offers an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation.
  • Stories shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.
  • World peace and oneness are essential goals for humanity’s future.
  • The evolution of consciousness is a journey from simplicity to complexity.
  • The potential for harm increases with technological advancement, necessitating wisdom.
  • The multiverse theory can be seen as a lazy explanation for existence.
  • The evolution of consciousness is a significant theme in human history.
  • The cognitive revolution marked a turning point in human self-awareness.
  • The agricultural revolution initiated a major shift in human society.
  • Great spiritual teachers have played a crucial role in guiding humanity.
  • The past millennium was marked by judgment and division.
  • The new millennium calls for acceptance and love in communities.
  • Spirituality is about embracing life and transformation.
  • The heart should guide our understanding of spirituality, not the mind.
  • The future holds promise for a more connected and conscious humanity.

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

News #25: The Hill Season Podcast – The Maserati Experience: 3,100 Miles of Spiritual Elevation and 10 Days in Bulgaria

Posted on by Yatkara

In this inspiring episode of the Hill Season Podcast, Bulgarian ultra-distance runner Ivan Dimitrov sits down with two remarkable athletes just after they completed the 10-day race in New York—and right before heading into the 10-day race in Bulgaria.

They begin with a deep dive into the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and the intense world of multi-day ultrarunning. Expect rich insights into training, mindset, and recovery. Around the 50-minute mark, the conversation shifts into how meditation and spiritual practice can help you thrive not just in racing, but in daily life.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

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

Video #280: Belief vs. Faith – A spiritual Exploration | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep. 14

Posted on by Yatkara

Abhinabha and Vajin explore the profound topic of faith, differentiating it from belief and discussing its significance in navigating life’s challenges. They delve into the nature of faith as a transformative experience, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping one’s beliefs. The discussion also touches on the role of humility, the impact of misunderstandings on relationships, and the evolution of spiritual beliefs in a modern context. Through various anecdotes and insights, they highlight how faith can provide strength and guidance in difficult times, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe. In this conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the personal nature of spirituality, emphasizing that each individual’s experience of God and truth is unique. They discuss the importance of faith, the nature of death, and how personal experiences shape one’s understanding of spirituality. The dialogue also touches on the role of doubt in spiritual growth and the necessity of facing fears to discover inner strength. Through anecdotes and philosophical insights, they illustrate how faith can be cultivated over time and how it can empower individuals to confront life’s challenges with love and courage.

Takeaways:

  • Faith is the eye through which we see truth.
  • Belief is often based on evidence, while faith requires openness and trust.
  • Misunderstandings can lead to long-lasting conflicts.
  • Humility allows us to see the world as it truly is.
  • Faith can help us navigate difficult experiences.
  • The universe is a friendly place that supports our growth.
  • Personal experiences are crucial for transforming belief into faith.
  • Dogma can hinder personal spiritual experiences.
  • The evolution of belief can lead to a deeper understanding of God.
  • Faith is a transformative journey that requires constant updating. Every seeker has the right to define God in their own way.
  • Spiritual truths are often personal experiences.
  • Death is not to be feared; it is the extinction of consciousness.
  • Faith builds over time through spiritual practice.
  • Doubt can poison the growth of faith.
  • Facing fears can reveal inner strength and capacity.
  • The antidote to doubt is to focus on faith.
  • Spirituality is about personal growth and transformation.
  • Meditation can deepen one’s connection to the universe.
  • Humility is essential in the journey of faith.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org