Category: Sri Chinmoy Centre Activity

News #93: Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra – A Day of Endurance, Teamwork and Inspiration

Posted on by Yatkara

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon took place across Canberra on Sunday, 9 November 2025. The event brought together solo athletes and relay teams for one of Australia’s most inspiring endurance races. Now in its 28th year, the Triple-Tri once again turned Canberra’s lakes, hills, and trails into a joyful celebration of fitness, friendship, and self-transcendence.

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025 – A Day of Endless Challenges and Triumphs

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon combines three complete triathlons into one continuous course. Competitors swim, cycle, and run around Canberra’s natural landscapes – Lake Ginninderra, Lake Burley Griffin, and Lake Tuggeranong. Together, these stages cover more than 200 kilometres. The event demands strength, focus, and resilience. However, it also offers an experience of oneness, as solo athletes and relay teams encourage one another throughout the day.

Conditions were ideal. Cool air and calm water made for fast times. Moreover, volunteers and spectators filled each transition zone, cheering athletes onward and creating an uplifting atmosphere from start to finish.

About Sri Chinmoy

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon is inspired by Sri Chinmoy, a spiritual leader and athlete who promoted self-transcendence through running, meditation, and sports. He believed that physical endurance and inner growth go hand in hand, encouraging athletes to push beyond perceived limits while cultivating joy, focus, and perseverance. Learn more about his life and philosophy here.

The real voyage is not to the finish line, but to the deeper self you discover along the way.

– Sri Chinmoy

Solo Athletes: A Close Finish and Historic Performances

The solo division produced one of the most dramatic finishes in Triple-Tri history. Jonathan Grady built an early lead after the second swim and held it to the end, winning in 12 hours 51 minutes 36 seconds.

Behind him, an intense contest unfolded. David Baldwin, returning after several years away, surged through the final run to claim second overall in 12 hours 52 minutes 21 seconds, only a minute behind Grady. Just seconds later, Blake Fretwell crossed the line in 12 hours 52 minutes 52 seconds, taking third place overall and second in the Male Under 50 category. Three finishers within two minutes offered a remarkable display of endurance and determination.

Meanwhile, multiple champion Julie Quinn returned to her favourite course. She set a new F50+ record of 12 hours 54 minutes 48 seconds, reaffirming her title as the “Queen of the Triple-Tri.” Her calm focus and smooth consistency inspired everyone who watched.

Team Divisions: Strength in Unity

The team divisions highlighted the joy of collaboration. In the All-Female Teams of Three, the veteran “Spring Chickens” – Sam Reinhardt, Cristy Henderson, and Susie Kluth – completed the course in 12 hours 27 minutes 09 seconds, setting a new record for their category.

The Open Teams of Three saw “Stuffed Puffs” – Ben Buchler, David Osmond, and Adrian Sheppard – retain their crown with 10 hours 18 minutes 26 seconds. Furthermore, “Geriathletes” finished next in 10 hours 40 minutes 24 seconds, followed by “The Diggers” in 11 hours 05 minutes 46 seconds.

Among the Teams of Four to Nine, “Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost” claimed line honours with 9 hours 38 minutes 08 seconds, winning by a wide margin. “Triple Threat” took second in 10 hours 30 minutes 27 seconds, and “Bilby Baggins” secured third in 10 hours 36 minutes 01 second.

In addition, the All-Female Team of Nine, “Giant Wollongong,” finished strongly in 11 hours 58 minutes 44 seconds. Two youth-dominated teams, “Majura Machines” and “We Don’t Want Cramps,” impressed everyone with their energy and teamwork, showing promise for the future of endurance sport in Canberra.

Community, Volunteers, and Spirit

Every athlete’s success was supported by a large team of volunteers. They staffed checkpoints, prepared food, and guided participants across the trails. Their cheerfulness and care created the welcoming atmosphere that defines the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon. Therefore, this event is not only about competition – it also celebrates cooperation, gratitude, and joy.

The organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to the Canberra community for its hospitality and support. As a result, the race continues to grow in spirit and reputation, remaining a highlight of the Australian endurance calendar.

Results & Event Info – Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025

Full Results:

Additional Resources:

Reflection

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025 once again celebrated endurance, teamwork, and the human spirit. It reminded all participants that perseverance is built through inner faith and steady progress.

When you challenge your limits, you discover that your only real limit is your lack of faith in yourself.

– Sri Chinmoy

Explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races and results: www.srichinmoyraces.org
Learn about Sri Chinmoy’s life and teachings: www.srichinmoy.org

 

Week 230: I Love Singing

Posted on by Yatkara

This week features four uplifting Sri Chinmoy Bengali songs from the Alpha and Omega songbook. Over the years, Sri Chinmoy composed music filled with aspiration and gratitude, creating heartfelt melodies that gently illuminate his spiritual path. Because of their simplicity and warmth, the songs continue to speak directly to the inner heart. Additionally, they offer listeners a peaceful doorway into his meditative world.

The performances this week come from his disciple Purnakama, whose sincere and gentle voice brings out the devotional sweetness in every line. Through her recordings, it becomes easy to settle into a calm, meditative mood and appreciate the purity of the music. As a result, whether you choose to sing along or simply listen quietly, these Sri Chinmoy Bengali songs can add a soft, elevating joy to your week.

Below are the four songs featured in this week’s selection:

Songs

  • Baroi Bhalo Lage Amar Balte Mayer Katha
  • Katha Nahi Chahi Chahi Shudhu Ami
  • Vyakulata Na Thakile
  • Britha Jiban Britha Maran Ke Bale Go Ke

Listen & Learn

You can learn by watching the notation while listening, follow along with the melody, or download both the audio and the PDF scores for your personal practice. Everything is available for free, so you can learn at your own pace and enjoy the music more deeply. Use the links below to easily listen to the audio, download the recordings, and view or download the PDF sheet music for your convenience:

Track1
Track2
Track3
Track4
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Baroi Bhalo Lage Amar Balte Mayer Katha

Baroi bhalo lage amar
Balte mayer katha.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook

2. Katha Nahi Chahi Chahi Shudhu Ami

Katha nahi chahi chahi
Shudhu ami antara vyakulata.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook

3. Vyakulata Na Thakile

Vyakulata na thakile
Thakbe jiban britha.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook

4. Britha Jiban Britha Maran Ke Bale Go Ke

Britha jiban britha maran
Ke bale go ke bale.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook

For more of Sri Chinmoy’s published songs, visit the official website: www.srichinmoysongs.com.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

© 2025 Sri Chinmoy Centre

News #91: Madal Bal Brings Tools and Spiritual Vision to Ferretexpo in Guatemala

Posted on by Yatkara

Madal Bal Guatemala team inspired by Sri Chinmoy

From 6 to 9 November 2025, Madal Bal Guatemala participated in Ferretexpo 2025 at Expo Center Tikal Futura in Guatemala City. While the event highlighted tools and machinery, Madal Bal offered more than products. They shared a vision inspired by Sri Chinmoy, blending service, purpose, and mindfulness in every action.

Serving with Purpose

Madal Bal isn’t just about tools; it’s about work with heart. Each interaction, demonstration, and solution reflected Sri Chinmoy’s teaching: “Run to achieve success in the outer world. Reach to make progress in the inner world.” Visitors explored not only innovative tools but also the idea that work can uplift both the maker and the community.

Global Impact, Local Presence

Madal Bal’s influence reaches across continents – from Europe to the Americas. In Guatemala, their presence shows how outer action and inner consciousness go hand in hand. Moreover, the company’s network demonstrates that service, meditation, and harmony can be part of everyday business, making each project meaningful.

Community, Craft, and Consciousness

During the four-day expo, Madal Bal shared practical knowledge. They encouraged mindful practices in construction, design, and teamwork. As a result, visitors saw how business can become a path for inner growth. The expo created a space where professional skill and spiritual awareness meet.

Honoring Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to harmonizing physical achievement with inner development – through ultra-distance races, art, music, and humanitarian service. Madal Bal’s work in Guatemala brings this philosophy to life. It shows that service, mindfulness, and excellence can thrive together.

Madal Bal Guatemala continues to inspire professionals and communities alike. They offer tools and guidance to build with purpose, consciousness, and care.

Explore More

Check out Madal Bal’s full history and international operations at madalbal.com.
For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #90: Discover Sri Chinmoy and the Legendary 3,100-Mile Race

Posted on by Yatkara

A recent feature article in Marathon Runner magazine, Russia’s leading publication for running enthusiasts with a readership of 40,000, delves into the life and philosophy of Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT), and the inspiration behind the world’s longest certified footrace – the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race.

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English Translation:

Sri Chinmoy: The Story and Philosophy of the Founder of the 3,100-Mile Race

By Irina Kebo – 10/31/2025

The name of Sri Chinmoy, the 20th-century philosopher and humanist, has appeared often in Marathoner magazine. Many of his students call him “Teacher” and proudly belong to the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.

Nikolai Duzhiy runs the astonishing Self-Transcendence Race in New York every year – a nearly 5,000 km (3,100 miles) race over 51 days. He has won it three times (2013, 2017, 2018) and is a consistent finisher.

Svetlana Khisamutdinova ran her first marathon at age 50. Now over 80, she amazes thousands with her energy and ability to run not just tens, but hundreds of kilometers. Her track record includes countless marathons, ultramarathons, and multi-day races.

These athletes are students of Sri Chinmoy, but who was their mentor? Let’s get to know him and his philosophy – not just about running, but about life itself.

Who is Sri Chinmoy?

Born on August 27, 1931, in East Bengal (now Bangladesh), he was the youngest of seven children and named Chinmoy Kumar Ghose. “Sri” is an honorific, showing respect to a spiritual teacher.

Chinmoy lost his parents as a teenager. From an early age, he showed talent in sports and creativity, which later flourished in many areas:

• Music: He composed over 23,000 songs in languages including Sanskrit, Bengali, English, and French. Some are short mantras; others honor countries, landmarks, and individuals who contributed to humanity. He mastered dozens of instruments, including piano, organ, flute, cello, and the Indian bowed esraj, and gave hundreds of free concerts worldwide –sometimes playing 15 to 20 instruments in a single performance. His largest audience was over 19,000 in Montreal, 2000.

• Painting: Chinmoy created millions of drawings and paintings, often abstract, vibrant, and harmonious. He called his style Jharna Kala (“Fountain of Art”). Birds often appear in his work, symbolizing peace, freedom, and the soul’s aspirations. His artwork has been exhibited globally, from JFK Airport to the UN Secretariat and the Museum of Contemporary History in Russia.

• Literature: A prolific writer, Chinmoy wrote poems, essays, short stories, plays, and commentaries on Plato, Mozart, and Dostoevsky. Over 1,600 works have been published. His main themes include self-knowledge, harmony, and human values. He lectured at universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Harvard, and Moscow State University. He received awards such as the UN Society of Writers’ Award for Excellence and the Gandhi Peace Prize.

Despite his artistic and literary achievements, Chinmoy is best remembered as a humanist, philosopher, and advocate for peace and unity, admired by figures like Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Princess Diana. He passed away in October 2007, leaving behind a rich legacy in art, music, literature, and human inspiration.

Sri Chinmoy’s Philosophy

Sri Chinmoy taught that everyone has the right to life, freedom, happiness, and the development of spiritual and physical potential. His works express love for the world and for each individual.

Don’t try to change the world. You will fail. Try to love the world. And look! The world has changed forever.
– Sri Chinmoy

He encouraged overcoming the ego, cultivating compassion, and seeking harmony within oneself. True happiness comes from love and inner balance, which exists in everyone, though not all find it.

Athletic Achievements

Chinmoy led an active life: he was a competitive athlete, weightlifter, tennis enthusiast, and long-distance runner. He completed 22 marathons and 5 ultramarathons. He also organized the Harmony Run, a global torch relay symbolizing unity and peace. Since 1987, participants have covered over 650,000 km across 155 countries. The torch has even reached space, the North Pole, and Mount Elbrus.

The Self-Transcendence Race

Known as the “Everest of ultramarathons,” this race is 3,100 miles (4,988 km) long. Participants run an 883-meter loop in Queens, New York, daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, with 51 days to finish. Daily distances range from 70 to 100 km, supported with food, massages, and medical care.

The race tests mental resilience as much as physical stamina. In 2025, Andrea Marcato of Italy won in 46 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes, and 8 seconds, while Nikolai Duzhiy, at age 59, finished second in 48 days, 4 hours, 57 minutes, 52 seconds – his 13th participation. Only a few runners have ever finished; the race embodies the human spirit’s limitless potential.

Just as a bird needs two wings to fly, a person needs harmony between body and spirit.
– Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

Although Sri Chinmoy is no longer alive, the team he founded in 1977 continues organizing ultra-distance races worldwide. Team members pursue ambitious goals in running, swimming, mountaineering, and other challenges, striving for progress in both the outer and inner worlds.

Run to achieve success in the outer world. Reach to make progress in the inner world.
– Sri Chinmoy

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For those interested in exploring the profound connection between running and spiritual growth, the full article offers an in-depth perspective. While currently available in Russian, its insights transcend language barriers, resonating with readers worldwide.

Learn More and Explore Resources

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.

News #88: Unlock Inner Peace at Dublin’s Festival of Meditation – 20–31 October 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Information for Dublin Meditation Festival, 20–31 October 2025

From 20 to 31 October 2025, over 600 participants gathered in Dublin for the annual Festival of Meditation, organised by the Dublin Sri Chinmoy Centre at the Carmelite Community Centre. This two-week festival offered attendees a unique opportunity to explore inner peace, mindfulness, and spiritual growth.

Two Weeks of Discovery and Calm

Each evening, starting at 18:30, featured guided meditation, masterclasses, mantra music, and workshops. These sessions aimed to bring stillness and reflection into daily life. For example, participants explored Silence in Music & Meditation, Self-Transcendence, Sport & Meditation, and From Ego-Loneliness to Oneness-Happiness. Furthermore, weekends and evenings offered intensive opportunities, including a multi-night course for deeper practice.

Program Highlights

  • Mon 20 Oct: Opening masterclass — Three Ways to Reach the Highest in Meditation – and One Essential Secret You’ll Need to Start!
  • Tue 21 Oct: Silence in Music and Meditation — exploring how sound and stillness meet.
  • Wed 22 Oct: Self-Transcendence, Sport & Meditation — linking physical performance with spiritual growth.
  • Thu 23 Oct: From Ego-Loneliness to Oneness-Happiness — bridging isolation and connection.
  • Fri 24 Oct: Mantric Music Evening — a concert of meditation music.
  • Sat 25 Oct: Introduction to Meditation Workshop — perfect for beginners and returners alike.
  • Tue 28–Fri 31 Oct: Four-night intensive meditation course for committed practitioners.

A Warm Community Experience

Attendees described the atmosphere as friendly, inclusive, and inspiring. Beginners felt welcomed, while long-time meditators discovered fresh insights. The Centre emphasises that meditation is not an escape, but a practical way of living with more presence, service, and heart.

Embracing Inner Peace

In today’s fast-paced world, the Festival of Meditation Dublin provided a rare pause for reflection. Whether attendees came seeking clarity, stress relief, or simply a new experience, the event encouraged everyone to step into stillness, rediscover joy, and connect deeply with themselves and others.

More Details

Explore More

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