Category: Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run

Video #326: Vienna to Paris 2019 – Shamita Achenbach-König’s 1,200 km Ultra Solo Run

Posted on by Yatkara

Introduction

In early 2019, Shamita Achenbach-König completed an extraordinary 1,200 km solo run from Vienna to Paris over 16 days. A cellist from Vienna and an ultra-runner for over 25 years, Shamita approached this journey as both a physical and spiritual challenge. Inspired by Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy, she embraced long-distance running as a form of meditation, self-reflection, and connection with the heart and soul.

Shamita ran the equivalent of two marathons each day, facing harsh weather, low temperatures, and challenging terrain. Her dedicated support crew from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team helped her stay positive and focused, while minor injuries and obstacles became opportunities to practice patience, perseverance, and mindfulness.

This journey highlights how ultra-distance running can serve as a spiritual path. Shamita’s run from Vienna to Paris exemplifies self-transcendence, inner strength, and harmony between body, mind, and soul.

Reflections and Spiritual Journey

During the 16-day adventure, Shamita combined endurance with meditation, viewing each step as part of a larger inner journey. She demonstrates how aspiration, focus, and persistence can transform physical challenges into profound personal growth. Her experience shows that long-distance running can be a doorway to peace and spiritual insight.

Shamita’s 2025 Solo Run – Vienna to Oslo

Shamita Achenbach-König running during her solo run Vienna to Oslo 2025

Building on her 2019 journey, Shamita’s 2025 solo run from Vienna to Oslo covered 2,000 km over 19 days, running 80–90 km per day for up to 14 hours daily. Along the way, she climbed more than 6,300 meters, traversing hills and small mountains across six countries: Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. This latest adventure demonstrates her continued dedication to long-distance running as a spiritual practice, combining endurance, self-discipline, and meditation.

For more details on Shamita’s 2025 solo journey from Vienna to Oslo: Shamita’s 2025 Solo Run

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

Video #317: In Loving Memory of Jane Goodall – A Tribute to a Life of Compassion and Discovery

Posted on by Yatkara

On October 1, 2025, the world lost a pioneering force in conservation and empathy, Dame Jane Goodall. At 91, she passed away in Los Angeles during a speaking tour. Her groundbreaking research in Gombe Stream National Park transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and their connection to humanity.

In April 2003, Dr. Goodall met with Sri Chinmoy, founder of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, in New York. During this meeting, she delivered an inspirational talk to hundreds of Peace Run enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of hope and action in the face of global challenges. She also shared a transformative experience witnessing the migration of sandhill cranes and snow geese, reinforcing her belief in the possibility of peace and the necessity of standing strong against fear and hate. Read more about this event.

Dr. Goodall’s commitment to peace and environmental stewardship resonated with Sri Chinmoy’s vision. In his book Listen to Nature, Sri Chinmoy stresses the need for a deep spiritual connection with the natural world, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Goodall in her foreword to the book. Learn more about the book.

May her spirit continue to inspire us all to act with compassion and strive for a harmonious world.

More Information:
Learn more about Jane Goodall at the Jane Goodall Institute.
Discover more about the global Peace Run at www.peacerun.org.
For upcoming events and activities, visit www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy and his life’s work, please visit www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #316: Swimming 20 Bridges Around Manhattan for Peace – Vasanti Sets Record

Posted on by Yatkara

On September 12, 2025, Peace Run team member Vasanti Niemz (68) from Germany completed the iconic 20 Bridges open-water swim around Manhattan Island, dedicating it to Peace, in honour of the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary, the 55th year of Sri Chinmoy’s Peace Meditations at the UN, and the upcoming International Day of Peace.

Vasanti became the oldest woman ever to finish this swim, completing 48.5 km in 9 hours 34 minutes (current-assisted). The Peace Torch was lit at Pier A at both the start and finish, and carried on the escort boat by her crew, Pipasa and Jamini. The event was organized by New York Open Water (NYOW), which provided safety support – pilot, observer, and kayaker.

For Vasanti, the Manhattan swim was a lifelong dream. With separate group starts now by speed and carefully timed with tidal currents, it became possible even for slower swimmers. This year’s swim also marked her 40th anniversary of her first English Channel crossing (Sept. 9, 1985) – a very special combination of personal history and global tribute.

Having now completed two of the three components of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, she plans to attempt the Catalina Channel in August 2026, aiming for another age record.

Because the higher gears on her bike malfunctioned the next day, she wasn’t able to complete her intended Peace Triathlon (swim + 50 km bike + 5 mi run). Instead, after relighting the Peace Torch at Pier A, she did a leisurely 20-mile sightseeing bike loop along the Hudson and East River Greenway, with detours, dead ends, and a visit past the UN Headquarters. It made for a peaceful recovery ride.

More Information:

Video #314: Shamita Achenbach-König’s Solo Run – Vienna to Oslo

Posted on by Yatkara

For the fifth time, Shamita Achenbach-König set out on a remarkable solo run across Europe – this year from Vienna, Austria to Oslo, Norway (September 5-24, 2025). Inspired by Sri Chinmoy, founder of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, she once again put into practice his philosophy of self-transcendence, dedicating her journey to World Peace and harmony among nations.

Individual self-transcendence collectively inspires humanity at large.

–  Sri Chinmoy, Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Part 13, Agni Press, 1999

Shamita covered an incredible 2,000 km in 19 days and 2 hours, averaging 80-90 km per day and running up to 12–14 hours daily. Along the way, she climbed more than 6,300 meters, crossing hills and small mountains in countries like the Czech Republic and Norway.

Her route included six countries:

  • Austria 🇦🇹 (1 day)
  • Czech Republic 🇨🇿 (3 days)
  • Germany 🇩🇪 (6 days)
  • Denmark 🇩🇰 (3 days)
  • Sweden 🇸🇪 (5 days)
  • Norway 🇳🇴 (2 days)

Shamita’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that when one person strives to go beyond themselves, it can inspire humanity as a whole.

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

News #64: Annual Sri Chinmoy Heart-Garden Run and Ceremony – October 12, 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Centre will hold the annual Heart-Garden Run and Ceremony at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, New York. Flushing Meadows holds special meaning — on October 11, 2006, both Sri Chinmoy Peace Street and Sri Chinmoy Heart-Garden were dedicated, an occasion in which Sri Chinmoy was present.

The program:

  • 9:45 AM – Children’s fun runs (100m / 800m)
  • 10:00 am – Children’s Peace Run program (20-30 minutes)
  • 10:00 AM – 2-Mile Run/Walk begins
  • 10:30 AM – Heart-Garden Ceremony, including:
    • Peace Walk with the Peace Torch
    • Singing performances
    • Torch-Bearer Awards honouring distinguished guests for their contributions
    • Inspirational words by our guests
    • Gifts, refreshments, and mixing

Participation is free of charge.

For full event details, please visit the official event page: us.srichinmoyraces.org/heart-garden-race
For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.