News #143: Seven Minutes of Peace Observed in Bali

Seven Minutes of Peace

Introduction to Seven Minutes of Peace in Bali

On 20 September 2026, the Sudaji 6K Peace Trail Fun Run in Sudaji Village, North Bali, brought together approximately 400 participants for a special observance of Seven Minutes of Peace. At the conclusion of the event, runners and supporters gathered for a public silent meditation dedicated to world peace. Because of the significant time difference between Bali and New York, the concurrent observance was also undertaken individually in the evening, allowing people in both locations to participate simultaneously.

The Sudaji 6K Peace Trail Fun Run

The fun run took place in the scenic village of Sudaji in Buleleng Regency. Participants covered a 6-kilometre trail that wound through rice fields, rural paths and the natural beauty of North Bali. The event combined sport, community spirit and a clear message of peace and environmental care. Organisers chose a route that allowed runners to experience the living landscape of the village while contributing to its well-being.

Official Support and Community Involvement

The event received strong support from local officials, including the wife of Governor Koster, the Vice Governor, the Vice Regent, and members of their respective staffs. These dignitaries were present and were presented with two books by Sri Chinmoy: A Moment’s Peace and Listen to Nature. Their participation highlighted the growing recognition of peace initiatives at the local government level in Bali.

Tree Planting and Environmental Stewardship

As part of the broader message of peace and care for the Earth, numerous small trees were planted during the event. This practical action linked the aspiration for inner and outer peace with concrete steps to protect the environment. The planting of trees served as a living symbol of hope and responsibility toward future generations.

The Meaning of Seven Minutes of Peace

Seven Minutes of Peace was inaugurated by Sri Chinmoy in 1984 at the United Nations. Each year on the International Day of Peace (21 September), people around the world pause at the same moment — 9:00 to 9:07 AM New York time — to meditate or pray for peace. In Bali the public observance took place at the end of the fun run, while individuals also joined the global timing later in the evening. This dual approach allowed both collective and personal participation.

A Bridge Between Local and Global

The Sudaji event demonstrated how a simple community activity can become a vehicle for a universal message. Running through the rice fields, planting trees, receiving books on peace, and sitting together in silence all formed part of one continuous offering. Local officials, villagers, runners and international supporters shared the same aspiration: that peace begins with each individual and can grow through shared action.

Previous Peace Initiatives in Bali

Sudaji Village has welcomed the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run on several previous occasions. The partnership between the local organisers and the international Peace Run team has created lasting bonds of friendship. Events such as this year’s fun run continue that tradition, bringing the spirit of the Peace Run into everyday village life through sport, culture and silent meditation.

Final Reflections

The combination of the Sudaji 6K Peace Trail Fun Run and the Seven Minutes of Peace observance on 20 September 2026 stands as a beautiful example of how sport, community, environmental care and spiritual aspiration can come together. May the peace that was felt that day continue to grow in every heart that took part.

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.

News #142: Agnikana’s Group Meditative Concert in Prague

Agnikana’s Group offered a soulful Meditative Concert Prague on the autumn equinox.

Introduction to the Meditative Concert in Prague

On Tuesday, 22 September 2026, Agnikana’s Group presented a special Meditative Concert in Prague. The international women’s ensemble, dedicated to the music of Sri Chinmoy, offered an evening of deep calm, harmony and inner peace to mark the autumn equinox. The concert was held as part of the Jharna-Kala art exhibition and was free with regular admission.

Agnikana’s Group – Soulful Voices and Instruments

Agnikana’s Group is a female vocal and instrumental ensemble with members from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Switzerland. Founded in 1997, the group has performed more than 200 concerts across Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Mongolia, Japan and North America.

Their instruments include the Indian harmonium, flutes, acoustic guitar, violin, santur, metalophone and various bells and rhythmic instruments. Their sound is often described as ethereal and deeply peaceful. Through gentle vocals and acoustic arrangements, they interpret the meditative songs and mantras composed by Sri Chinmoy, creating an atmosphere that invites listeners into silence and inner stillness.

An Evening of Harmony and Silence

The programme offered a journey into deep calm through the magical interpretation of meditative compositions and mantras. Soft voices blended with the delicate sounds of flutes, strings and percussion, allowing the audience to experience a sense of unity and peace. Many visitors later spoke of the special quality of the music and the atmosphere of quiet concentration that filled the space.

Part of the Jharna-Kala Exhibition

The concert took place within the framework of the exhibition Jharna-Kala: Fountain Art, which ran from 1 to 30 September 2026. Sri Chinmoy’s unique style of spontaneous meditative painting, known as Jharna-Kala (“Fountain Art”), filled the historic spaces with colour, light and spiritual inspiration. Visitors could enjoy both the visual art and the live music during the exhibition period.

Official exhibition and event information: www.artforpeace.cz

The Deeper Meaning of Spiritual Music

Sri Chinmoy often said that soulful music is next to meditation. It carries the beauty and fragrance of silence and can communicate peace without the need for words. Agnikana’s Group has long specialised in creating exactly this atmosphere. Their concerts are not performances in the conventional sense; they are offerings of aspiration, purity and joy that help listeners feel a connection with their own inner self.

Agnikana’s Group offered a soulful Meditative Concert Prague on the autumn equinox.

Previous Concerts and Continuing Tradition

Agnikana’s Group has released several albums, including Bhagaban, In My Heart-Sky, Dream Always Dream and Premaloker. They regularly take part in “Songs of the Soul” concerts dedicated to preserving Sri Chinmoy’s musical legacy. Their previous performances in Prague and many other cities have earned them a devoted following among lovers of spiritual and meditative music.

A Moment of Collective Peace

On the evening of the autumn equinox, the combination of visual art and live meditative music created a rare opportunity for quiet reflection. Listeners of all backgrounds could sit, breathe and simply receive the peace offered by the music. In a busy capital city, the concert became a temporary oasis of harmony.

Final Reflections

The Meditative Concert Prague by Agnikana’s Group on 22 September 2026 will be remembered as a beautiful meeting of art and spirituality. Through their pure voices and sensitive instrumental playing, the women’s ensemble once again demonstrated the power of music to still the mind and open the heart. Events such as this continue the living tradition of offering peace through culture and remind us that true harmony begins within.

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.

Video #366: Finish of the 30th Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race

Introduction to the 3100 Mile Race Final Day

The 30th annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race reached its conclusion on Day 51 when Vasu Duzhiy of Russia completed the full distance. This remarkable achievement marked his 14th successful finish of the world’s longest certified road race and closed the 2026 edition. The official video captures the final moments of this extraordinary journey.

The Five Finishers of 2026

1. Andrea Marcato (Italy) – 45 days 03:11:28

Andrea Marcato claimed his seventh consecutive victory, extending the longest winning streak by a man in the history of the race. The 44-year-old averaged nearly 69 miles per day. After finishing 3,100 miles, he continued to 5,000 km. Andrea has become a true legend of the event through his consistent excellence and quiet strength.

2. Radu Budan (Moldova) – 46 days 10:59:38

Radu Budan finished second and improved significantly on his 2024 debut (when he was the first Moldovan to complete the distance and placed fifth). This year he ran a stronger, more confident race and was celebrated by representatives of the Moldovan Mission to the United Nations.

3. Lo Wei Ming (Taiwan) – 48 days 16:04:48

At age 62, Lo Wei Ming completed his fifth 3100 Mile Race and won the 60+ category. Known for his smooth, cheerful stride and traditional running sandals, he continues to inspire with his longevity and positive spirit. Taiwan’s representative was present to honour his achievement.

4. Annabel Hepworth (Australia) – 49 days 09:03:02

Annabel Hepworth completed the full distance for the first time. She ran with impressive consistency throughout the seven weeks and became the leading woman of the 2026 edition. Her debut finish is a major milestone in her ultrarunning career.

5. Vasu Duzhiy (Russia) – 50 days 13:14:53

Vasu Duzhiy finished as the final completer of the year. It was his 14th successful finish, moving him into clear second place on the all-time list of most completions (behind only Ashprihanal Aalto with 17). A three-time overall winner of the race, Vasu had to draw on all his experience this year. After the celebration, he continued to 5,000 km.

Runners Who Did Not Reach 3,100 Miles

Several dedicated athletes continued until the race officially closed when the last finisher crossed the line. Their final distances were:

  • Nayaja Perugini (Italy) – 2,862.1 miles
    She battled persistent foot problems in the later stages yet remained cheerful and determined to the end.
  • Nina Yang Huang-Lan (Taiwan) – 2,529.7 miles
    Nina ran with a constant smile and great fighting spirit despite various physical challenges.
  • Stutisheel Lebedev (Ukraine) – 2,306.5 miles
    A multiple-time finisher in previous years, Stutisheel showed characteristic perseverance throughout the 2026 race.
  • Ananda-Lahari Zuscin – continued with quiet determination to the final day.

These runners fully embodied the spirit of self-transcendence even without reaching the full distance.

3100 Mile Race

The Nature of the World’s Longest Race

The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race is held on a 0.5488-mile loop around Thomas A. Edison High School in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Runners circle this short course more than 5,600 times and have a maximum of 52 days. The required daily average is nearly 60 miles — almost two and a half marathons every day.

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

Sri Chinmoy founded the race so that athletes could go beyond their previous limits. Vasu’s 14 finishes, Andrea’s seven consecutive wins, Annabel’s first completion, and the determined efforts of every participant this year all express this ideal in different ways.

More Information & Resources

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

O My Heart #41: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Tanima

Welcome to this series sharing three beautiful songs from Sri Chinmoy’s “O My Heart” collection. Sri Chinmoy wrote thousands of heartfelt songs full of hope, thanks, and inner light. They’re simple melodies that speak straight to your heart, helping you feel calm, peaceful, and a little brighter – whether you’re meditating, relaxing, or just going about your day.

These songs from “O My Heart” carry that gentle, uplifting feeling. Tanima, a longtime student of Sri Chinmoy and one of the early singers in his community, performs them here with real warmth and care. Her gentle, soulful voice makes each song feel alive and easy to connect with.

You can just listen quietly, hum along, or let the melodies play softly in the background — they bring a soft, happy lift to your day.

Featured this time:

Songs

  • Chale Jao Chale Jao
  • Debata Esechhe Ruddha Hiyar Dware
  • Dekha Dao More Dekha Dao Arbar

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:

 

Lyrics:

1. Chale Jao Chale Jao

Chale jao chale jao
Balibar dekhibar age
Tabu kena daki toma
Nahi jani barai anurage

Translation:

Away You go, away You go,
Before I talk to You,
Before I see You.
Yet I do not know
Why I invoke You
With my heart’s intense cry.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Bela Chale Jai’ songbook


2. Dake Amai Dake Dake Akash Dake Batas

Dake amai dake
Dake akash dake batas dake shashi tara
Dake shyamal nibir kanan dake jharna dhara
Hasi dake ashru dake dake khina sur
Dake prabhat sandhya dake dakichhe dupur
Sabai khunje khelar sathi dake amai ai
Charidike ekiy dhwani bela baye jai

Translation:

The sky calls me.
The wind calls me.
The moon and the stars call me.
The green and dense groves call me.
The dance of the fountain calls me.
Smiles call me, tears call me.
A faint melody calls me.
The morn, noon and eve call me.
Everyone is searching for a playmate;
Everyone is calling me, “Come, come!”
One voice, one sound, all around.
Alas, the Boat of Time sails on.

Composed on April 12, 1976
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Illumination-Song and Liberation-Dance, Part 1’ songbook


3. Dekha Dao More Dekha Dao Arbar

Dekha dao more dekha dao arbar
Chaudike mor timir ashrudhar
Dekha dao more dekha dao arbar
E hiya ebar samarpaner har
Dekha dao more dekha dao arbar
Prashanta habe ghor pran durbar
Dekha dao more dekha dao arbar
Pujite tomai dao more adhikar

Translation:

Once more do come and appear before me.
Around me is all darkness and the flow of tears.
Once more do come and appear before me.
This heart of mine is now the garland of surrender.
Once more do come and appear before me.
This restless, wild, indomitable, dark, vital breath
     of mine will be silent.
Once more do come and appear before me.
Do give me the right to worship You, You alone.

Composed on December 17, 1972
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Garden of Love-Light, part 2’ 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.

© 2026 Sri Chinmoy Centre

 

I Love Singing #272: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Purnakama

This week features four uplifting Sri Chinmoy Bengali and English songs from the ‘Your Face Is My Dream’ 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 and English songs can add a soft, elevating joy to your week.

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

Songs

  • Param Pitar Tomar Kripar Banya Neme
  • Father Supreme, Your Compassion-Flood
  • Bishwa Bidhata Pratiti Nimeshe
  • O Lord of the Universe

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:

 

Lyrics:

1. Param Pitar Tomar Kripar Banya Neme

Param pitar tomar kripar banya neme
Kareche aj bhare khama

Translation:

Father Supreme,
Your Compassion-Flood
Has forgiven me today.

Composed on June 9, 1996
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Your Face Is My Dream’ songbook


2. Father Supreme, Your Compassion-Flood

Father Supreme,
Your Compassion-Flood
Has forgiven me today.

Composed on June 9, 1996
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Your Face Is My Dream’ songbook


3. Bishwa Bidhata Pratiti Nimeshe

Bishwa bidhata pratiti nimeshe laho anjali mor
Khulo khulo mor shatek juger ruddha hiyar dor

Translation:

O Lord of the Universe,
Do accept my heart’s self-offering blossoms.
Open, open my century heart-door.

Composed on June 9, 1996
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Your Face Is My Dream’ songbook


4. O Lord of the Universe

O Lord of the Universe,
Do accept my heart’s self-offering blossoms.
Open, open my century-heart-door.

Composed on June 9, 1996
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Your Face Is My Dream’ 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.

© 2026 Sri Chinmoy Centre