News #125: 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon in Nish, Serbia

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Runners on the 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon in Cair Park, Nish, Serbia

The 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon Celebrates Milestone in Nish, Serbia

On Sunday, 1 March 2026, the 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon took place in Cair Park, Nish, Serbia. This milestone edition of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Marathon brought together dedicated runners and walkers for a day filled with endurance, community spirit, and inner growth.

The Self-Transcendence Marathon in Nish has become a beloved annual winter tradition in Serbia. For 30 years, it has inspired athletes to go beyond themselves with joy and determination, embodying Sri Chinmoy’s vision of running as a path of self-transcendence.

Race Format and Schedule

The event offered four distances to accommodate runners of all levels:

  • At 11:00h: Full Marathon (42.2 km), Team Relay (21.1 km), and 5K Fun Run started together
  • At 12:00h: Half Marathon (21.1 km) began

The course was a flat, asphalt loop of 1057 metres entirely within the scenic Cair Park in Nish. Marathon runners completed 40 laps, half-marathon runners 20 laps, and 5K participants ran 5 laps.

The Team Relay was contested by teams of 4 runners. Each member ran 5 laps (approximately 5.285 km). When one runner finished their leg, they passed the timing chip to the next team member until the full half-marathon distance was completed together.

Course and Support

The flat, traffic-free loop in Cair Park provided safe and pleasant conditions for long-distance running. An aid station operated throughout the marathon, offering warm drinks and food to help participants maintain their energy levels during the challenge.

All finishers received a finisher’s medal. The top three overall received trophies and medals, and age-group winners in the marathon and half-marathon were also honoured.

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

Sri Chinmoy created these races to help people experience the joy of self-transcendence. The 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon in Nish beautifully embodied this philosophy. Whether running the full marathon, half marathon, a relay leg, or the fun 5K, every participant had the opportunity to go beyond their personal limits in a supportive and non-competitive environment.

Reaching the 30th edition is a significant milestone. Over three decades, this event has welcomed hundreds of runners from Serbia and beyond, helping many discover the deeper joy of running combined with inner aspiration.

Results and Photos

A Cherished Tradition in Nish, Serbia

For 30 years, The Self-Transcendence Marathon has been a highlight of the running calendar in southern Serbia. Held annually in the beautiful Cair Park, the event has grown into a well-organised and inspiring gathering that attracts both local runners and visitors from other regions.

The combination of a flat, repeatable course, excellent volunteer support, and a positive atmosphere makes this marathon especially appealing. 

Why Runners Keep Returning

Participants value several special features of this event:

  • The safe and scenic park setting in Nish
  • The flat course is ideal for steady pacing and mental focus
  • The relay option makes the half-marathon accessible to teams and beginners
  • The strong emphasis on self-transcendence and joyful participation
  • The warm community spirit and dedicated volunteers

These qualities create a unique racing experience that goes far beyond a standard marathon.

The successful 30th edition of The Self-Transcendence Marathon in Nish, Serbia, once again demonstrated the lasting power of Sri Chinmoy’s vision — using sport as a path to self-discovery and inner growth.

Explore More

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

Video #348: Spiritual Awakening Loneliness | Spirit Matters #37

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Spiritual Awakening Loneliness: A Common Challenge on the Path

Many people going through a spiritual awakening experience spiritual awakening loneliness. As inner growth brings new perspectives, peace, and wisdom, the people around them — colleagues, friends, and family — often remain unchanged. This creates tension, misunderstandings, and a painful sense of isolation. You may feel excited to share your discoveries, only to meet blank stares or raised eyebrows.

In this Episode, hosts Vajin and Abhinabha explore this difficult but common phase. They offer practical fixes to deal with spiritual awakening loneliness while staying grounded and maintaining healthy relationships.

Why Spiritual Awakening Often Feels Lonely

Spiritual awakening changes how you see yourself and the world. Old conversations may feel superficial, and familiar social dynamics can suddenly seem draining. When you begin to shift, the people closest to you may not understand your new priorities or inner experiences. This mismatch frequently leads to spiritual awakening loneliness.

Left unaddressed, this loneliness can damage relationships or push you toward unhealthy isolation. The episode explains that this phase is natural but does not have to become permanent. With the right approach, you can honour your growth while preserving important connections.

Practical Fixes for Spiritual Awakening Loneliness

The hosts share clear, grounded strategies to navigate this challenging time:

1. How to Deal with People Who Don’t Understand Your Growth

Not everyone will celebrate your spiritual changes. Learning to communicate calmly without forcing your views helps reduce conflict. The key is to accept that others are on their own timeline and focus on living your truth quietly rather than trying to convert people.

2. The Necessary Mindshift to Prevent Spiritual Ego

One of the biggest risks during awakening is developing spiritual arrogance. The episode stresses the importance of humility. True growth brings greater compassion, not superiority. Recognising that everyone is on their own journey helps prevent the ego from turning your awakening into separation.

3. Walking the Fine Line Between Boundaries and Isolation

Healthy boundaries are essential, but they must be balanced. The hosts discuss how to protect your energy without cutting yourself off from the world. Learning when to engage and when to step back is a vital skill for integrating spirituality into daily life.

4. Why You Should Not Prematurely Share Spiritual Experiences

Sharing deep inner experiences too early can lead to misunderstanding or ridicule. The episode advises patience and discernment. Sometimes it is wiser to let your changed behaviour speak for itself rather than explaining every insight immediately.

Personal Stories from the Hosts

Vajin and Abhinabha speak openly about their own experiences with spiritual awakening loneliness. Both went through periods where they felt alone, misunderstood, and unsupported by those around them. They describe the “ dark night of the soul” that often follows powerful inner shifts and share how they eventually found balance.

Their honest stories make the advice highly relatable. Listeners will recognise similar feelings and gain hope that it is possible to move through this phase with greater wisdom and peace.

How to Integrate Spirituality Without Losing Relationships

The core message of this episode is encouraging: you are not alone in feeling spiritual awakening loneliness. Many people walk this path and successfully learn to balance inner growth with outer life. The hosts emphasise that true spirituality does not require rejecting the world or the people in it. Instead, it invites you to bring more presence, patience, and compassion into existing relationships.

Practical tips include:

  • Practising silent inner connection during family or work interactions
  • Choosing peaceful responses instead of reactive ones
  • Focusing on small acts of kindness rather than grand spiritual explanations
  • Regularly returning to meditation or quiet time to stay centred

Spirit Matters Podcast – Supporting Your Spiritual Journey

Spirit Matters is a podcast for anyone struggling to integrate spirituality into everyday life. It offers an invitation to stay present, see the divine in everything, and surrender to life as it unfolds.

This episode provides compassionate guidance for one of the most difficult aspects of the spiritual path — the loneliness that can arise when your inner world changes faster than your outer relationships.

Related Episodes:

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 #124: Sri Chinmoy 100km Challenge in Canberra

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Runners on the Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race at Lake Burley Griffin

Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race Canberra Delivers Epic Ultra Performances

Over the weekend of 21 and 22 February 2026, the Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race took place in Canberra, Australia. The event combined solo 100km and 50km runs with 100km road relays and also served as the AUTRA Australian National 100km Road Championships. Runners faced a challenging mix of searing daytime heat, a bothersome headwind off the lake, and cooling night conditions on the certified 5km loop around Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin.

Any ultra-distance event tests far more than physical endurance. Runners battle fatigue, soreness, mental doubts, fear, and life stresses while hearing the soul’s whisper: “Go On, Go On!” The Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race beautifully illustrated this inner battle, with many inspiring stories unfolding across the solo and relay categories.

Outstanding Solo 100km Performances

The solo 100km race produced remarkable results that reflect two growing trends in ultra running: the rising strength of women runners and impressive performances by older athletes.

Rhiannon Snipe delivered an outstanding overall victory, winning the race in 8:40:42 — a full 27 minutes ahead of second place. She celebrated her wedding anniversary with her husband crewing for her, staying calm, consistent and focused through heat and night hours. Defending champion Lindsay Hamilton finished second overall in 11:17:21, while Maia Nagy took third in 11:36:35.

Kevin Muller claimed the Australian Men’s 100km Road Championship title (and second place outright) in 9:07:36. The evergreen runner from the 50-59 age group showed great perseverance. James Quaife secured third overall and second in the national championships with 9:34:38.

Special mention goes to Pam Muston and Reesha Sampang for their courage and spirit. Reesha finished just 13 minutes inside the 15-hour cut-off, while Pam inspired many with her graceful effort despite a slower time.

New 50km Solo Race Sets Inaugural Records

The 50km solo race was introduced for the first time in 2026, so every category winner automatically became a course record holder.

Daniel Oehm dominated the men’s race with a strong 3:48:06, finishing 24 minutes ahead of Thomas Allen (4:12:21) and Dan Symonds (4:21:33). John Pearson won the Male 50-59 category, Stephen Graham took the Male 60-69 title, and Peter Badowski set the first Male 70+ record.

In the women’s 50km, Nicola Robertson won in 5:25:00. However, the standout performance came from Clare Wall, whose 5:53:00 placed her third overall and set what many believe will be a long-standing Female 70+ record. Debbie Maher and Elizabeth Smith also claimed strong age-group victories.

Thrilling 100km Road Relays

The relay event featured strong competition across Open, All-Female, and Mixed categories. Teams ranged from 2 to 10 members and ran 20 legs of 5km each.

The standout team was “Bad Guts Good Legs”, an all-female squad that smashed the All-Female course record by over 2.5 hours with an impressive 7:08:49. They also placed third outright among all teams. Zoe Melhuish set a new fastest women’s lap time of 17:41 during their dominant run.

In the Open category, the team “<5:59:20” won convincingly in 6:17:40, breaking the existing record. “Kudos Running Crew Open” took second, while “The Resilient Ones” completed the podium.

“Joyful Runners” claimed victory in the Mixed category with 7:28:22, ahead of “Elevated by Birrigai” and “Sunday Sesh Team 2”.

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

The Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race perfectly embodies Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy that ultra running is about inner growth as much as outer distance. Runners confront visible obstacles like heat and wind, and invisible ones like doubt and fatigue. Every lap offers an opportunity to transcend previous limits with a joyful heart.

The event’s success highlights the growing appeal of Sri Chinmoy ultra events in Australia. The combination of solo challenges, team relays, and national championship status creates a rich and supportive environment for athletes of all ages and backgrounds.

Results and Photos

Official Results are available for download (multiple PDFs):

View the complete race photo gallery:

More detail Information about this event:

Why Ultra Events Like This Inspire

Events such as the Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race offer more than physical challenge. They create space for personal transformation, community connection, and the pure joy of self-transcendence. Seeing women and masters athletes excel, new course records set, and teams pushing together demonstrates the inclusive and uplifting spirit of Sri Chinmoy running events.

Explore More

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

O My Heart #13: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Tanima

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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

  • Ami Jabo
  • Ami Jagibona Ami Kandibona Ami
  • Ami Jani Ami Habo Swaruper Sandhani

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
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Ami Jabo

Ami jabo ami jabo ami jabo hridaya pure
Agni sadhak bahni premik phutechi aj agun sure
Lobher bandhan moher shasan
Doinya jatan bhagna swapan
Abasheshe ek nimeshe ajanate bahu dure
Simar kole asim dule
Kanur benu jiban mule
Mahashiber pralay nachan nutan srijan jore ghure

Translation:

I shall enter into my heart’s citadel-city.
I am a worshipper of the Fire God;
I am a lover of the Fire God.
I have blossomed today
Into the melody of fiery flames.
The bondage of possession-greed,
The iron control of dark attachment,
The torture of penury,
The pangs of my shattered dreams
Have at last disappeared in a twinkling
  into the farthest, remote unknown.
On my finite lap the Infinite is swinging.
The ever-intoxicating and ever-energising
     Flute of Sri Krishna
Is the very origin of my life’s journey.
The Destruction-Dance of the great Lord Shiva
Ushers in a new creation
Encircling fast my earth-bound life.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘One Thousand Lotus Petals, Part 2’ songbook


2. Ami Jagibona Ami Kandibona Ami

Ami jagibona ami kandibona
Ami bandhibona ami maribona
Ami shudhu rabo tomar charane
Prashanti lagi nidra magane

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘One Thousand Lotus Petals, Part 1’ songbook


3. Ami Jani Ami Habo Swaruper Sandhani

Ami jani ami jani ami jani
Ami habo swaruper sandhani
Aruper sandhani amrita sandhani

Translation:

I know, I know, I know
I shall become the discoverer of my
self-form reality.
I shall become the discoverer of my
selfless form reality.
I shall become the discoverer of my
nectar-life reality.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘My Green Adoration-Gifts, 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

News #123: Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series: Race 2

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Runners competing on Lovelock Track during Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 2

Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 2 Shines on a Mild Summer Day

A mild and breezy summer’s day welcomed runners and walkers for Race 2 of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series on Sunday, 15 February 2026. The event returned to the popular Lovelock Track in War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill — a favourite venue for the series.

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series continues to grow as one of New Zealand’s most welcoming running series. It offers four distances designed for athletes of all ages and abilities: the Half-Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5.6 km, and the fun Kids 2.5 km race. This second race of 2026 delivered excellent performances and a joyful community atmosphere.

Half-Marathon Results

Harry Champion produced a strong performance to win the men’s Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon comfortably in 1:32:24. Mark Andrew finished second in 1:38:31, followed by Jason Gerritz in third with 1:43:58.

The women’s half-marathon saw some competitive racing, though the main spotlight this race fell on the shorter distances.

Outstanding 10 km Performances and Course Record

The 10 km race delivered one of the highlights of the day. Alexander Broom took a clear victory in the men’s category with an excellent time of 37:54. Christopher Rawles placed second in 49:04, and Jay Harrower finished third in 55:28.

In the women’s 10 km, Kate Macdonald set a fantastic new course record. She ran 39:48, improving the previous 2019 mark set by Cath Delaporte (42:15) by more than two minutes. Anne-Marie Mujica took second place in 53:02, and Loren Peart finished third in 53:48.

Kate’s record-breaking run was one of the standout moments of Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 2 and showed the high standard of competition developing in the series.

5.6 km and Kids 2.5 km Races

Oscar Sheweiry won the Sri Chinmoy 5.6 km race in 25:03. Stephan Rawles placed second in 28:15, while his father Phil Rawles completed the distance in 40:25, showing great family participation.

Sarah Lockyer won the women’s 5.6 km in 35:00, followed by Rachel Guan Ebbett in 36:56 and Rita Paton in 43:22.

The youngest participants filled the morning with energy and laughter. Villa Zhang won the Sri Chinmoy Kids 2.5 km race with a strong time of 14:39. Minnie Zue was the first girl across the line in 26:57.

Perfect Venue and Friendly Atmosphere

The Lovelock Track at War Memorial Park once again proved to be an ideal location for the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series. The all-weather synthetic track, combined with the surrounding green spaces of Mt Roskill, created a safe, scenic, and motivating environment for runners and walkers of every level.

Mild temperatures and a light breeze provided comfortable racing conditions. Families gathered to support one another, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere that is a hallmark of Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team events.

Results and Photos

The Growing Success of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series is building a strong reputation for well-organized, family-friendly events that welcome beginners and experienced runners alike. Each race offers a supportive environment where personal improvement and enjoyment are the main goals.

Sri Chinmoy’s vision behind these events was to use running as a tool for both physical fitness and inner growth. The series embodies this philosophy by creating regular opportunities for people to challenge themselves while staying connected to a positive, encouraging community. 

The combination of the Half-Marathon, 10 km, shorter distances, and dedicated kids’ race makes the series accessible and enjoyable for entire families.

Why Runners Love This Series

Participants return to the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series because of the friendly atmosphere, excellent organisation, and the beautiful park settings. Many families appreciate having options for every age group on the same morning. The events also help develop healthy habits and a positive attitude toward physical activity from a young age.

The record-breaking performance by Kate Macdonald in Race 2 shows that the series also attracts competitive athletes who enjoy racing on a welcoming course.

Explore More

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