Posts by Yatkara

News #122: Exciting Sri Chinmoy Marathon in Amsterdam 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

International runners competing in the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam 2026

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam Delivers Challenging 8th Edition

On Saturday, 31 January 2026, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam completed its 8th edition in the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos. Runners and spectators enjoyed windless but cool conditions after morning rain left the course quite muddy. Due to maintenance work on the Bosbaan, the event once again used the familiar loop around the hill in the Amsterdam Forest, turning it into a proper trail marathon that tested every participant’s determination and resilience.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam continues to attract both local Dutch runners and international athletes who appreciate its unique combination of natural beauty and spiritual inspiration. This year’s edition once again highlighted the joy of self-transcendence through endurance running.

Half-Marathon Results

Three very fast runners from Morocco flew in especially for the half-marathon. From the start, they set a blistering pace under 3:30 per kilometre. One dropped out after the first lap, but the other two continued strongly.

Othman Ettahiri claimed a convincing victory with an excellent time of 1:14:56. His friend Hamid Oukhenssa finished second in 1:16:44. British runner Daniel Lockyer took third place with 1:25:20.

In the women’s half-marathon, Lynn Sier won in 1:41:51. Edith van Beers secured second place in 1:45:32, followed by Myrthe Keustermans in 1:55:22.

Full Marathon Results

The men’s marathon belonged to Egyptian runner Mostafa Danash, who crossed the finish line comfortably in 3:18:35. Jeroen Renes finished strongly in second place with 3:31:28. Marathon debutant Wouter van Zeijl earned third place in 3:34:40. Wouter received special recognition for having the most enthusiastic group of supporters, who cheered loudly for him lap after lap until their voices grew hoarse.

In the women’s marathon, experienced Norwegian-Lithuanian runner Ugne Mirauskaite dominated the race despite having completed 100 race kilometres just one week earlier in Amersfoort. Lenie Dierx (sister of fellow runner Wilma) took second place in 4:19:24, while Conny Terwal finished third in 4:28:25.

Tough Trail Conditions Create Memorable Challenge

Morning rain made the paths in the Amsterdamse Bos quite muddy, adding an extra layer of difficulty to this trail-style marathon. Runners had to navigate slippery sections and uneven terrain, which made the event even more demanding than a standard road marathon. Despite the challenging conditions, the weather stayed dry during the actual race, allowing athletes to focus on their efforts.

The loop around the hill provided a scenic but testing course. Many participants described it as a true trail marathon experience. The natural setting of the Amsterdam Forest created a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly matches the spirit of Sri Chinmoy’s running events.

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

Sri Chinmoy Marathon events are not only about finishing times. They emphasise inner growth, perseverance, and the joy of going beyond one’s previous limits. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam offers runners a supportive environment where personal bests and cheerful participation are equally celebrated.

The presence of international athletes from Morocco, Egypt, Britain, Norway, and Lithuania added a wonderful multicultural flavour to the day. Their participation shows how Sri Chinmoy’s vision of using sport for self-transcendence reaches people from many different countries.

Results and Photos

Looking Forward to Future Events

The organising team already announced the next challenge in the Amsterdamse Bos: the 50 km and 100 km races scheduled for 30 May 2026. These longer ultra-distance events will once again offer dedicated runners the opportunity to push their limits in the peaceful forest setting.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam forms an important part of the wider European calendar of Sri Chinmoy running events. Each race contributes to a growing community of athletes who value both physical fitness and inner aspiration.

Why Runners Keep Coming Back

Many participants return year after year because of the friendly atmosphere, professional organisation, and the unique trail experience in the Amsterdam Forest. The combination of challenging terrain, supportive volunteers, and the inspiring philosophy behind the events creates a special race day that goes beyond ordinary competitions.

Whether running a half-marathon, full marathon, or preparing for longer ultras, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam provides an excellent opportunity to test endurance while enjoying the beauty of nature.

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.

I Love Singing #248: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Purnakama

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 six songs featured in this week’s selection:

Songs

  • Charane Tomar Rakhinu Amar Bedanai
  • Dan Karo Dan Karo
  • Dharo Mor Pran Dharo Mor Man Ogo Mor
  • Raji Ami Pale Pale Shunte Tomar Katha

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. Charane Tomar Rakhinu Amar Bedanai

Charane tomar rakhinu amar
Bedanai bhara pran
Mukti labhile janibo kebal
Tomar kripar dan

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook


2. Dan Karo Dan Karo

Dan karo dan daro apanare dan karo
Dharo dharo bidhatar amrita pada dharo

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook


3. Dharo Mor Pran Dharo Mor Man Ogo Mor

Dharo mor pran dharo mor man ogo mor tari majhi
Tomare tushite tomar lagiya hayechi ajike raji

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook


4. Raji Ami Pale Pale Shunte Tomar Katha

Raji ami pale pale shunte tomar katha
Dhalo dhalo pran gabhire madhur nirabata

– 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.

© 2026 Sri Chinmoy Centre

News #121: Opening Race of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners on the Lovelock Track during Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 1 at War Memorial Park

On Sunday, 11 January 2026, runners and walkers enjoyed a warm to hot, blue-sky mid-summer’s day for the first race of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series. The event took place at the peaceful, newly-refurbished Lovelock Track in War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill. This popular Auckland venue offered excellent conditions for athletes of all ages and abilities.

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series is a much-loved annual calendar of family-friendly races that combine physical challenge with inner joy and self-transcendence. Race 1 featured four distances: the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5.6 km, and the fun Kids 2.5 km race. 

Half-Marathon Results

Neil Cheetham claimed a comfortable victory in the men’s Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon with a strong time of 1:48:51. James Carson followed in second place (2:06:31), and Michael Guffler finished third (2:13:24).

In the women’s category, Gayleen Carson took first place with an impressive 2:04:19. Millie Manning secured second with 2:19:36. These athletes demonstrated excellent endurance and determination on the scenic course.

10 km Race Highlights

Mark Andrew delivered a fine performance to win the men’s 10 km race in 42:15. Finn Campbell finished closely behind in 42:35, while the evergreen 61-year-old Rexhep Ajvazaj showed remarkable consistency with 42:59 for third place.

Melanie James dominated the women’s 10 km event, winning in 47:38. Anne-Marie Mujica placed second (54:31), and Rachel Rawles completed the podium in 58:51.

5.6 km and Kids 2.5 km Races

The shorter 5.6 km race brought family spirit to the forefront. Christopher Rawles won in 26:26, followed by his father Stephan Rawles (28:24) and Mauro Refosco (28:59). Emmy Hurcum took the women’s title in 29:09, with Loren Peart second (31:53) and Sarah Lockyer third (36:48).

In the joyful Sri Chinmoy Kids 2.5 km race, young Harvey Watson crossed the line first in 13:59. Riley Cunningham finished second with 16:15. The children’s race always adds special energy and smiles to the morning.

A Perfect Venue and Community Atmosphere

The newly-refurbished Lovelock Track provided an ideal setting for the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series opening race. Located in the peaceful War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill, the all-weather synthetic track and surrounding green spaces created a calm yet energising environment. Runners appreciated the flat, well-maintained course under clear blue skies.

The series welcomes runners, walkers, families, and beginners alike. It promotes self-transcendence — the joyful effort to go beyond one’s previous limits without competing against others.

The warm summer weather enhanced the positive mood. Families gathered, friends cheered, and athletes of all ages enjoyed a sense of community and shared achievement. Events like this show how sport can bring people together in a spirit of goodwill and encouragement.

Results and Photos

Looking Ahead in the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series

Race 1 marked an excellent start to the 2026 series. The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series continues with multiple events throughout the year, offering regular opportunities for runners and walkers to stay active and inspired. More races are planned at War Memorial Park and Auckland Domain.

These events form part of the wider global Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team calendar, which organises hundreds of races worldwide each year. From short fun runs to ultra-distance challenges, the focus remains the same: personal growth, inner peace, and the joy of participation.

Why These Races Inspire Participants

Sri Chinmoy believed that physical activity and spiritual aspiration support each other. Regular running or walking helps develop qualities such as perseverance, focus, and gratitude. The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series creates a welcoming space where beginners feel comfortable and experienced athletes can test their limits in a friendly atmosphere.

Parents appreciate the kids’ races that encourage healthy activity from a young age. Many families return race after race because of the positive, non-competitive spirit. 

The combination of perfect weather, excellent organisation, and enthusiastic participants made it a memorable morning for everyone involved.

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.

News #120: 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge in Hungary

Posted on by Yatkara

Swimmers during the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge in Gödöllő, Hungary

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge took place successfully in Gödöllő, Hungary. This endurance event drew strong interest from the local and international swimming community. Registration opened in November, and all available spots filled within just two weeks.

Event Details and Organisation

The 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge took place in a 50-metre pool. It featured 19 individual swimmers and 9 teams. Team members ranged from 2 to 6 people and rotated every 30 minutes. Organisers grouped 5 swimmers of similar speed in each lane. This setup created a fair and motivating environment for everyone.

Volunteers tracked distances accurately with tablets. Swimmers encouraged one another while they pushed to cover greater distances.

A dedicated team of 25 members from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team handled all logistics. They managed timing, lane assignments, safety, and general organisation professionally. In addition, they prepared a delicious and nourishing buffet. This helped competitors maintain high energy levels throughout the demanding endurance challenge.

The Spirit Behind the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge

Sri Chinmoy encouraged people to combine physical discipline with inner aspiration. For decades, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has organised ultra-distance running races, multi-day events, and long-distance swimming challenges worldwide. These events embody Sri Chinmoy’s core message of self-transcendence.

Self-transcendence gives us joy in boundless measure. When we transcend ourselves, we do not compete with others. We do not compete with the rest of the world, but at every moment we compete with ourselves. We compete only with our previous achievements. And each time we surpass our previous achievements, we get joy.

— Sri Chinmoy, Lifting Up the World With a Oneness-Heart, Agni Press, New York, 1988

The 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge in Gödöllő continues this inspiring tradition. It gives swimmers a structured format to test their endurance. At the same time, participants stay connected to the deeper purpose: inner progress and the joy of self-improvement.

Highlights of the Day

The atmosphere combined focused effort with a warm sense of community. Swimmers pushed their personal boundaries. They also encouraged one another throughout the day. This created an uplifting environment that captured the essence of Sri Chinmoy’s teachings.

Endurance events like this remind us of an important truth. True success in sport goes beyond distance covered. It also includes the inner qualities developed along the way — patience, perseverance, concentration, and the ability to stay cheerful even when the body grows tired.

Photos from the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge

View the official photos here:

Why These Events Matter

Sri Chinmoy taught that a balanced life includes regular physical activity together with meditation and inner focus. He often explained that the body and the soul support each other beautifully. Swimming, with its rhythmic breathing and full-body movement, offers an excellent way to practise presence and inner calmness while challenging physical limits.

Events such as the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge create accessible opportunities for athletes of different levels. Whether swimming solo for the full six hours or participating as part of a team, each person contributes to a collective atmosphere of aspiration and goodwill.

The quick sell-out of registration spots shows growing interest in meaningful endurance activities. In a world that often focuses on winning at all costs, Sri Chinmoy-inspired events offer a gentle reminder that the real victory lies in transcending our own previous achievements with a joyful and grateful heart.

This successful 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge in Hungary adds another inspiring chapter. It shows how Sri Chinmoy’s vision of self-transcendence continues to motivate people across continents many years later.

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 #347: Dealing with Difficult People | Spirit Matters #36

Posted on by Yatkara

Introduction

Many people on the spiritual path struggle when faced with negative, aggressive, or manipulative individuals. Without the right inner attitude, difficult people can easily push your buttons, trigger emotional reactions, and disturb your hard-earned peace of mind.

In this Episode hosts Abhinabha and Vajin explore practical and spiritual strategies for dealing with difficult people. They explain why certain people trigger us, how meditation can help, and what valuable spiritual lessons difficult people can teach us.

Why Difficult People Trigger Us

Difficult people often activate our deepest emotional triggers and unresolved patterns. When someone is negative or manipulative, it can quickly pull us out of our centre and into reactivity.

This episode breaks down the inner mechanisms behind these reactions and offers grounded ways to maintain poise and surrender even in challenging interactions.

The Buddha’s Strategy for Handling Aggression

One of the key topics is the Buddha’s wise approach to dealing with negativity and aggression. His teachings provide timeless guidance on how to respond with calmness instead of being drawn into conflict.

Sri Chinmoy’s Spiritual Solution

The hosts also share Sri Chinmoy’s spiritual perspective on how to deal with people who push your buttons. His insights offer a heart-centred way to protect your inner peace while interacting with difficult individuals in daily life.

The Valuable Lesson Difficult People Teach Us

Difficult people, though uncomfortable, can become powerful teachers. This episode explores the invaluable spiritual lessons we can learn from such encounters — lessons about patience, compassion, self-awareness, and emotional mastery.

Personal Stories and Real-Life Experiences

Abhinabha and Vajin openly share their own experiences of dealing with difficult people. They talk about awkward, annoying, and frustrating moments when they wished they had responded more mindfully. Their honest stories make the advice relatable and practical for everyday life.

Practical Spiritual Strategies

Listeners will learn:

  • How regular meditation strengthens inner stability when facing negativity
  • Simple techniques to stay centred during difficult conversations
  • Ways to transform challenging interactions into opportunities for growth
  • How to maintain surrender even when buttons are being pushed

Spirit Matters is a podcast for anyone exploring spirituality from the spiritual heart — inviting listeners to stay present, see the divine in everything, and surrender to life as it unfolds.

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.