Posts by Yatkara

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

Explore More

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

News #83: Ananda Loka Orchestra Brings Uplifting Music to Russia

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Ananda Loka Orchestra performing in Russia tour

A Soulful Tour Across Southern Russia

Between October 28 and November 3, the Ananda Loka Orchestra performed a series of inspiring, soul-stirring concerts. They brought the meditative music of Sri Chinmoy to audiences in southern Russia. The tour included Stavropol, Astrakhan, Volgograd, and Saratov. Each city experienced a profound message of peace, harmony, and inner awakening. The music transcended language and culture, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of mindfulness, joy, and inner calm.

Stavropol: A Luminous Opening

The tour began on October 28 in Stavropol. Fans filled the 750-seat hall of the Stavropol Palace of Children’s Creativity. From the first notes, the orchestra created an atmosphere of deep calm and radiant beauty. Rich instrumental textures, combined with moments of silence, drew the audience into a meditative state. Many attendees said the evening felt both powerful and serene—a rare blend of spiritual depth and artistic precision that touched hearts and lifted spirits.

Astrakhan, Volgograd, and Saratov: Heart-Opening Experiences

Next, the orchestra performed in Astrakhan on October 30 at the House of Officers of the Caspian Flotilla. The audience felt captivated by the emotional depth and harmony of the compositions. On November 1, the orchestra reached Volgograd at the House of Officers of the Volgograd Garrison. Listeners experienced the same gentle yet uplifting energy, feeling the music as a direct connection to their inner selves. Finally, the tour concluded on November 3 in Saratov at the Saratov Regional Center for Folk Art named after L.A. Ruslanova. The last performance became a shared celebration of devotion, beauty, and meditative exploration.

About the Ananda Loka Orchestra

Founded by disciples of Sri Chinmoy, the orchestra continues to inspire audiences across Russia and Europe. The musicians perform each concert with devotion and artistry, transforming every evening into an immersive experience of meditation and self-discovery. Although the orchestra has not announced future tours, music lovers can follow updates and upcoming performances on the official website.

Learn More

News #82: 9th Annual Sri Chinmoy Rockland Lake Half-Marathon, New York

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Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon 2025 runners at Rockland Lake

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon 2025 returned to Rockland Lake State Park in New York, marking the 9th annual edition of this inspiring event. Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, the race attracted athletes from across the region and beyond, all eager to test their limits and embrace the enduring spirit of self-transcendence that defines the Sri Chinmoy events. From elite competitors to passionate first-time runners, participants of all experience levels gathered to share in the challenge and celebration of running.

Scenic and Challenging Course

The 13.1-mile loop around Rockland Lake provided both stunning scenery and a dynamic racing experience. The course included stretches of flat, fast terrain, ideal for runners aiming for personal bests, alongside gently rolling hills that challenged endurance and pacing. Participants repeatedly commented on the perfect combination of natural beauty and strategic difficulty, making it a course that tested both the body and the mind. The event was supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and race officials who ensured safety, hydration, and encouragement at every mile.

Top Finishers

The 2025 edition of the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon witnessed remarkable performances:

Men’s Overall Winner:

  • Octavio Diaz, New York, NY – Gun Time: 1:15:20, Chip Time: 1:15:19.

Women’s Overall Winner:

  • Susan Pardo, New York, NY – Gun Time: 1:18:43, Chip Time: 1:18:42, who also set a new women’s course record, improving the previous record by 1 minute and 46 seconds.

Notable Performances

Men:

  • Wilian Castillo Naranjo, Blauvelt, NY – 1:18:26
  • Nolan Kier, Caldwell, NJ – 1:18:28

Women:

  • Lucy Brash, New York, NY – 1:21:38

Spirit of the Event

More than just a race, the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon 2025 celebrated perseverance, self-discipline, and community. The supportive environment allowed runners to push past personal limits while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow participants. Spectators cheered enthusiastically along the route, and volunteers offered encouragement that lifted spirits and motivated every runner to finish strong. The event perfectly embodies the philosophy of Sri Chinmoy, where running becomes a meditation in motion, combining physical effort with inner growth.

More Information

 

News #81: New York Post – 3100 Mile Race 2025

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Alex Ramsey crossing the finish line at the 3100 Mile Race 2025

The 3100 Mile Race 2025 recently received coverage in the New York Post following its completion in Queens, New York. Founded in 1801, the New York Post ranks as the third-largest newspaper in the United States by print circulation. Its article highlighted one of the world’s most challenging and unique endurance events. The race, which requires runners to circle a single city block in Queens for 52 days, demonstrates remarkable physical stamina and spiritual perseverance.

You can read the full article here:
World’s longest 3,100-mile marathon is a hellish 50-day loop around a tiny NYC block: ‘eternity’s road’

Highlights from the Race 2025

Additionally, a video featuring highlights from the 3100 Mile Race 2025 offers a vivid glimpse into the runners’ remarkable journey.

You can watch the highlights here: 
Video #323: Highlights of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race 2025

Global Spotlight on Self-Transcendence

The 3100 Mile Race 2025 attracted elite runners from across the globe, each striving to complete an average of 60 miles per day. Importantly, the New York Post article emphasized not only the physical challenge but also the spiritual dimension of the race. It showcased the participants’ extraordinary mental strength, unwavering discipline, and deep devotion. Furthermore, the story highlighted Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy of self-transcendence—the practice of surpassing personal limitations. Consequently, the race serves as an example of how individuals can achieve incredible feats through focus, endurance, and inner commitment.

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin running past the score board during the 3100 Mile Race 2025

2025 Race Results: Ten Runners Complete the Challenge

In 2025, ten dedicated athletes participated, with eight completing the full 3,100 miles. Notably, five of them achieved this feat for the first time, illustrating both perseverance and determination.

Top Finishers:

  • Andrea Marcato (Italy) – 46 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes, 10 seconds
  • Vasu Duzhiy (Russia) – 48 days, 4 hours, 57 minutes, 52 seconds
  • Mahasatya Janzik (USA) – 48 days, 14 hours, 37 minutes, 45 seconds
  • Alex Ramsey (USA) – 50 days, 9 hours, 53 minutes, 11 seconds
  • Adrian Papuc (Romania) – 50 days, 12 hours, 23 minutes, 23 seconds
  • Milan Javornicky (Czech Republic) – 50 days, 15 hours, 53 minutes, 55 seconds
  • Daniela Bojila (Italy/Romania) – 51 days, 8 hours, 17 minutes, 28 seconds
  • Lucong Geng (China) – 51 days, 16 hours, 26 minutes, 57 seconds
  • Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (USA) – 2,829.2 miles
  • Harita Davies (New Zealand) – 2,790.8 miles

Lucong Geng completing the 3100 Mile Race 2025

A Legacy of Inspiration

Over nearly three decades, the 3100 Mile Race has represented the highest ideal of endurance running. Through perseverance and spiritual aspiration, it continues to inspire thousands across the globe. In addition, the recognition by the New York Post reinforces the race’s universal message: every step taken with sincerity can become a journey toward inner peace and oneness. Consequently, the race stands as both a test of physical limits and a celebration of the human spirit.

Explore More

For more information about upcoming events, visit srichinmoyraces.org
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy’s life and philosophy, visit srichinmoy.org

Week 228: I Love Singing

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This week features four inspiring Sri Chinmoy songs. All songs were composed by Sri Chinmoy and beautifully performed by his disciple Purnakama. You can listen to the recordings or download the song scores below.

Songs:

  • Janma Dibas Shapath Harash Ek Ek
  • Birthday and Promise-Ecstasy
  • Jug Jug Dhari Hiyar Bhakati
  • Eternally Devotion-Heart

Enjoy singing along and feeling the soulful message in these Sri Chinmoy songs.

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:


1. Janma Dibas Shapath Harash Ek Ek

Janma dibas shapath harash ek ek

Translation:

Birthday and promise-ecstasy – one, one.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


2. Birthday and Promise-Ecstasy

Birthday and promise-ecstasy – one, one.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


3. Jug Jug Dhari Hiyar Bhakati

Jug jug dhari hiyar bhakati
Jibana shakati ek sathe chale

Translation:

Eternally
Devotion-heart, power-life
Together move on.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


4. Eternally Devotion-Heart

Eternally
Devotion-heart, power-life
Together move on.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ 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