Posts by Yatkara

News #89: Anne Kadet’s 3100 Mile Race Article “Running in Circles for 3100 Miles!”

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Participants starting the 3100 Mile Race around Thomas A. Edison High School, Queens

Journalist Anne Kadet recently travelled to Queens, New York, to cover the remarkable Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race. She shared her reflections in an insightful Substack article titled “Running in Circles for 3100 Miles!”

🔗 Read the full story

In her account, Kadet captures the quiet yet powerful atmosphere of this unique event. Only ten runners take part. There are no road closures, no crowds—just a few volunteers and local supporters cheering on the edges of a high-school block. Yet, despite its simplicity, the race radiates a deep spiritual energy.

Voices from the track:

  • Alex Ramsey (USA) finds “joy and newness in each lap,” even after circling the same route thousands of times.
  • Arpan D’Angelo, a volunteer, compares the loop to the rhythm of the cosmos: “That route is like the motion of the moon and of atoms. That’s how the universe works.”
  • Rupantar La Russo, the race director, explains: “The mind says, ‘3100 miles? You’re kidding me?’ But when you go beyond the mind and into the heart, nothing is impossible.”
  • Harita Davies, the only New Yorker in the race, adds: “You have to live it one day at a time. The world badly needs inspiration.”

As Kadet observes, the run becomes meditation in motion. Repetition turns into spiritual discipline, and endurance becomes an inner practice. A simple block in Queens transforms into a pathway of insight and self-discovery.

Although Kadet admits she could never run 3100 miles herself, the runners’ determination inspires her belief that “I, too, can accomplish whatever I truly feel inspired to do – even if my mind says it’s impossible.”

Discovering Inner Strength through Outer Pathways

This story is far more than a race report. It reveals how ordinary streets can become sacred ground and how perseverance opens the heart to transformation. Whether you run, meditate, or simply seek inspiration, the 3100 Mile Race shows that what seems impossible may, in truth, mark the beginning of a deeper journey.

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.

News #88: Unlock Inner Peace at Dublin’s Festival of Meditation – 20–31 October 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Information for Dublin Meditation Festival, 20–31 October 2025

From 20 to 31 October 2025, over 600 participants gathered in Dublin for the annual Festival of Meditation, organised by the Dublin Sri Chinmoy Centre at the Carmelite Community Centre. This two-week festival offered attendees a unique opportunity to explore inner peace, mindfulness, and spiritual growth.

Two Weeks of Discovery and Calm

Each evening, starting at 18:30, featured guided meditation, masterclasses, mantra music, and workshops. These sessions aimed to bring stillness and reflection into daily life. For example, participants explored Silence in Music & Meditation, Self-Transcendence, Sport & Meditation, and From Ego-Loneliness to Oneness-Happiness. Furthermore, weekends and evenings offered intensive opportunities, including a multi-night course for deeper practice.

Program Highlights

  • Mon 20 Oct: Opening masterclass — Three Ways to Reach the Highest in Meditation – and One Essential Secret You’ll Need to Start!
  • Tue 21 Oct: Silence in Music and Meditation — exploring how sound and stillness meet.
  • Wed 22 Oct: Self-Transcendence, Sport & Meditation — linking physical performance with spiritual growth.
  • Thu 23 Oct: From Ego-Loneliness to Oneness-Happiness — bridging isolation and connection.
  • Fri 24 Oct: Mantric Music Evening — a concert of meditation music.
  • Sat 25 Oct: Introduction to Meditation Workshop — perfect for beginners and returners alike.
  • Tue 28–Fri 31 Oct: Four-night intensive meditation course for committed practitioners.

A Warm Community Experience

Attendees described the atmosphere as friendly, inclusive, and inspiring. Beginners felt welcomed, while long-time meditators discovered fresh insights. The Centre emphasises that meditation is not an escape, but a practical way of living with more presence, service, and heart.

Embracing Inner Peace

In today’s fast-paced world, the Festival of Meditation Dublin provided a rare pause for reflection. Whether attendees came seeking clarity, stress relief, or simply a new experience, the event encouraged everyone to step into stillness, rediscover joy, and connect deeply with themselves and others.

More Details

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 #87: Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ – 50/100 km Races

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Runners at the start of the Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ 2025

Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ – A Celebration of Endurance and Spirit

The Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ returned on November 2, 2025, to Hagley Park North in Christchurch, New Zealand. This inspiring event once again united competitive spirit with the deeper philosophy of self-transcendence. It also served as the Athletics New Zealand 100 km National Championships, drawing runners from across the country and abroad. The atmosphere combined the focus of a national title race with the warmth and joy that define Sri Chinmoy’s sporting legacy.

Remarkable 100 km Performances

In the women’s 100 km, Konoka Azumi (Owairaka Athletics, AUK) achieved a new course record of 8:15:12, surpassing the previous mark by only nine seconds. Meanwhile, Ben Taylor (North Canterbury Athletics) won the men’s event in 9:10:18. George Young and George Mills followed close behind, both showing remarkable consistency and endurance.

Exciting 50 km Races

In the 50 km distance, Vajin Armstrong (Christchurch, CAN) led the men’s race, finishing in 3:16:23 and missing the course record by less than a minute. Mat Wiseman (Christchurch, CAN) was an early leader but was overtaken by Vajin in the final kilometers. David Shadbolt (Rolleston, CAN) finished third. In the women’s 50 km, Hannah Oldroyd (Kaiapoi, CAN) triumphed with 3:23:09, improving her own 2023 best, while Siobhan Griffiths (Rotorua, BOP) and Natasha Demster (Christchurch, CAN) completed the top three. These races highlighted both physical endurance and the inner calm that comes from focusing beyond personal limits.

Vajin Armstrong running during the 50 km race, later becoming the winner, at the Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ 2025 in Christchurch

Relay Highlights and Team Spirit

Another highlight of the day was the 100 km 4-person relay. The winning team, Motus Rollston, finished in 7:34:16. They were followed by Four of a Kind and Sports Doctors. The relay brought an atmosphere of excitement and unity, where each runner’s effort contributed to the shared success of the team. Runners shared smiles, teamwork, and steady encouragement throughout the day.

Atmosphere and Reflections

Throughout the event, Hagley Park glowed under clear spring skies. Gentle sunshine, green trees, and cheering supporters created a peaceful yet vibrant setting. Many runners described entering a calm, steady rhythm where every lap became a simple act of mindfulness. As the day ended, athletes, volunteers, and families gathered at the Lotus Heart Indian Vegetarian Restaurant to celebrate achievements and share stories.

Photos, Results, and Event Highlights

A Continuing Legacy of Inspiration

Sri Chinmoy’s races continue to inspire runners worldwide. They remind us that endurance is not only about distance but also about discovering inner strength and peace.

Learn More

News #86: Pavaka’s Group and Vedic Fire Complete Balkan Tour 2025

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Pavaka Group performing Sri Chinmoy compositions on stage during Balkan Tour 2025

A Musical Journey Across the Balkans

In late October and early November 2025, Pavaka’s Group and the Vedic Fire Ensemble completed a remarkable concert tour across the Balkans, performing in five cities with a total of seven concerts. The tour schedule included:

  • Oct 27 – Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Oct 28 – Plovdiv, Bulgaria
  • Oct 29 – Niš, Serbia
  • Oct 30 – Belgrade, Serbia
  • Oct 31 – Skopje, North Macedonia
  • Nov 1 & 2 – Skopje, North Macedonia

The tour brought audiences together for evenings filled with inspiration, stillness, and heartfelt connection through music.

Soulful Performances of Sri Chinmoy’s Music

Each concert featured arrangements of Sri Chinmoy’s compositions – songs dedicated to peace, beauty, and the joy of self-transcendence. Pavaka’s Group, renowned for their warm acoustic sound and rich harmonies, blended guitars, bass, and percussion to create an immersive atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Vedic Fire Ensemble delivered vibrant instrumental pieces with uplifting, almost celestial energy. Together, they offered a balance of meditative calm and dynamic intensity.

Audience Connection and Impact

Audiences responded with quiet reverence and smiles of appreciation. Concert halls in Sofia and Skopje experienced moments of collective silence after each piece—a reflection of the music’s profound impact. Many attendees described the concerts as “a direct experience of peace,” highlighting how Pavaka’s Group and Vedic Fire Ensemble continues to inspire listeners and create meaningful connections worldwide.

Continuing Sri Chinmoy’s Legacy

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) composed over 20,000 devotional songs dedicated to the inner journey of the human spirit. Through tours like this, Pavaka’s Group and Vedic Fire bring his music to new audiences while honoring his legacy and spreading the message of inner peace and self-transcendence.

Learn More

Week 229: I Love Singing

Posted on by Yatkara

This week features six inspiring Sri Chinmoy songs. All songs were composed by Sri Chinmoy and beautifully performed by his disciple Purnakama. 

Songs:

  • Tumi Amai Karecho Khama Taito Benche
  • You Have Forgiven Me
  • Andhar Sathe Kheli Ami
  • I Play with Darkness
  • Atma Tyager Bishal Hiya
  • My Name Shall Be

Enjoy singing along and feel the soulful message in each of these Sri Chinmoy songs. Please click the links below to listen to or download the audio and songs:

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

 

1. Tumi Amai Karecho Khama Taito Benche

Tumi amai karecho khama
Taito benche achi

Translation:

You have forgiven me.
Therefore I am alive.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


2. You Have Forgiven Me

You have forgiven me.
Therefore I am alive.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


3. Andhar Sathe Kheli Ami

Andhar sathe kheli ami
Taito alok rahe dure

Translation:

I play with darkness,
Therefore, light remains away.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


4. I Play with Darkness

I play with darkness,
Therefore, light remains away.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


5. Atma Tyager Bishal Hiya

Atma tyager bishal hiya habe amar nam

Translation:

My name shall be the vastness-heart
   Of self-giving.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


6. My Name Shall Be

My name shall be the vastness-heart
   Of self-giving.
– 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