Category: News

News #63: The Self-Transcendence Marathon in Minsk – August 23, 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

On August 23, 2025, the Self-Transcendence Marathon took place in Minsk in a scenic area near the National Library and along the water canal. This annual event continues to inspire runners of all levels, celebrating both endurance and the spirit of self-transcendence.

The marathon drew over 60 participants eager to challenge themselves. Olga Rizikova triumphed among women with a finishing time of 3:33:00, while Sergey Dydyshko led the men with an impressive 3:03:36. For many runners, this was their first marathon, making their accomplishment even more remarkable. Despite the hot weather and dirt-track conditions, all participants demonstrated determination, perseverance, and the joy of running together in a supportive and uplifting environment.

Congratulations to all runners, volunteers, and organizers for making this inspiring marathon a memorable celebration of self-transcendence! This race beautifully embodies the spirit and values of the Self-Transcendence events worldwide.

More Information:

To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy’s vision and legacy: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #62: Seven Minutes of World Peace – International Day of Peace, September 21, 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

At 9:00-9:07 AM New York time (Eastern Time) on September 21 – the International Day of Peace – individuals and groups around the world will unite for Seven Minutes of World Peace, a simultaneous global invocation through silent meditation and prayer.

Hosted by the Sri Chinmoy Centre, this event invites all “dreamers, lovers, and servers of peace” to gather wherever they are, honoring peace and the inner yearning that connects us all.

More than 100 groups in over 40 countries participate annually, each observing this powerful moment of inner and outer peace.

O dreamers of peace, come. Let us walk together.
O lovers of peace, come. Let us run together.
O servers of peace, come. Let us grow together.
Sri Chinmoy

More Information:

About the Seven Minutes of World Peace: www.minutesofpeace.org
About upcoming Sri Chinmoy Centre events: www.srichinmoycentre.org
About Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org

News #61: Vasanti Niemz Completes 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan in Honor of UN’s 80th Anniversary

Posted on by Yatkara

On September 12, 2025, Vasanti Niemz, 68, of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, undertook the legendary 28.5-mile 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan, a remarkable journey celebrating 40 years of the SCMT Channel and Marathon Swimming, the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations and its Culture of Peace Program, and 55 years of Peace Meditation at the UN.

Supported by crew members Jamini and Pipasa, and with the Peace Torch on board, Vasanti set out from Pier A, completing the circumnavigation in a stunning 9 hours, 34 minutes, and 7 seconds — several hours ahead of her projected finish time. Her kayak pilot remarked that in all her years of experience, she had never seen such calm conditions under the George Washington Bridge. Throughout the swim, Vasanti dedicated her effort to peace, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, and the spirit of harmony that unites us all.

The next day, Vasanti biked a 20-mile loop around Lower Manhattan and carried the Peace Torch symbolically from the finish of the 20 Bridges swim at Pier A to the United Nations and back. 

Her inspiring journey also points to the upcoming “7 Minutes of Peace” Meditation on Sunday, September 21, at 9:00 a.m. EST, inviting people worldwide to join in a shared moment of reflection and unity.

This extraordinary swim stands as a testament to Vasanti’s endurance, dedication, and heartfelt commitment to peace. 
See also her longer report on: https://www.peacerun.org/us/news/2025/0912/5606/

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

News #60: Songs of the Soul Concert in New York

Posted on by Yatkara

On August 23, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Centre hosted a “Songs of the Soul” concert at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. The event featured a diverse group of performers dedicated to sharing the musical legacy of Sri Chinmoy, offering soulful interpretations of his compositions.

“Songs of the Soul” is an international concert series that began in 2008, aiming to present Sri Chinmoy’s music to the public free of charge. These concerts have been held in numerous cities worldwide, showcasing a range of musical styles and interpretations of Sri Chinmoy’s songs.

Sri Chinmoy, a renowned spiritual teacher and composer, wrote over 21,000 songs during his lifetime. His music continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the globe, serving as a testament to his vision of promoting peace and harmony through the universal language of music.

For more information about the “Songs of the Soul” concert series and upcoming events, please visit the official website: songs-of-the-soul.com

For more information:
Meditative music by Sri Chinmoy and other groups: www.radiosrichinmoy.org
Upcoming events: www.srichinmoycentre.org
Learn more about Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org

News #57: A Heartfelt Presence | Sri Chinmoy Statue Installed at ‘The Sacred’, Zürich

Posted on by Yatkara

Two weeks ago, ‘The Sacred’ – Zürich’s first fully vegan and organic restaurant – welcomed a profound new presence: a life-size statue of Sri Chinmoy, lovingly crafted in Serbia from a mold by sculptor Ashidari.

This addition brings a deep spiritual resonance to The Sacred’s comfortable and mindful atmosphere. Here, guests don’t just enjoy wholesome vegan cuisine – they’re invited into a space that gently nurtures both the body and the soul.

Since its opening in 2013, ‘The Sacred’ has embodied a philosophy of harmony with nature. The restaurant’s name – ‘The Sacred and Secret Way of Amazing Strength’ – was given by Sri Chinmoy himself and reflects a vision of nourishment rooted in natural cycles and respect for all life.

To learn more about ‘The Sacred’ restaurant, please visit: vegelateria.ch.
For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.