Video #317: In Loving Memory of Jane Goodall – A Tribute to a Life of Compassion and Discovery

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On October 1, 2025, the world lost a pioneering force in conservation and empathy, Dame Jane Goodall. At 91, she passed away in Los Angeles during a speaking tour. Her groundbreaking research in Gombe Stream National Park transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and their connection to humanity.

In April 2003, Dr. Goodall met with Sri Chinmoy, founder of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, in New York. During this meeting, she delivered an inspirational talk to hundreds of Peace Run enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of hope and action in the face of global challenges. She also shared a transformative experience witnessing the migration of sandhill cranes and snow geese, reinforcing her belief in the possibility of peace and the necessity of standing strong against fear and hate. Read more about this event.

Dr. Goodall’s commitment to peace and environmental stewardship resonated with Sri Chinmoy’s vision. In his book Listen to Nature, Sri Chinmoy stresses the need for a deep spiritual connection with the natural world, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Goodall in her foreword to the book. Learn more about the book.

May her spirit continue to inspire us all to act with compassion and strive for a harmonious world.

More Information:
Learn more about Jane Goodall at the Jane Goodall Institute.
Discover more about the global Peace Run at www.peacerun.org.
For upcoming events and activities, visit www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy and his life’s work, please visit www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #316: Swimming 20 Bridges Around Manhattan for Peace – Vasanti Sets Record

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On September 12, 2025, Peace Run team member Vasanti Niemz (68) from Germany completed the iconic 20 Bridges open-water swim around Manhattan Island, dedicating it to Peace, in honour of the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary, the 55th year of Sri Chinmoy’s Peace Meditations at the UN, and the upcoming International Day of Peace.

Vasanti became the oldest woman ever to finish this swim, completing 48.5 km in 9 hours 34 minutes (current-assisted). The Peace Torch was lit at Pier A at both the start and finish, and carried on the escort boat by her crew, Pipasa and Jamini. The event was organized by New York Open Water (NYOW), which provided safety support – pilot, observer, and kayaker.

For Vasanti, the Manhattan swim was a lifelong dream. With separate group starts now by speed and carefully timed with tidal currents, it became possible even for slower swimmers. This year’s swim also marked her 40th anniversary of her first English Channel crossing (Sept. 9, 1985) – a very special combination of personal history and global tribute.

Having now completed two of the three components of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, she plans to attempt the Catalina Channel in August 2026, aiming for another age record.

Because the higher gears on her bike malfunctioned the next day, she wasn’t able to complete her intended Peace Triathlon (swim + 50 km bike + 5 mi run). Instead, after relighting the Peace Torch at Pier A, she did a leisurely 20-mile sightseeing bike loop along the Hudson and East River Greenway, with detours, dead ends, and a visit past the UN Headquarters. It made for a peaceful recovery ride.

More Information:

Week 225: I Love Singing

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Songs:

– Jani Jani Chapalatar Sugopanam
– The Secret Name of Restlessness
– Amar Sathi Nitya Nutan
– My Friend

Enjoy singing along with the audio recordings. These songs are composed by Sri Chinmoy and performed by his disciple Purnakama. Please click the links below to listen to or download the audio and song scores:

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Jani Jani Chapalatar Sugopanam

Jani jani chapalatar
Sugopanam durbalata

Translation:

I know, I know,
The secret name of restlessness is weakness.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


2. The Secret Name of Restlessness

I know, I know,
The secret name of restlessness is weakness.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


3. Amar Sathi Nitya Nutan

Amar sathi nitya nutan
Jiban hasir gan

Translation:

My friend is my ever-new
Life-happiness-song.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


4. My Friend

My friend is my ever-new
Life-happiness-song.
– 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

Video #315: What We Learn From Failure | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Episode 24

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In this episode, Abhinabha and Vajin delve into the spiritual perspectives on success and failure, exploring how both are essential for personal growth. They discuss the cultural obsession with material success, the importance of redefining success, and the necessity of failure in the journey of life. Through various anecdotes and philosophical insights, they emphasize the value of mindfulness, presence, and the inner journey towards fulfillment. The conversation culminates in the understanding that true success lies in the quality of our experiences and the courage to embrace life’s challenges.

Takeaways:

  • Success and failure are both necessary for spiritual growth.
  • Cultural definitions of success can be limiting.
  • True failure occurs only when we stop trying.
  • Mindfulness helps us stay present and aware.
  • Quality in our actions leads to fulfillment.
  • The journey is more important than the outcome.
  • We must learn to embrace both success and failure.
  • Inner peace is a true measure of success.
  • Every experience contributes to our growth.

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

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Video #314: Shamita Achenbach-König’s Solo Run – Vienna to Oslo

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For the fifth time, Shamita Achenbach-König set out on a remarkable solo run across Europe – this year from Vienna, Austria to Oslo, Norway (September 5-24, 2025). Inspired by Sri Chinmoy, founder of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, she once again put into practice his philosophy of self-transcendence, dedicating her journey to World Peace and harmony among nations.

Individual self-transcendence collectively inspires humanity at large.

–  Sri Chinmoy, Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Part 13, Agni Press, 1999

Shamita covered an incredible 2,000 km in 19 days and 2 hours, averaging 80-90 km per day and running up to 12–14 hours daily. Along the way, she climbed more than 6,300 meters, crossing hills and small mountains in countries like the Czech Republic and Norway.

Her route included six countries:

  • Austria 🇦🇹 (1 day)
  • Czech Republic 🇨🇿 (3 days)
  • Germany 🇩🇪 (6 days)
  • Denmark 🇩🇰 (3 days)
  • Sweden 🇸🇪 (5 days)
  • Norway 🇳🇴 (2 days)

Shamita’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that when one person strives to go beyond themselves, it can inspire humanity as a whole.

To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org.