Tag: Yatkara

O My Heart #15: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Tanima

Posted on by Yatkara

Welcome to this series sharing three beautiful songs from Sri Chinmoy’s “O My Heart” collection. Sri Chinmoy wrote thousands of heartfelt songs full of hope, thanks, and inner light. They’re simple melodies that speak straight to your heart, helping you feel calm, peaceful, and a little brighter – whether you’re meditating, relaxing, or just going about your day.

These songs from “O My Heart” carry that gentle, uplifting feeling. Tanima, a longtime student of Sri Chinmoy and one of the early singers in his community, performs them here with real warmth and care. Her gentle, soulful voice makes each song feel alive and easy to connect with.

You can just listen quietly, hum along, or let the melodies play softly in the background — they bring a soft, happy lift to your day.

Featured this time:

Songs

  • Ami Milate Chai Batase
  • Ami Sannyasi
  • Ami Sukhere Dharite Dukhere Dharechhi

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
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Ami Milate Chai Batase

Ami milate chai batase urite chai akashe
Khulite chai sakal duar mukta praner harashe
Jagite chai nutan ashai tomar sneha parashe

Translation:

My heart longs to be disolved in wings of air
And fly in the unhorizoned sky.
I long to open up all my heart-doors
In the delight of my liberation-life.
May my life begin with the breath of a new hope.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘One Thousand Lotus Petals, Part 1’ songbook


2. Ami Sannyasi

Ami sannyasi ami sannyasi
Tai ami hiya pure sada hasi
Ananda tara chira sathi mor
Churiya phelechi dhrira moha ghor

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Journey’s Goal, Part 4’ songbook


3. Ami Sukhere Dharite Dukhere Dharechhi

Ami sukhere dharite dukhere dharechhi
Asha haye gechhe dukh
Hatasha bedane shata nipirane
Bhenge gechhe mor buk
Dubibar age dhariyachho hat
Dubite daoni jale
Tai dayamoy jiban amar
Sampinu charan tale

Translation:

I desired to grasp happiness.
Alas, all I have grasped is a sky of sorrow.
All my hopes have grown into fathomless pangs.
My aspiration-heart is thrown into
The jaws of destruction-night.
Yet my perishing life stretches
Its arms towards You
For Your Protection-Feet.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘One Thousand Lotus Petals, Part 1’ 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

Video #350: Epic Start of the 10 and 3 Day Races 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

The 10 Day Race & 3 Day Race 2026 Have Begun

The 10 Day Race has officially started. On April 19 at noon, runners began their remarkable journey on the 0.75-mile loop in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York. At the same time, the 3 Day Race is also in full swing. Together, they create a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that you rarely find in other ultras.

In this special video, we take you right into the heart of the event. You’ll see the excitement at the start, the dedication of the runners, and the unique spirit that makes these races so special.

What Makes the 10 Day Race So Extraordinary

There’s something truly special about the 10 Day Race. For ten full days, runners keep moving around the same gentle loop, hour after hour, through day and night. It’s not only about covering distance. It’s about discovering what you’re really made of when fatigue sets in and the mind starts telling you to stop.

Many runners say the real magic often happens around day three or four. That’s when the body settles into its rhythm and a deeper inner journey begins. Suddenly, moments of unexpected joy, clarity, and quiet strength appear. That is the true heart of self-transcendence — going beyond what you thought was possible, one step at a time.

The Supportive Village Atmosphere

One of the things people love most about this event is the strong sense of community. The park quickly turns into a little temporary village. There are tents, a well-stocked kitchen serving hot meals around the clock, medical support, and volunteers who are present 24 hours a day offering encouragement and care.

You’ll see experienced runners who have done this many times before, standing side by side with first-timers who are both excited and a little nervous. Everyone is there for their own personal reason, yet they all share the same quiet determination and mutual respect.

Highlights from the Early Days of 2026

As the race moves forward, runners are steadily finding their rhythm. Some are already smiling through the early laps, while others stay quietly focused on saving energy for the long days ahead. The flat course helps with consistent pacing, and the beautiful surroundings of Flushing Meadows Park make even the nighttime hours feel peaceful.

Meanwhile, the 3 Day Race runners are making strong progress in their shorter but still demanding 72-hour effort. For many of them, this serves as a valuable stepping stone toward attempting the full 10 days in the future.

The Start of 10 and 3 Day Races 2026

Why Runners Keep Coming Back Year After Year

People return to the 10 Day Race for many different reasons. Some come to chase big mileage goals. Others are drawn to the deep inner work that naturally happens when you run for days on end. Almost everyone leaves with a greater sense of patience, resilience, and gratitude — qualities that stay with them long after the race is over.

Daily Updates and Photos

Daily updates, lap counts, and beautiful photos from the 2026 edition are being shared on the Perfection Journey website. You can follow individual runners and see the unique atmosphere that only a multi-day event can create:

An Invitation to Witness Something Special

Whether you’re an ultra runner yourself or simply someone who appreciates stories of human potential, the 10 Day Race and 3 Day Race offer something truly inspiring. In our fast-paced world, these events give runners the rare gift of time — time to go deeper, time to discover new strengths, and time to remember what really matters.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to run for days on end while finding unexpected joy and strength along the way, this video gives you a genuine glimpse into that world.

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 #349: Criticism Trap | Spirit Matters #38

Posted on by Yatkara

Criticism Trap: How Gossip and Judging Others Blocks Spiritual Growth

Many people on the spiritual path notice that their conscience bothers them when they criticise or gossip about others. Deep down, the soul knows that criticism and negative talk inflate the ego and slow down genuine spiritual progress. In Spirit Matters #38, hosts Vajin and Abhinabha explore the criticism trap and share four practical spiritual strategies to break free from this common habit.

Why the Criticism Trap Is So Harmful

Criticism hurts both the person being criticised and the one doing the criticising. When we speak negatively about others, we strengthen our own ego and create separation instead of connection. Over time, this habit clouds our inner clarity and makes it harder to feel genuine peace and compassion.

The episode explains that the criticism trap is especially dangerous during spiritual awakening. As we grow more aware, we may notice faults in others more easily. Without the right approach, this awareness can turn into judgment and gossip, pulling us away from heart-centred living.

4 Spiritual Strategies to Overcome the Criticism Trap

The hosts offer clear, grounded guidance to help viewers move beyond criticism:

1. Understand Why Criticism Hurts Both Sides

Criticism damages relationships and creates negative energy that returns to the critic. Recognising this simple truth is the first step toward change. The episode shows how even “harmless” gossip can block spiritual growth.

2. Explore the Origins of Gossip

From an evolutionary perspective, gossip once served as a survival tool to build social bonds and share information. Today, however, it often serves the ego rather than genuine connection. Understanding its roots helps us consciously choose a different way.

3. Practise Seeing the Divine in Others

One of the most powerful antidotes is to consciously look for the light and goodness in every person. This heart-based practice, inspired by Sri Chinmoy’s teachings, shifts our focus from faults to the divine spark present in everyone — including ourselves.

4. Protect Yourself from Unjust Criticism

Learning how to block out or respond calmly to unfair criticism directed at you is equally important. The episode provides practical tools to maintain inner peace without becoming defensive or bitter.

Sri Chinmoy’s Wisdom on Criticism

Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy for the new millennium directly addresses the problem of criticism in spiritual life. He taught that real progress comes when we stop feeding the criticising mind and instead cultivate the habit of seeing the light in others and in ourselves. The hosts encourage viewers to try living without the criticising mind for even a short time. Many people notice they immediately feel lighter, brighter, and happier.

Personal Insights from the Hosts

Vajin and Abhinabha share honest reflections from their own journeys. They discuss how they have worked with the criticism trap and the difference it made when they shifted to a more compassionate, heart-centred approach. Their stories make the teaching relatable and encouraging for anyone struggling with this habit.

How to Integrate These Strategies into Daily Life

The episode emphasises that overcoming the criticism trap is a gradual practice. Small daily steps — pausing before speaking negatively, consciously appreciating others, and returning to the heart during conversations — can create lasting change. Over time, these habits help reduce spiritual loneliness and support a more grounded, joyful spiritual life.

Spirit Matters is a podcast dedicated to helping people integrate spiritual awakening into everyday life. It offers practical guidance to move beyond confusion, frustration, and isolation toward heart-based wisdom and inner peace.

Related Episodes:

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.

I Love Singing #249: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Purnakama

Posted on by Yatkara

This week features two 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

  • Nirabata Jara Nahi Chahe Kabhu Nirabata
  • Byarthata Man Byarthata Pran Dure Chale

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
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Nirabata Jara Nahi Chahe Kabhu Nirabata

Nirabata jara nahi chahe kabhu nirabata
Tader jibane biraje kebal byarthata

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook


2. Byarthata Man Byarthata Pran Dure Chale

Byarthata man byarthata pran dure chale jao bahu dure
Ami chahi shudhu rahite amar pushta tushta hiya pure

– 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 #130: Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims in Canberra

Posted on by Yatkara

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims 5km at Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims Canberra Enjoy Perfect Conditions

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims were held at Yarralumla Bay on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. After weeks of hot weather, swimmers were delighted with ideal conditions — still, clear water at a comfortable 22 degrees, an overcast sky, and almost no wind. The rain stayed away, creating one of the most enjoyable open-water swimming days in recent memory.

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims offered three distances: the 5km (four laps of the 1.25km triangular course), the 2.5km (two laps), and a fast 500m out-and-back sprint. Swimmers started at five-minute intervals, with the longest distance beginning first. The calm water allowed everyone to focus purely on their swim, and many described it as one of the best conditions they had experienced.

Three Course Records Set

The day saw three new course records fall, one in each distance:

  • In the 5km, Perry Blackmore (M60-69) broke Mark Wieland’s long-standing record with an outstanding time of 1:26:50, finishing second overall.
  • In the 2.5km, Belinda Soszyn set a new F70+ record with 52:46. She returned to the same beach where she and her husband once organised the famous Sri Chinmoy Peace Triathlon Festival in the 1990s.
  • In the 500m, Aron Lombardi set a new Male 17+ record with a powerful 7:53.

These achievements highlighted the high standard of open-water swimming at Sri Chinmoy events and the motivation that perfect conditions can bring.

5km Swim Highlights

David Cook took the overall victory in the 5km with a strong time of 1:25:43. Perry Blackmore’s record-breaking swim earned him second place outright, while Lloyd Dobson (M50-59) finished third in 1:27:16.

Rachel Russell was the fastest woman, finishing fourth overall in an impressive 1:28:20. Peta Bulling and Laura Van Den Honert completed the women’s podium. In the older categories, Janelle Ahern won F50-59, Susan Henderson took F60-69, and Janet Gorst delivered another strong performance in F70+ with 2:00:43.

Rico Fitch, who has completed more Sri Chinmoy lake swims in Canberra than anyone else, won the M70+ category in 2:03:42.

2.5km and 500m Swim Results

Tippi Wieland dominated the women’s 2.5km, winning comfortably in 41:21. Deanne Sanderson took first in F50-59 with 41:36, while Jennifer Horton and Ann Reid excelled in the F60-69 category.

Mitchell Bainbridge was unchallenged in the men’s 2.5km, winning easily in 37:58 ahead of Tomas Krajca and Satya Yogeswaran. The M60-69 category was particularly competitive, with Tony Croft winning in 46:13.

In the 500m sprint, Aron Lombardi’s record-setting 7:53 led the field. Yiannis Eliopoulos placed second, while J’Aime McGuire won the Female 17+ category. Young Henry Cooper was the fastest in the Boys Under 13.

Perfect Conditions and Friendly Atmosphere

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims are known for their relaxed yet well-organised format. The triangular 1.25km loop is easy to follow, and the calm water on 8 March made navigation straightforward. Swimmers appreciated the plentiful parking, no queues at the toilets, and the post-swim pancakes — a much-loved tradition.

The event perfectly captures the Sri Chinmoy spirit: combining physical challenge with inner joy. On a day with almost no external obstacles, the only task was to swim — and many participants did so with smiles and a strong sense of personal achievement.

Results and Photos

Why Swimmers Love These Events

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims offer a rare combination: a safe, well-marked open-water course in a beautiful location, friendly organisation, and a focus on personal progress rather than intense competition. The variety of distances makes the event accessible to swimmers of all abilities — from beginners doing their first 500m to experienced open-water athletes tackling the full 5km.

The calm conditions on 8 March 2026 created one of the most enjoyable swims in recent memory, reminding everyone why these lake swims continue to grow in popularity.

Looking Ahead

With another successful edition complete, the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims in Canberra remain a highlight of the Australian open-water swimming calendar. Many participants are already looking forward to the next event and the chance to improve their times or simply enjoy another beautiful day on the lake.

Congratulations to all who took part — and a special thank you to the volunteers who made the morning run so smoothly.

Related Events & Resources:

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.