Tag: Yatkara

News #98: Auckland Half-Marathon Series Race 8 – Pure Joy!

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Auckland Half-Marathon Series

Another beautiful chapter of the Auckland Half-Marathon Series unfolded on Sunday, 23 November 2025. Runners gathered at the peaceful War Memorial Park in Mt Roskill under a soft, cloudy sky. A warm late-spring breeze greeted everyone. Even with a 10-minute late start, smiles never faded. The beloved trio of half-marathon, 12 km and 6 km distances welcomed every kind of participant – from speedy racers chasing personal bests to happy families and giggling children enjoying their first event.

Why the Auckland Half-Marathon Series Feels So Special

First, the park offers flat, shaded loops on the famous Lovelock Track – perfect for relaxed running or fast racing. Second, volunteers cheer with genuine warmth and quiet encouragement. Finally, the atmosphere stays calm and meditative from start to finish. All of this blends into the perfect recipe for joyful running. Many regulars smile and say they come not just for the run, but for the quiet peace they always carry home.

Half-Marathon – Strong Performances

Mark Andrew powered to a clear victory in 1:32:54, followed by Vince Sesto (1:36:45) and Thomas Milliken (1:40:21). In the women’s race, ultra-legend Susan Marshall – who once finished the incredible 3,100-mile Self-Transcendence Race – showed her timeless strength with a winning 1:53:02. Melissa Kjestrup (1:58:24) and Kirsty Sesto (2:00:15) completed a happy podium. Runners spoke afterwards about how the peaceful park setting helped them find a smooth, flowing rhythm.

12 km & 6 km – Speed, Smiles and Family Moments

Melanie James flew to an impressive outright victory in the 12 km with 59:42, while TK Higuchi led the men in 1:03:06. The 6 km brought pure delight: Christopher Rawles sprinted to first place in 29:06, proudly followed by his dad Stephen (36:21). Larissa Wildsmith topped the women in 31:36, with Liz Hardley (36:15) and Melissa Stewart (42:11) enjoying every step. The shorter distances are always full of children, grandparents and first-timers discovering the simple happiness of moving together outdoors.

A Global Family of Peaceful Races

Since Sri Chinmoy founded the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in 1977, members of the SCMT have lovingly organised more than 500 events worldwide every year. The Auckland monthly series, now in its 22nd season (since 2004), is one of the longest-running regular community race series in New Zealand and among the most enduring monthly programmes in the entire global SCMT family.  Whether you race the half-marathon or take the 6 km at your own pace, the same warm, open-hearted feeling is there for everyone. Race 8 at War Memorial Park reminded everyone why they keep coming back: beautiful places, kind people and the gentle feeling that, for a couple of hours, the world is exactly as it should be.

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.

Week 232: I Love Singing

Posted on by Yatkara

This week features four 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 four songs featured in this week’s selection:

Songs

  • Prabhu Kripa karo Prabhu Khama Karo
  • Mor Jibane Mor Marane Jachi Kebal Taba
  • Karuna Hriday Hate Chahi Ami Karuna
  • Hriday Jahar Nai Shanti Tahar Nai

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
Track4
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Prabhu Kripa karo Prabhu Khama Karo

Prabhu kripa karo prabhu khama karo
Prabhu dharo hat mor.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook

2. Mor Jibane Mor Marane Jachi Kebal Taba

Mor jibane mor marane
Jachi kebal taba karuna.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook

3. Karuna Hriday Hate Chahi Ami Karuna

Karuna hriday hate chahi ami
Karuna hriday.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Alpha and Omega’ songbook

4. Hriday Jahar Nai Shanti Tahar Nai

Hriday jahar nai
Shanti tahar nai.
– 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.

© 2025 Sri Chinmoy Centre

Video #329: Epic Spirit – Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra 50 km & 100 km

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A Spirit of Self-Transcendence in Paris Woods

The Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra – 50 km & 100 km event on July 19, 2025, was a remarkable celebration of endurance, harmony, and inner strength in the beautiful Bois de Vincennes. At 8:00 AM, 47 ultrarunners began the 100 km race, looping through a 1,589 m circuit of shaded woodland and paved paths. Later in the morning, 69 athletes set out for the 50 km, and by the end, 60 runners crossed the finish line, a testament to both physical stamina and spiritual resilience. 

This year’s edition brought fresh changes: the race village was relocated, and the loop was extended by approximately 280 meters, introducing a new turnaround that challenged participants to adapt with grace.  Though weather forecasts hinted at both heat and storms, nature remained calm for most of the day. A gentle evening rain greeted runners at the end — quietly poetic, almost like a blessing for their efforts. 

The Heart of the Race: More Than Distance

Watching the slideshow, you’ll feel more than just the rhythm of feet on pavement — you’ll sense a shared journey. There are scenes of runners rounding the loop, strong but humble, faces marked by effort and inner calm. Aid stations offer water, energy drinks, and fresh fruit, while volunteers cheer, encouraging each lap with warmth. 

What makes this event so special is the mix of experience: elite ultrarunners standing alongside veteran runners in their 60s and even 70s, all united by a deeper drive than speed alone. This isn’t just a competition — it’s a community of self-transcendence, a place where the personal challenge becomes a spiritual practice.

Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra runners on loop course

Reflections & Meaning

If we run, we see our capacities becoming fully manifested. … But when we run, we bring to the fore our hidden capacities and are able to do something and become something

— Sri Chinmoy, The outer running and the inner running

This race, and this video, embody that truth. Every step, every loop, every quiet moment in the woods feels like an offering — not just to the finish line, but to something greater within.

For those who want to dive deeper into the event, check out News #53 (posted  August 11, 2025).

Why This Video Matters

This video isn’t just a recap — it’s a meditation in motion. It invites you into a space where every lap becomes a moment of reflection, and every runner’s effort is a silent prayer. If you’ve followed Sri Chinmoy’s races before, or are discovering them for the first time, this is a powerful reminder of what true endurance looks like — not just in miles, but in spirit.

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

Video #328: Agnikana’s Group A Meditative Concert in Budapest

Posted on by Yatkara

On November 6, Agnikana’s Group performed a deeply calming and meditative concert at MagNet Közösségi Ház in Budapest, Hungary. They often visit Hungary for concerts, and this year was no exception. On their way to Serbia, they stopped in Budapest for this very special evening “surrounded by plants,” which added to the sense of peace and harmony. The live recording weaves together angelic vocals with harmonium, wooden flutes, santur, violin, metalophone, bells, and soft rhythmic percussion. The atmosphere is immersive and serene, offering listeners a profound experience of inner stillness.

Meet Agnikana’s Group

Agnikana’s Group was founded in 1997 by Czech musician Agnikána Senkyříková, and remains fully devoted to performing the music of Sri Chinmoy.   The ensemble is all-female, with members primarily from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Switzerland.   They sing in Bengali and English — the very languages in which Sri Chinmoy composed many of his songs.   Their purpose isn’t commercial — instead, they aim to evoke a profound space of harmony, peace, and purity where listeners can connect with meditation through music.  

Global Reach & Discography

Over nearly three decades, Agnikana’s Group has offered well over 200 public performances across Europe, Asia, and North America.   Their discography is rich and deeply spiritual. According to their website and Bandcamp, their albums include:

  • Bhagaban (2003)  
  • In My Heart-Sky (2008)  
  • Dream, Always Dream (2010)  
  • Premaloker (2013)  
  • Live in Concert I (2015)  
  • My Gratitude-Heart (2016)  
  • Khama Karo (2019)  

Each album reflects their dedication to Sri Chinmoy’s meditative compositions and their desire to share a heartfelt, spiritual resonance with their listeners.

Sri Chinmoy’s Musical Vision

Sri ChinmoySri Chinmoy (1931–2007) was a spiritual teacher, poet, artist, athlete, and prolific composer.  He composed thousands of songs in Bengali and English, offering his music as a path for inner peace. His melodies carry simplicity and depth, inviting listeners to connect with their innermost being. Through music, he aimed to create a bridge between the human heart and the Divine, inspiring calmness, reflection, and joy.

His teachings remind us that music is not just sound – it is a vehicle for meditation, self-transcendence, and spiritual awakening. Every note has the power to uplift, heal, and bring the listener closer to silence and inner harmony. Agnikana’s Group, by performing his compositions, embodies this vision in every concert, allowing audiences to experience a journey of peace and devotion through sound.

When we listen to soulful music … immediately our inner existence climbs up high, higher, highest.  

– Sri Chinmoy, God the Supreme Musician (1976)

Why This Video Resonates

This Budapest concert captured on video is more than just a performance — it is a spiritual offering. As you watch and listen, you’re invited to pause, reflect, and access a space of quiet upliftment. Agnikana’s Group doesn’t just sing – they open a doorway into peace.

Learn More & Listen

News #93: Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra – A Day of Endurance, Teamwork and Inspiration

Posted on by Yatkara

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon took place across Canberra on Sunday, 9 November 2025. The event brought together solo athletes and relay teams for one of Australia’s most inspiring endurance races. Now in its 28th year, the Triple-Tri once again turned Canberra’s lakes, hills, and trails into a joyful celebration of fitness, friendship, and self-transcendence.

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025 – A Day of Endless Challenges and Triumphs

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon combines three complete triathlons into one continuous course. Competitors swim, cycle, and run around Canberra’s natural landscapes – Lake Ginninderra, Lake Burley Griffin, and Lake Tuggeranong. Together, these stages cover more than 200 kilometres. The event demands strength, focus, and resilience. However, it also offers an experience of oneness, as solo athletes and relay teams encourage one another throughout the day.

Conditions were ideal. Cool air and calm water made for fast times. Moreover, volunteers and spectators filled each transition zone, cheering athletes onward and creating an uplifting atmosphere from start to finish.

About Sri Chinmoy

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon is inspired by Sri Chinmoy, a spiritual leader and athlete who promoted self-transcendence through running, meditation, and sports. He believed that physical endurance and inner growth go hand in hand, encouraging athletes to push beyond perceived limits while cultivating joy, focus, and perseverance. Learn more about his life and philosophy here.

The real voyage is not to the finish line, but to the deeper self you discover along the way.

– Sri Chinmoy

Solo Athletes: A Close Finish and Historic Performances

The solo division produced one of the most dramatic finishes in Triple-Tri history. Jonathan Grady built an early lead after the second swim and held it to the end, winning in 12 hours 51 minutes 36 seconds.

Behind him, an intense contest unfolded. David Baldwin, returning after several years away, surged through the final run to claim second overall in 12 hours 52 minutes 21 seconds, only a minute behind Grady. Just seconds later, Blake Fretwell crossed the line in 12 hours 52 minutes 52 seconds, taking third place overall and second in the Male Under 50 category. Three finishers within two minutes offered a remarkable display of endurance and determination.

Meanwhile, multiple champion Julie Quinn returned to her favourite course. She set a new F50+ record of 12 hours 54 minutes 48 seconds, reaffirming her title as the “Queen of the Triple-Tri.” Her calm focus and smooth consistency inspired everyone who watched.

Team Divisions: Strength in Unity

The team divisions highlighted the joy of collaboration. In the All-Female Teams of Three, the veteran “Spring Chickens” – Sam Reinhardt, Cristy Henderson, and Susie Kluth – completed the course in 12 hours 27 minutes 09 seconds, setting a new record for their category.

The Open Teams of Three saw “Stuffed Puffs” – Ben Buchler, David Osmond, and Adrian Sheppard – retain their crown with 10 hours 18 minutes 26 seconds. Furthermore, “Geriathletes” finished next in 10 hours 40 minutes 24 seconds, followed by “The Diggers” in 11 hours 05 minutes 46 seconds.

Among the Teams of Four to Nine, “Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost” claimed line honours with 9 hours 38 minutes 08 seconds, winning by a wide margin. “Triple Threat” took second in 10 hours 30 minutes 27 seconds, and “Bilby Baggins” secured third in 10 hours 36 minutes 01 second.

In addition, the All-Female Team of Nine, “Giant Wollongong,” finished strongly in 11 hours 58 minutes 44 seconds. Two youth-dominated teams, “Majura Machines” and “We Don’t Want Cramps,” impressed everyone with their energy and teamwork, showing promise for the future of endurance sport in Canberra.

Community, Volunteers, and Spirit

Every athlete’s success was supported by a large team of volunteers. They staffed checkpoints, prepared food, and guided participants across the trails. Their cheerfulness and care created the welcoming atmosphere that defines the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon. Therefore, this event is not only about competition – it also celebrates cooperation, gratitude, and joy.

The organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to the Canberra community for its hospitality and support. As a result, the race continues to grow in spirit and reputation, remaining a highlight of the Australian endurance calendar.

Results & Event Info – Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025

Full Results:

Additional Resources:

Reflection

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025 once again celebrated endurance, teamwork, and the human spirit. It reminded all participants that perseverance is built through inner faith and steady progress.

When you challenge your limits, you discover that your only real limit is your lack of faith in yourself.

– Sri Chinmoy

Explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races and results: www.srichinmoyraces.org
Learn about Sri Chinmoy’s life and teachings: www.srichinmoy.org