Video #282: Blue Flower – Concert in Munich, Germany | September 2024

Blue Flower performed 14 soulful songs composed by Sri Chinmoy in the beautiful Johannis Hall of Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, Germany, on 21st September 2024. This inspiring concert was part of a heartfelt three-city tour through Ljubljana, Salzburg, and Munich, sharing the meditative beauty of Sri Chinmoy’s music in some of Europe’s most enchanting settings.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

News #21: Celebrating 40 Years of Channel Swimming Inspired by Sri Chinmoy

In 1985, Sri Chinmoy encouraged his students to take on the challenge of swimming the English Channel. Today, that inspiration has led to an extraordinary legacy:
 48 solo English Channel swims by 30 team members, 4 relay crossings, and even more achievements including Oceans Seven swims.

To honour 40 years of these remarkable accomplishments, our team is sponsoring a feature in the 2025 International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) Yearbook (print and online). The piece will highlight our English Channel swimmers and IMSHOF honourees, with photos from Lake Zurich and the Peace Torch relay.

Sri Chinmoy was posthumously inducted into the IMSHOF in 2012 as an “honour administrator” for his inspirational role in the world of marathon swimming.
Vasanti will represent the team at the IMSHOF Ceremony on May 17, 2025, in Jersey, UK.

  • View the 2012 IMSHOF Ceremony Highlights
  • Read more about The Tribute from Channel Triathlon

  • Full list of solo and relay swimmers

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 #280: Belief vs. Faith – A spiritual Exploration | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep. 14

Abhinabha and Vajin explore the profound topic of faith, differentiating it from belief and discussing its significance in navigating life’s challenges. They delve into the nature of faith as a transformative experience, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping one’s beliefs. The discussion also touches on the role of humility, the impact of misunderstandings on relationships, and the evolution of spiritual beliefs in a modern context. Through various anecdotes and insights, they highlight how faith can provide strength and guidance in difficult times, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe. In this conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the personal nature of spirituality, emphasizing that each individual’s experience of God and truth is unique. They discuss the importance of faith, the nature of death, and how personal experiences shape one’s understanding of spirituality. The dialogue also touches on the role of doubt in spiritual growth and the necessity of facing fears to discover inner strength. Through anecdotes and philosophical insights, they illustrate how faith can be cultivated over time and how it can empower individuals to confront life’s challenges with love and courage.

Takeaways:

  • Faith is the eye through which we see truth.
  • Belief is often based on evidence, while faith requires openness and trust.
  • Misunderstandings can lead to long-lasting conflicts.
  • Humility allows us to see the world as it truly is.
  • Faith can help us navigate difficult experiences.
  • The universe is a friendly place that supports our growth.
  • Personal experiences are crucial for transforming belief into faith.
  • Dogma can hinder personal spiritual experiences.
  • The evolution of belief can lead to a deeper understanding of God.
  • Faith is a transformative journey that requires constant updating. Every seeker has the right to define God in their own way.
  • Spiritual truths are often personal experiences.
  • Death is not to be feared; it is the extinction of consciousness.
  • Faith builds over time through spiritual practice.
  • Doubt can poison the growth of faith.
  • Facing fears can reveal inner strength and capacity.
  • The antidote to doubt is to focus on faith.
  • Spirituality is about personal growth and transformation.
  • Meditation can deepen one’s connection to the universe.
  • Humility is essential in the journey of faith.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

News #20: Finish of the 3-Day Race – New York

Congratulations to all 14 runners from 7 countries—Russia, Czech Republic, USA, Finland, Canada, Switzerland, and Ukraine – who completed the 3-Day Race at noon on April 22nd at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York City.
A heartfelt bravo to each participant for their dedication and endurance!

For information on other races around the world, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org

News #19: Earth Day 2025 – New York

To honour Earth Day, the Sri Chinmoy Centre joyfully took part in the Earth Day Festival at Union Square, New York City, on April 17th, 2025.

At its booth, the Sri Chinmoy Centre featured the book Listen to Nature: Living in Harmony with the Earth, and offered hundreds of magnet cards with nature photos and inspiring poems from the book.

The heart of Mother Earth
Any earth-child can open
At his sweet will.
~ Sri Chinmoy
77,000 Service-Trees, part 46

To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #279: Silence – The Key to Inner Peace | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.13

In this episode Vajin and Abhinabha explore the profound nature of silence, its role in human relationships, and its significance in spiritual practice. The conversation delves into how silence can enhance creativity, protect psychic energy, and foster deeper connections with oneself and others. The hosts discuss the impact of modern technology on our ability to experience silence and the importance of cultivating inner stillness to navigate the complexities of life. Through various quotes and insights from notable thinkers, the episode emphasizes the transformative power of silence in achieving personal growth and understanding the universal heart.

Takeaways:

  • Silence is more than the absence of sound; it is a profound experience.
  • Psychic energy is finite and can be drained by external distractions.
  • Technology often pulls our attention away from silence and inner peace.
  • Healthy relationships are based on mutual respect and understanding, not convenience.
  • Meditation is a practice that helps cultivate inner silence and psychic energy.
  • Boredom can lead to creativity and deeper self-reflection.
  • Silence is a fertile ground for transformation and growth.
  • Dynamic silence is found in action, while static silence is found in meditation.
  • The universal heart originates in silence and is connected to our inner reality.
  • Silence can enhance our ability to observe and understand the world around us.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #276: Spiritual growth through imperfection | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.12

In this conversation, Vajin and Abhinabha explore the theme of imperfection, emphasizing that being imperfect is an inherent part of the human experience. They discuss the paradox of human existence, the origins of imperfection, and how spirituality can help individuals accept and transcend their flaws. The conversation also delves into the concept of cardinal sins, the importance of self-discovery, and the nature of true greatness, ultimately highlighting that imperfections contribute to character and personal growth.

Takeaways: 

  • Imperfections are not inherently negative; they are part of being human.
  • The pursuit of perfection can lead to rigidity and closed-mindedness.
  • Acceptance of our imperfections can alleviate suffering.
  • Spirituality teaches us to embrace uncertainty and imperfection.
  • Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and transformation.
  • The journey of self-discovery involves recognizing and addressing our flaws.
  • True greatness is accompanied by humility and empathy.
  • Our imperfections can provide valuable lessons and character development.
  • Living in the present moment is essential for spiritual growth.
  • The process of transcending imperfections requires consistent practice and self-reflection.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #274: Meditation Week in Riga, Latvia

From March 10 to 14, Riga hosted its first-ever Meditation Week, a special series of evening events designed to bring inspiration, peace, and inner reflection to the community. Held at the historic Riga Latvian Society House, each evening featured a unique program, blending poetry, music, and thought-provoking talks.

Monday – Poetry & Music Night
The week began with a poetry evening featuring the writings of Sri Chinmoy alongside Latvian poets. Gentle instrumental music accompanied the readings, and the night concluded with a performance of uplifting songs. A peaceful and inspiring start, attended by 59 guests.

Tuesday – A Conversation on Love & Meditation
Originally planned as a talk about meditation and endurance running, the evening took a beautiful turn as the discussion naturally shifted toward the theme of divine love and its role in our lives. This heartfelt gathering, led by Nirbhasa from Ireland, attracted 28 attendees.

Wednesday – The Power of Meditation
Meditation teacher Kailash from Switzerland gave a talk on the practice of meditation, drawing the largest crowd of the week—around 100 participants. His simple yet profound words resonated deeply, sparking meaningful discussions. One particularly touching moment came when a 10-year-old boy asked, “How can we learn to act from the heart rather than the mind?”

Thursday – Music & Meditation Workshop
Led by Jigyasu from Finland, this evening brought together live music, poetry, and guided meditation, creating a truly immersive experience. Guests were welcomed by soft piano melodies as they arrived, setting a calm and reflective tone. Around 60 people attended.

Friday – Songs of Peace Concert
The international music group Inspiration Songs performed a moving concert featuring soulful melodies by Sri Chinmoy. The event brought together 70 people, leaving them with a sense of peace and joy.

Saturday – Concert in Estonia & Joyful Gathering
The week ended with a special concert in Pärnu, Estonia. Though smaller in size, with 30 attendees, the event was filled with warmth and inspiration. The evening ended with a joyful gathering, leaving everyone uplifted.

A Meaningful Experience
Whether attending for one evening or the entire week, participants found a space for reflection, connection, and inspiration. Meditation Week was a great chance to come together, share, and experience meditation in different ways. Events like this bring new energy to the seeker community and encourage both beginners and experienced practitioners.

My soul and I always dare
To travel the uncharted land
Of impossible dreams.
— Sri Chinmoy 

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

Video #273: The joy of pushing boundaries | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.11

In this conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the theme of self-transcendence, discussing its meaning, implications, and personal experiences. They delve into the journey of overcoming limitations, the balance between hedonism and asceticism, and the joy that comes from pushing beyond one’s boundaries. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, they illustrate how self-transcendence can lead to growth and transformation. They further explore the themes of self-transcendence, personal growth, and the impact of individual aspirations on humanity. They discuss Abhinabha’s journey to his 15 minutes of fame after breaking a world record, the importance of challenging personal limitations, and how self-transcendence can inspire others. The conversation emphasizes the significance of aspiration and self-giving in achieving personal and collective growth, drawing on the teachings of Sri Chinmoy. In this conversation, the speakers explore the themes of self-transcendence through acts of service, physical and spiritual challenges, and the integration of spirituality into daily life. They discuss personal experiences of transcendence, the importance of imagination in spiritual practice, and the significance of finding meaning in everyday moments. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the 3100 mile race, highlighting its role as a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Takeaways:

  • Self-transcendence means to go beyond our preconceived limitations.
  • It can be physical, mental, or spiritual.
  • Transcending limitations leads to inner joy and self-expansion.
  • The journey involves accepting limitations and plotting a strategy to overcome them.
  • Self-transcendence is about exploring the unknown aspects of ourselves.
  • Hedonism and asceticism represent two extremes in the approach to life.
  • The middle path embraces the world while seeking personal growth.
  • Personal stories of self-transcendence can inspire others to pursue their own journeys.
  • Joy is a key component of self-transcendence, contrasting with the suffering often associated with asceticism.
  • Breaking records can be a fun and fulfilling way to experience self-transcendence. Abhinabha’s journey to fame began with a world record.
  • Media attention can arise from unique personal achievements.
  • Self-transcendence is about challenging personal limitations.
  • Individual growth can inspire collective humanity.
  • Aspiration is the embodied yearning for progress.
  • Spiritual qualities increase when shared with others.
  • Self-giving is essential for true self-transcendence.
  • Personal challenges unlock hidden potential.
  • The journey of self-transcendence is ongoing and evolving.
  • Transformation of self leads to transformation of the world. Acts of service can lead to profound personal growth.
  • Self-transcendence can be achieved through physical challenges.
  • Art and creativity are expressions of the soul.
  • Spiritual experiences are deeply personal and unique.
  • Imagination can help reconnect with past spiritual highs.
  • Integrating spirituality into daily life is essential.
  • Every moment in life has significance and purpose.
  • The 3100 mile race exemplifies extreme self-transcendence.
  • Finding beauty in harsh environments is a spiritual lesson.
  • Spirituality is about embracing the essence of the universe.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org