Entries from April 2008 ↓

Photo at the start of 6 and 10 Day Race, organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team which began on April 23rd 2008.

The 6 and 10 Day race has been organised for several years by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon team. This year it is held in Flushing meadows park, near to the Tennis compound used in the US Open.

The 6 and 10 Day race is not so much a competition against others. But, offers an unique chance for self-transcendence, where runners seek to transcend their own capacities. Continue reading →

On Monday May 19th, the legendary Russian musician Boris Purushottama Grebenshikov, will be performing with an international ensemble of musicians at the Royal Albert Hall. The concert is dedicated to Maestro Sri Chinmoy.

Some of the Other Musicians who will be playing with BG include:

• Flautist Brian Finnegan and bodhrán player John Joe Kelly from award-winning Anglo-Irish band Flook. John-Joe has been described as “the best bodhrán player in the known universe”
• Sitar player Sheema Mukherjee, who learnt her art from the Indian legends Pandit Nikhil Bannerjee and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan…
• Sarangi player Maria Pomianowska - a multi instrument maestro equally adept at playing Eastern instruments and those of her native Poland.
• More on the Musicians who will be performing in the concert

Since meeting Sri Chinmoy in Feb 2006, Boris Purushottama Grebenshikov has developed a close relationship with Sri Chinmoy. There was a mutual appreciation between two kindred musical spirits. Purushottama, meaning “the one who is beyond all limitations”, is a spiritual name given by Sri Chinmoy. During his life in the West, Sri Chinmoy was also a prolific musician performing in over 800 concerts, including 6 at the Royal Albert Hall.

After first meeting Sri Chinmoy, Purushottama composed a song in honour of Sri Chinmoy, called “There are birds in the Garden”. Listen: “There are Birds in the Garden”

In September 2007, he performed a concert at the United Nations building in New York, a concert which Sri Chinmoy introduced. Listen to full performance at United Nations…

In this interview at Sri Chinmoy TV, Purushottama explains how meditation has inspired his musical output.

Interview with Boris Grebenshikov

Press play to start video (bottom left) needs Apple quick Time

• For details of Concert and to obtain free tickets visit Grebenshikov Concert

Earlier in the Month, a similar concert - Songs of the Soul was offered in New York, by many musicians including Philip Glass, Roberta Flack, Steve Gorn and Samir Chatterjee.

The American World Harmony Run began on April 10th, 2008.

The Torch, which will travel around the US, was symbolically lifted in front of the Statue of Liberty, New York. Sudhahota Carl Lewis was on hand to light the torch and run around the base of the statue.

Eric S Peterson gave a short address about the World Harmony Run and the symbolic importance of the Statue of Liberty, an important symbol of hope for the world. Peterson, closed with the words of World Harmony Run founder, Sri Chinmoy

“O Polestar Statue of Liberty!
Earth-heart’s pinnacle-Divinity.
America’s proudest Vision-pride-
Her Beauty’s cosmos-fragrance-ride-
Freedom-smile-bestower is your Soul.
World-peace-hunger’s
Nectar-flooded Goal.”

The runners, from many different countries, then ran a short distance of 4 miles to Dag Hammarskjold plaza outside the United Nations for the official opening ceremony.

Many people came to offer their good wishes for the World Harmony Run, before its epic travails through the US. Some of those who came to offer support for the run included: Billie Jean King, New York philanthropist Russell Simmons, Sister Madonna Buder, first lady of New York Diana Taylor and many others who kindly offered musical tributes.

For more details on the launch of the International World Harmony run, visit here: International Launch of World Harmony Run 

April 13th, 2008, marked the 44th anniversary of Sri Chinmoy’s arrival in the West. Sri Chinmoy arrived in New York, USA on April 13th 1964.

2008, was also the first celebration since Sri Chinmoy’s mahasamadhi in October 2007.

To commemorate the arrival of Sri Chinmoy in the West, for many years, disciples have taken part in a 12 hour race walk. I believe in earlier years, Sri Chinmoy himself took part in the 12 hour walk.

Many of Sri Chinmoy’s students were in New York for the celebrations. Also, those from other countries who could not travel, took part in events in their own countries. For example, disciples in Mongolia arranged a 12 hour walk, with 45 people participating.

Mongolia 12 Hour Walk

See more photos at Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Utpal Marshall gives an account of celebrations through his blog post on Departures Day

Picture top by: Sharani