About 53 years ago on April 13, 1964 Sri Chinmoy came to New York. Since then he tirelessly dedicated his life for the world peace and to the fulfilment of the unlimited potential of the human spirit. A prolific author, poet, artist and musician, an avid athlete, a respected spiritual leader and a devoted humanitarian, Sri Chinmoy- who left his body in 2007- continues to inspire and encourage countless people around the world through his creative endeavours, through innovative peace activities, and through the example of his own life. In about 1600 books of essays, poetry, short stories and answers to the spiritual questions Sri Chinmoy conveys the richness and diversity of the quest for peace and self-discovery. Sri Chinmoy offered hundreds of inspiring talks at the world’s most prestigious universities such as Harvard, Princeton, Oxford. Sri Chinmoy composed more than 21,000 spiritual songs which in their lyrics and melodies explore the length and breadth of the aspiring human experience.
In more than 700 Peace Concerts at places such as Royal Albert Hall in London and around the world he expressed humanities aspiration for inner and outer peace. Sri Chinmoy performed on a dozen or more instruments in concert. Sri Chinmoy created a vast outpouring of art. His paintings continue to give people joy and inspiration at galleries worldwide. He named it Fountain Art to signify the art flowing from the source. He also drew a very large number of peace-bird drawings which symbolize the peace and freedom of the soul. Through all his activities he was conveying the message of Oneness of humanity.
In the spring of 1970, at the invitation of then United Nations SecretaryGeneral U Thant, Sri Chinmoy began conducting twice-weekly Peace Meditation for UN delegates and staff. Sri Chinmoy, The Peace Meditation at the United Nations, as the group is known. This group sponsors a series of programmes, lectures and concerts to promote world peace. The aim of UN and the aim of spirituality are one and the same. That is Oneness.
At a time when inter religious strife seems insurmountable, the simplicity and power of Sri Chinmoys message of oneness amongst the faiths is very relevant. Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to building bridges among faiths. Sri Chinmoys dedication to fostering peace in the aspiring heart of humanity continues through the work of Sri Chinmoy Meditation Centres in more than 60 countries. These centres around the world are composed of individuals who seek to cultivate peace, harmony and goodwill. They offer thousands of meditation classes always free of charge. Through Oneness Heart Tears and Smile the humanitarian assistance programme they are uplifting countless poor and needy people worldwide.
In 1987 Sri Chinmoy founded the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run. The longest relay run for peace going through more than 140 countries and bringing together millions of people from different culture, background and beliefs in the spirit of friendship and harmony. Since 1986, more than 900 landmarks and places around the world have been dedicated to peace as a part of the Sri Chinmoy Peace –Blossoms. Founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1976, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team holds a few hundred athletic events around the world annually, including marathons, ultra marathons, bicycle races, swimming races etc.
Sri Chinmoy has received numerous awards, proclamations and honorary degrees such as Gandhi Peace Award received jointly with Coretta Scot King, Martin Luther King wife. Nehru Medallion, UNESCO, Paris, Presidential Medallion, Slovakia, Gold Medal in Literature etc. Sri Chinmoy was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize by person such as Desmond Tutu. He was nominated for Nobel Prize in literature too. Sri Chinmoy met many world leaders and inspired them for peace. He met President Gorbachev more than 20 times.
- I salute Sri Chinmoy for his sustained efforts in mobilizing worldwide opinion for the noble cause of peace and harmony. – A. B. Vajpayee.
- What you are doing is in the interest of the entire humanity and the world. – Nelson Mandela.
- Your deeds are invaluable, for they cannot be measured by any economic or political parameters; they are noble and cure the human soul. M. Gorbachev.
- I keep you in my prayer and I count on your continual support through your prayers and sacrifices. – Mother Teresa. For more information see, www.srichinmoy.org
