Sri Chinmoy aphorism cards
At Sri Chinmoy Poetry, there is a new weekly blog offering a selection of quotes and poems by Sri Chinmoy. The quotes are embedded into beautiful photos, which have been taken from the Sri Chinmoy Gallery
The blog at Sri Chinmoy Poetry will offer new aphorism cards every week. Feel free to reproduce the images under a Creative Commons license.
Photographers include, Menaka, Sharani, Tejvan
Relatedphoto in current page, Menaka.
World's largest incense stick
On 27 August, Ashrita Furman and a team of friends constructed the world's largest incense stick and incense holder in honour of their teacher - Sri Chinmoy's birthday. The incense stick reached a height of 31 feet (9.45 meter), a circumference of 76 centimeter (beating the previous incense stick of 28.87 feet).
Ashrita, who is the holder of 163 current Guinness World Records, explained the choice of this record:
“We choose an incense stick to express our gratitude to our meditation teacher Sri Chinmoy, who would have been 82 on August 27th. He showed us a way to find inner peace and tranquility in a world of turmoil and stress.”
It took thirteen days to build the stick and incense holder; the team included 20 people, among them an engineer and incense expert Nikhil Divekar from Panaji (Goa) in India. The incense was Nag Champa fragrance and had to be put on in several layers to give it enough time to dry.
As a teenager Furman got inspired by Sri Chinmoy's philosophy of self-transcendence. Indian born Sri Chinmoy also set many records, such as writing 1,301 poems in 24 hours and composing 21,000 songs during his lifetime. Furman attributes his success at breaking records to meditation, which he has practiced daily for over 30 years. Meditation helps him keep his childlike spirit as well as his mental and physical power which is needed to continuously set world records. Ashrita started setting Guinness World Records 34 years ago and hasn't stopped yet. “Going beyond your every day capacity is such a fulfilling feeling. The day I break a record I’m just happy the whole day,” he says. “I'm trying to show others that our human capacity is unlimited, if we can truly believe in ourselves,”
The Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and in 37 languages and is one of the highest-selling books. More than 120 million copies were sold worldwide since its’ first publication in 1955.
photos: Apaguha
RelatedAustralian Peace Run finishes in Canberra
On 15th August, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run completed its epic, 3 month, 15,872 km journey around the continent of Australia.
The Peace Run began in April in Canberra, and over the past 3 months, a team of international runners have run clockwise around Australia visiting all the major cities, such as Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney . Along the way they have met many people who have participated in this endeavour to promote peace and goodwill.
Peace, universal peace, Is definitely within the reach Of all.
- Sri Chinmoy[1]
At the closing ceremony in Canberra, Prachar Stegemann offered these words on the meaning of the run.
"Sri Chinmoy founded the Peace Run in 1987, as a dynamic expression of our eternal journey towards a better world.
"Here we are talking about peace, yet through talking we do not achieve peace. Let us rather enjoy a minute's pure silence to embrace peace, to imagine inside our hearts that perfect world where love, joy and oneness reign supreme... [one minute of silent meditation followed]
"Everything valuable starts in our hearts and in imagination – world peace is no different. If we can imagine a perfect world, then rest assured, that perfect world is just around the corner.
"Sri Chinmoy used to say that if we look at the moon we can either appreciate, love and claim its beauty, or we can analyse and deplore its spots and imperfections.
"In the world around us, we can find many weaknesses and faults if we look for them. Yet carrying this Torch of hope all the way around this vast continent, we have encountered a world of astonishing beauty, blossoming joy, beaming smiles and wide open hearts. (more on Peace Run closing ceremony)
During the journey around Australia, the Peace Run team visited many schools to give schoolchildren the opportunity to participate in the Peace Run.
[1] My Christmas-New Year-Vacation Aspiration-Prayers, Part 52, Agni Press (2007) - Source »
New world music store in Dublin
The latest branch of Gandharva Loka - world music stores inspired by Sri Chnmoy's philosophy - has just been opened in Dublin's Temple Bar district.
The store is filled with instruments from all over the world, with instruments for beginners and experienced players alike.
Sri Chinmoy felt that music was a universal way to bring peace and hapiness into the world.
In the spiritual world, next to meditation is music, the breath of music. Meditation is silence, energising and fulfilling. Silence is the eloquent expression of the inexpressible. - Sri Chinmoy
Happiness exhibition in Zurich
In Zurich a happiness exhibition at the Vegelateria restaurant offered some insights into the quest for peace and happiness.
The exhibition was inspired by the recent publication of a book called “The Jewels of Happiness”. The book was written by author, creative artist and renowned peace visionary Sri Chinmoy; it offers timeless wisdom and simple exercises for readers of all backgrounds. The complete audio book was released on March 12th with a launch on March 19th in New York City. Luminaries from all walks of life reach read a chapter from The Jewels of Happiness – including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Addwitiya Roberta Flack, Narada Michael Walden and Sudhahota Carl Lewis! Perfectly suited to our fast-paced lifestyles, The Jewels of Happiness includes short, insightful sections full of uplifting wisdom, charming aphorisms and easy to learn exercises. Each section stands on its own-with the entire book forming a tapestry of inspiration. “You can have the most joy just by imagining a child infinitely more beautiful than any child that you have seen in this world,” writes Sri Chinmoy. “You have inside you a child who is infinitely more beautiful. Just imagine it. While imagining it, you will get utmost joy.” Each of the 13 chapters in The Jewels of Happiness is on a different theme, such as peace, joy, patience, enthusiasm, sincerity, love, self-giving, humility, compassion, self-transcendence, simplicity and forgiveness.
A.W. Dänzer at the opening of the “Happiness” Exhibition in Zurich
At the opening of the exhibition there was also a screening of the film “happy” by Roko Belic. The movie takes us on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in search of what really makes people happy. Combining real life stories of people from around the world and powerful interviews with the leading scientists in happiness research, the film explores the secrets behind our most valued emotion.
Viewers’ Comments: “Happy is one of those movies that will make you a better person for having seen it! An excellent, thought provoking movie that will grab your attention and your heart. This should be required viewing for everyone… There is a well done piece also about what doesn’t make kid’s happy. A great movie that will warm your heart, stir your soul and hopefully make you think about a practical application in your own life.”
“Important movie for the young. This is a movie where the subject matter is far more important than the quality of the movie itself (which is good). Had I received messages like this when I was young, I am sure I would have made fewer mistakes. Young persons understand that happiness is a life goal but they are often confused among conflicting messages on how to get there. By illustrating those who have achieved happiness as well as those who have not, the movie could potentially be very useful in helping young people make responsible and fulfilling life choices. So hopefully this little movie will be recognized as a motivational tool for the young and used in our classrooms and in other venues where teens might be receptive to its message.” “Amazing. This film will make you happy! What an amazing feeling I had after watching this film. Film may not be the correct term in describing this passion project of genius, Roko Belic… I think the word experience is apt. Funded and executive produced by comedy directing legend Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura, Evan Almighty), Mr. Belic takes us around the globe in a search for what it means to be happy…and we find it! It is hard to put into words what he has accomplished in this riveting and eye-opening documentary, but we see and feel that true happiness is pretty easy to attain. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor.”The exhibition will be on display in Zurich until October 17th 2013.
- Kedar Misani
Related Jewels of HappinessStatue of Sri Chinmoy in Ipswich
Recently a statue of Sri Chinmoy holding a Peace Torch was dedicated at Chantery Park, Ipswich; the statue was a gift from the Oneness-Home Peace Run, and marked the culmination of a week long Peace Run from Cardiff to Ipswich.
Sri Chinmoy visited Ipswich on two occasions, in the the 1980s and 1990s, and the city is a member of the Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossoms programme. Several athletic events have also been offered by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in Ipswich over the years.
The organiser of the event, Martin Spettigue commented that:
“We want to offer something that will inspire people to think more and more about peace and to understand how important peace is to an individual.”
The Mayor of Ipswich offered his gratitude to the Peace Run team for kindly offering this symbol of peace and said it would be a great asset to Chantery Park.
During the ceremony, the Peace Run offered a 'Harmony Torch Bearer Award' to the Reverend Clifford Reed (a poet, artist, and Unitarian Minister for 36 years.) The 'Harmony Torch Bearer Award' is a recognition for individuals who have selfless offered a positive contribution to their local communities . The Reverend Clifford Reed was honoured, amongst other achievements, for his sterling work in bringing different religions together. He was a founder member and chairman of the Ipswich interfaith movement. He is also a leading poet, and writer.
The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run is an international event which seeks to promote peace and harmony across the world. Since its inception in 1987, it has travelled through many countries and given thousands of people the opportunity to participate in offering a wish for world peace.
This year, the British Peace Run, began in Cardiff and travelled across the country through Bristol, Oxford and Cambridge before arriving in Ipswich. The Peace Run started with the Mayor of Cardiff offering a message of goodwill to the other mayors along the way.
Successful Channel Swim
On the 27th of July, Adriano Passini completed the 43rd successful English Channel crossing by a member of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon in a time of 11 hours 10 minutes. It was the first successful crossing by a Brazilian member of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.
Adriano began his swim in the very early hours of the morning at 02:37. Conditions proved to be a mixture of warm sea temperatures, rain, mist, and thunderstorms. Adriano had to also contend with jellyfish and large sea vessels. However, as he approached the French coast, 11 hours later, weather conditions became favourable. Adriano was supported by a dedicated boat and his two main helpers Ashirvad Zaiantchick and Karteek Clarke (a veteran of 10 channel crossings himself) - his helpers proudly mentioned that Adriano never complained, but cheerfully stuck to the task in hand.
Adriano has been dreaming of achieving this swim for the past couple of years. Recently, he has competed a few long swims in preparation; this included the Zurich Lake Self-Transcendence Marathon Swim, a 26km race organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.
Sri Chinmoy encouraged his students to swim the channel, saying it offered a great challenge for individual self-transcendence.
"The English Channel frightens the human body. The English Channel challenges the human vital. The English Channel puzzles the human mind. The English Channel invites the human heart. The English Channel treasures the human soul. " [1] - Sri Chinmoy
"When we are inspired, we try to swim the English Channel. When we are inspired, we go from one country to another country to inspire people and to be inspired by them. I feel that when we inspire humanity, we automatically become good citizens of the world. This is my philosophy." [2]
- Sri Chinmoy
Reporting by: Patanga Cordeiro (Brazil)
Related- Channel Swimming at Sri Chinmoy Races
[1] Unsourced
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