Video #263: Concert in Plovdiv – Bhoiravi & Dolores

Experience a soulful musical journey from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on February 4, 2025. Violinist Bhoiravi and pianist Dolores offer a deeply meditative and uplifting performance, weaving melodies that awaken the heart and elevate the spirit. Let the music carry you to a place of peace, inspiration, and inner light.

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

News #13. Sri Chinmoy Culture-Light Award Presented to Roberta Flack

February 16, 2025 – Roberta Flack, the legendary singer, songwriter, and musician, was honored with the Sri Chinmoy Culture-Light Award in a special ceremony at her residence in New York. Recognized for her profound contributions to music and her ability to inspire millions worldwide, Roberta Flack received this prestigious award for her artistry and dedication to uplifting humanity through song.

Classically trained and celebrated as the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in two consecutive years, Flack has consistently used her exceptional talent to express deeply-felt messages that resonate across generations. Her music has encouraged listeners to explore their inner worlds while embracing the beauty of life.

Reflecting on her journey, Flack once shared, “I want to keep my feet on the ground and let my spirit soar.” This powerful sentiment was later set to music by Sri Chinmoy, the spiritual leader, composer, and humanitarian after whom the award is named.

The Sri Chinmoy Culture-Light Award, directed by Ranjana Ghose, celebrates individuals who illuminate the human mind through music, art, literature, statesmanship, and sport. Previous recipients include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Mikhail Gorbachev, and American composer Philip Glass. The award’s crystal features an etching of Sri Chinmoy’s world-harmony painting, Unity, adorned with his signature peace-bird drawings – symbols he frequently incorporated into his artistic and literary works to represent the soul’s boundless journey.

Alongside the award, Flack was presented with a certificate featuring the following poem by Sri Chinmoy, which beautifully encapsulates both her artistic vision and her life’s work:

God never encouraged me
To learn the world-denial-song.
On the contrary,
He inspired, encouraged
And blessed me
To sing the world-acceptance-song
And dance the world-transformation-dance.

– Sri Chinmoy

The ceremony also included a heartfelt birthday celebration for Roberta Flack, to whom the community extended warm wishes. A special slideshow, created by Vyakulata and Gesiane, beautifully highlighted the occasion.

With this recognition, Roberta Flack joins a distinguished list of honorees whose creativity and dedication continue to inspire and uplift the world. Her music remains a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the power of song to unite hearts and transcend boundaries.

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

Video #262: Reincarnation – The Journey of the Soul | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep. 05

In this episode of the Acceptance of Life podcast hosts Abhinabha and Vajin delve into the profound topic of reincarnation, exploring its implications on the journey of the soul. They discuss scientific perspectives, childhood memories of past lives, and the skepticism surrounding reincarnation. The conversation evolves into the purpose of existence, the evolution of consciousness, and the concept of a cosmic game that gives meaning to life. Through engaging anecdotes and philosophical insights, they invite listeners to reflect on the nature of existence and the journey of the soul. Abhinabha and Vajin further explore the concept of the cosmic game, discussing the nature of time, the balance of good and evil, and the importance of optimal difficulty in life’s challenges. They delve into the significance of stories in reflecting the cosmic game, the journey of reincarnation, and the nature of consciousness. The discussion also touches on panpsychism, the courage to incarnate, and the role of spiritual masters in guiding individuals towards enlightenment. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of finding meaning despite of suffering and the ongoing journey of awakening. Takeaways:

  • Reincarnation is a widely accepted concept in spirituality.
  • Children often have detailed memories of past lives.
  • Scientific research has documented cases of verified past life memories.
  • The soul’s journey involves experiencing itself through various forms of existence.
  • Skepticism towards reincarnation from religious beliefs.
  • The journey of the soul is to know itself fully in the material world.
  • The evolution of consciousness progresses through different life forms.
  • The cosmic game provides purpose and meaning to existence.
  • Suffering in life must have a worthwhile purpose in the cosmic game.
  • The hard problem of consciousness remains a significant philosophical question.
  • The universe has an infinite timeline for exploration.
  • Optimal difficulty in life enhances engagement and growth.
  • The balance of good and evil is essential for a meaningful existence.
  • Human stories often reflect the cosmic game of good versus evil.
  • The divine hides from us to make the game of life challenging.
  • Consciousness exists in all spheres of the universe.
  • Reincarnation allows for continuous spiritual growth across lifetimes.
  • Spiritual masters provide guidance for navigating life’s challenges.
  • Finding meaning in suffering can transform our experiences.
  • The journey of awakening is ongoing and requires active participation.

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

Week 199: I Love Singing

Songs:

– Asi Nai Ami Ei Dharanite
– I Have Not Come into this World Only to Cry
– Atiter Sathe Mitali Karite
– With the Past

Enjoy singing along with the audio recordings. These songs are composed by Sri Chinmoy and performed by his disciple Purnakama. Please click the links below to listen to or download the audio and song scores:

 

Lyrics:

1. Asi Nai Ami Ei Dharanite

Asi nai ami ei dharanite
Kandite kebal kandite
Esechi hethai amar amire
Prabhur charane sampite

Translation:

I have not come into this world
Only to cry and cry.
Into the world I came
To place my little ego-‘i’At my Lord’s Feet.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Song-Flowers, Part 2’ songbook


2. I Have Not Come into this World Only to Cry

I have not come into this world
Only to cry and cry.
Into the world I came
To place my little ego-‘i’At my Lord’s Feet.
Sri Chinmoy, ‘Song-Flowers, Part 2’ songbook


3. Atiter Sathe Mitali Karite

Atiter sathe mitali karite
Chahibona ami ar

Translation:

With the past I shall not
Make friends any more.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Song-Flowers, Part 2’ songbook


4. With the Past

With the past I shall not
Make friends any more.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Song-Flowers, Part 2’ 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 #261: TV Interview – Upcoming 26th Sri Chinmoy Marathon, Skopje

In this TV interview, the upcoming 26th Sri Chinmoy Marathon is celebrated as the longest-running marathon in Macedonia. Set in Skopje City Park on a scenic 1,739-meter loop, the event stands out with its frequent refreshment stations and has drawn a record 122 participants from 15 countries this year. Welcoming runners of all levels, including beginners, the marathon embodies the spirit of self-transcendence while honoring top finishers with well-deserved recognition.

Registration is open at srichinmoyraces.mk.

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 198: I Love Singing

Songs:

– Kandte Ami Chahi Prabhu
– I Wish to Cry, Lord
– Tomar Bijoy Gahite Dharai
– To Sing Your Victory-Song

Enjoy singing along with the audio recordings. These songs are composed by Sri Chinmoy and performed by his disciple Purnakama. Please click the links below to listen to or download the audio and song scores:

 

Lyrics:

1. Kandte Ami Chahi Prabhu

Kandte ami chahi prabhu
Haste chahina

Translation:

I wish to cry, Lord.
I do not want to smile.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Song-Flowers, Part 2’ songbook


2. I Wish to Cry, Lord

I wish to cry, Lord.
I do not want to smile.
Sri Chinmoy, ‘Song-Flowers, Part 2’ songbook


3. Tomar Bijoy Gahite Dharai

Tomar bijoy gahite dharai
Asiyachi ami jani

Translation:

To sing Your Victory-Song,
Into the world I came.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Song-Flowers, Part 2’ songbook


4. To Sing Your Victory-Song

To sing Your Victory-Song,
Into the world I came.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Song-Flowers, Part 2’ 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 #260: This Year Could Be The Last One – The Time Episode | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep. 04

In this episode of the Acceptance of Life podcast, Abhinabha Tangerman and Vajin delve into the complex nature of time, exploring how our perceptions shape our experiences and behaviors. They discuss the concept of the eternal now, the impact of self-awareness, and the dangers of delayed gratification. The conversation emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and how our actions today create the ripples of our past. They also touch on the balance between material and spiritual fulfillment, the journey of rediscovery, and the necessity of self-awareness in human experience. They further explore the themes of personal transformation, the impact of trauma, the importance of mindfulness, and the role of conscience in decision-making. How we as individuals need to take agency over our lives by making conscious choices in the present, regardless of past experiences. The dialogue also emphasizes the value of time, the necessity of being a generalist rather than a specialist, and the evolving nature of creativity in today’s society, where quantity often trumps quality.

Takeaways:

  • Time is a complex concept that influences our behavior.
  • Living in the present moment is essential for happiness.
  • Self-awareness can lead to both growth and suffering.
  • Delayed gratification often prevents us from enjoying life.
  • Our past is shaped by our present actions, not the other way around.
  • The fall from paradise symbolizes the journey to self-awareness.
  • We create suffering through anticipation of future problems.
  • Spiritual fulfillment is as important as material success.
  • Perfection is an ongoing process of self-improvement.
  • Children embody a natural state of being in the present.
  • Change your actions in the now to transform your past.
  • Trauma can affect present choices, but agency remains.
  • Mindfulness enhances decision-making and presence.
  • Conscience guides us toward better choices.
  • Living as if each year is your last can inspire action.
  • Being a generalist allows for a richer life experience.
  • Self-giving fosters community and connection.
  • Creativity today values quantity over quality.
  • Each moment is an opportunity for better choices.
  • The world is a great teacher if we pay attention.

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

News #12: Celebration at Ngurah Rai International Airport

On February 6, 2025, a special event took place at the Sri Chinmoy Peace Airport Garden in Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, celebrating the Oneness of Humanity. The gathering was filled with warmth and unity, beginning with heartfelt introductions, followed by a moving rendition of the national anthem. The Bina Vocalia Bali Children’s Choir then graced the audience with three beautiful songs composed by Sri Chinmoy.

The event featured inspiring speeches from key representatives of Sri Chinmoy Centres International and Ngurah Rai International Airport, as well as a touching presentation on the history of the Sri Chinmoy Peace Airport dedication.

Musical performances from international artists, showcasing compositions by Sri Chinmoy, added to the event’s beauty. The event also honored Bapak Wehyudi and Bapak Syaugi with Torch-Bearer Awards for their contributions to humanity. The celebration concluded with the Sri Chinmoy Choir singing the heartfelt ‘Thank You’ song, leaving everyone with a sense of peace and gratitude.

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

News #11: Self-Transcendence Lecture Series Inspires Runners and Community

On January 31, a captivating Self-Transcendence lecture was held in Oradea, Romania, led by Pushkar, attracting around 30 attendees, mainly runners. The session was well-received and ended with a calming 2-minute meditation and breathing exercise, leaving participants with a profound sense of peace.

The following Saturday morning, the momentum continued as a group of runners, including Adrian Papuc (2023 3100 Mile Race participant), gathered for a 2-mile run in a local park, starting with a meditation and recitation of one of Sri Chinmoy’s running poems.

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