Video #359: Epic Moments from Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

The Lake Zurich Marathon Swim once again took place in the summer of 2026, continuing a long tradition of open-water endurance on one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. This video offers viewers a chance to experience the spirit of this classic event. The 38th International Sri Chinmoy Marathon Swim was held on Sunday, 19 July 2026. Athletes covered the traditional 26 km course from Rapperswil to Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen in Zurich under warm summer conditions with water temperatures around 25 °C.

Overview of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Thirty-six solo swimmers and 26 relay participants from 17 nations took part in this year’s edition. The event remains one of the longest continuously held open-water marathon swims in Europe and is widely respected for both its physical challenge and its supportive atmosphere. Organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1987, the race emphasises personal achievement, mutual encouragement and the joy of participation rather than pure competition alone.

Ideal Conditions on the Lake

Warm water and pleasant weather created favourable conditions for the long crossing. The scenic route follows the length of Lake Zurich, offering views of the surrounding landscape, towns and mountains. Swimmers must manage pacing, feeding strategies and navigation over many hours while supported by kayakers and escort boats. The finish at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen is always a special moment for athletes, crews and spectators.

Notable Performances in 2026

Several strong results stood out in the 2026 edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim. The Czech disciple relay team of Pataka, Viharin and Peter completed the 26 km in 10:20. Vasanti, aged 69, successfully finished her 11th solo crossing in 12:08 and received warm recognition for this outstanding consistency. Andrea, a multiple champion of the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race, completed his eighth solo swim in an impressive 8:49. These achievements reflect the spirit of self-transcendence that characterises every Sri Chinmoy sporting event.

The Atmosphere of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has organised this event for nearly four decades. The race is known for its friendly atmosphere, careful organisation and emphasis on inner progress alongside outer achievement. Swimmers of many nationalities come together each year to test their limits on the waters of Lake Zurich. The combination of athletic challenge and supportive community makes the event unique among open-water classics.

Why the Course Remains Special

The 26 km point-to-point route from Rapperswil to Zurich presents both physical and mental demands. Athletes must maintain focus, manage energy and adapt to changing conditions over a long period. The scenic Swiss landscape and the historic start and finish locations provide a memorable setting. Reaching the finish line after many hours in the water is always a rewarding experience for participants of every level.

Official Results and Photos

Full results and race information are available on the official Swiss Sri Chinmoy Races website.

Additional photographs and documentation from recent editions can be found through the Sri Chinmoy Races network. Previous race reports and image galleries help place the 2026 performances within the longer history of the event.

Preparation and the Deeper Side of Marathon Swimming

Successful completion of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim requires careful preparation. Athletes typically build long continuous swims, practise feeding and pacing strategies, and train in open water whenever possible. Mental preparation is equally important — staying calm, focused and positive over many hours is essential for a strong finish. Beyond the physical challenge, events of this kind offer participants an opportunity to experience self-transcendence, inner strength and the simple joy of moving through water for extended periods.

Looking Ahead

The 38th edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim on 19 July 2026 was another successful chapter in this long-running tradition. Warm water, solid performances and a positive community atmosphere combined to create a memorable day. Congratulations to all solo swimmers, relay athletes, volunteers and organisers who made the event possible.

Explore More

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 #358: Inspiring Opening of the 3100 Mile Race 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

The 3100 Mile Race 2026 has begun, and this video captures the spirit, determination, and quiet intensity of the world’s longest certified road race. Held once again in Jamaica, Queens, New York, the 30th annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race started on 30 August 2026 and will continue until mid-to-late October. Runners must complete 5,649 laps of a 0.5488-mile (883-metre) city block around Thomas Edison High School, averaging nearly 60 miles (96 km) every day for up to 52 days.

What Makes the 3100 Mile Race 2026 Unique

Unlike conventional ultramarathons that take place on trails or closed courses, the 3100 Mile Race 2026 unfolds on ordinary city streets while traffic and daily life continue around the athletes. The course is a simple rectangle bounded by 164th Place, Abigail Adams Avenue, 168th Street and the Grand Central Parkway. Runners move from 6 a.m. until midnight every day, returning to the same short loop thousands of times.

This format tests far more than physical endurance. It demands extraordinary mental focus, emotional resilience and the ability to find meaning in repetition. Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the race, described the challenge as a laboratory of self-transcendence — the continuous effort to go beyond one’s previous limits.

The 2026 Field of Runners

This year’s field includes several experienced multi-day runners and promising first-timers. Returning champion Andrea Marcato of Italy arrives with six consecutive victories (2020–2025). Can he make it seven in a row? Also on the start line is Vasu Duzhiy, a multiple winner and one of the most prolific finishers in race history with 13 completions. Other notable participants include Wei-Ming Lo (Taiwan), Radu Budan (Moldova), Stutisheel Lebedev (Ukraine), Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (Slovakia), and Prashant Pethe (India).

In the women’s field, Annabel Hepworth (Australia), Nina Huang-Lan Yang (Taiwan/Japan), Nayaja Perugini (Italy). The presence of both seasoned veterans and newcomers adds depth and drama to the 3100 Mile Race 2026.

Early Days and the Daily Reality

In the opening days of the 3100 Mile Race 2026, runners have already begun settling into the unique rhythm of the event. Andrea Marcato has set a strong early pace, while others have chosen a more measured approach, knowing that consistency over seven weeks is more important than any single big day. Temperatures, humidity, and the mental challenge of the repetitive loop all play major roles.

Helpers and volunteers support the athletes with food, drink, clothing changes and encouragement. Many runners also receive quiet inspiration from the Sri Chinmoy community, who sing, meditate and offer presence along the course.

Looking Back: Previous Competitions and Results

The history of the race provides powerful context for the current edition.

  • 2025 Results (29th edition):
    1. Andrea Marcato – 46 days + 16:19:10
    2. Vasu Duzhiy – 48 days + 04:57:52
    3. Mahasatya Janczak – 48 days + 14:37:45
      Full results and daily totals: 2025 Results
  • 2024 Results: Andrea Marcato won again in 43 days + 03:04:06, followed by Ashprihanal Aalto and Wei-Ming Lo.
    See the complete list: 2024 Final Results
  • Complete Historical Results (1997–2025): All Previous Results

Photos and daily documentation from past years remain an essential part of the race’s living archive. Excellent galleries can be found at:

These resources show the evolution of the event, the growth of the athletes, and the quiet beauty that surrounds the extreme effort.

The Spiritual Dimension of Self-Transcendence

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) created the race not merely as a physical contest but as a vehicle for inner progress. He believed that by pushing the body far beyond ordinary limits, the runner could awaken deeper capacities of the heart and soul. The name “Self-Transcendence” is therefore both descriptive and aspirational.

Runners often speak of the race as a form of moving meditation. The endless looping of the same short block becomes a mirror. Many participants report profound personal insights that remain with them long after the final lap.

Why the 3100 Mile Race Continues to Inspire

Only a few dozen people in history have ever finished the full 3,100 miles. The event remains one of the rarest achievements in endurance sport. Media outlets including the New York Times, BBC, Wall Street Journal and Runner’s World have covered it over the years, often describing it as the “Everest of ultramarathons.”

Yet the race is not about fame. It is about the daily decision to continue — one more lap, one more hour, one more day — when every part of the body and mind asks to stop. That quiet heroism is what Video #358 and the entire 3100 Mile Race 2026 seek to share.

How to Follow the Race Live

Official race website with live scoreboard, daily updates and webcams:

3100.srichinmoyraces.org

Daily reports and videos appear regularly on the Perfection Journey site and the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team channels.

Whether you are a long-time follower of multi-day running or discovering the event for the first time, the 3100 Mile Race 2026 offers a powerful reminder of human possibility. The runners circling that ordinary Queens block are demonstrating, day after day, that limits exist largely in the mind — and that the heart can always reach further.

Explore More

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

O My Heart #34: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Tanima

Posted on by Yatkara

Welcome to this series sharing four beautiful songs from Sri Chinmoy’s “O My Heart” collection. Sri Chinmoy wrote thousands of heartfelt songs full of hope, thanks, and inner light. They’re simple melodies that speak straight to your heart, helping you feel calm, peaceful, and a little brighter – whether you’re meditating, relaxing, or just going about your day.

These songs from “O My Heart” carry that gentle, uplifting feeling. Tanima, a longtime student of Sri Chinmoy and one of the early singers in his community, performs them here with real warmth and care. Her gentle, soulful voice makes each song feel alive and easy to connect with.

You can just listen quietly, hum along, or let the melodies play softly in the background — they bring a soft, happy lift to your day.

Songs

  • Borobudurer Bhiti Stapan
  • Brahma Vishnu Shib
  • Chahi Kichu Sabar Kache
  • Chahina Jiban Chahina Maran

Listen & Learn

You can learn by watching the notation while listening, follow along with the melody, or download both the audio and the PDF scores for your personal practice. Everything is available for free, so you can learn at your own pace and enjoy the music more deeply. Use the links below to easily listen to the audio, download the recordings, and view or download the PDF sheet music for your convenience:

Track1
Track2
Track3
Track4
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Borobudurer Bhiti Stapan

Borobudurer bhiti stapan
Buddha deber kripar plaban
Moitri dipti shanti tripti
Nai hetha nai nishar supti

Composed on Dec. 24th, 1987
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Japan: The Morning Sun of the World’ songbook


2. Brahma Vishnu Shib

Brahma, Vishnu, Shib
Ami achetan jib
Durga, Kamala, Kali
Kothai arghya thali
Kartik, Ganapati
Dao more dhrira mati

Translation:

Brahma, Vishnu, Shib!
An unconscious creatue am I.
Durga, Kamala, Kali!
Where is my aspiration-dedication-bowl?
Kartik, Ganapati!
Do surcharge my mind with firm determination.

Composed on Aug. 27th, 1978
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Bela Chale Jai’ songbook


3. Chahi Kichu Sabar Kache

Chahi kichu sabar kache chahi kichu
Taito kari sabar paye mata nichu

Translation:

I desire something
From everybody, I desire.
Therefore, I bow my head
At the feet of all and sundry.

Composed on Aug. 27th, 1978
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Bela Chale Jai’ songbook


4. Chahina Jiban Chahina Maran

Chahina jiban chahina maran
Chahi shudhu taba abhoy charan
Chahi shudhu mama hiya krandan
Tomar ichchha hauk puran

Translation:

I do not want life.
I do not want death.
I want to have only Your Feet
That destroy all my fear.
I want to have a crying heart.
May Your Will always be fulfilled.

Composed on Fall, 1980
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Journey’s Goal, Part 12b’ 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.

© 2026 Sri Chinmoy Centre

O My Heart #33: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Tanima

Posted on by Yatkara

Welcome to this series sharing four beautiful songs from Sri Chinmoy’s “O My Heart” collection. Sri Chinmoy wrote thousands of heartfelt songs full of hope, thanks, and inner light. They’re simple melodies that speak straight to your heart, helping you feel calm, peaceful, and a little brighter – whether you’re meditating, relaxing, or just going about your day.

These songs from “O My Heart” carry that gentle, uplifting feeling. Tanima, a longtime student of Sri Chinmoy and one of the early singers in his community, performs them here with real warmth and care. Her gentle, soulful voice makes each song feel alive and easy to connect with.

You can just listen quietly, hum along, or let the melodies play softly in the background — they bring a soft, happy lift to your day.

Featured this time:

Songs

  • Bidai Bela Hiyar Khela
  • Biraher Giti Barai Madhur Jani Biraher Giti
  • Bidhata Tomai Karechhe Baran
  • Biraher Giti Geye Chira Birahere Peyechi

Listen & Learn

You can learn by watching the notation while listening, follow along with the melody, or download both the audio and the PDF scores for your personal practice. Everything is available for free, so you can learn at your own pace and enjoy the music more deeply. Use the links below to easily listen to the audio, download the recordings, and view or download the PDF sheet music for your convenience:

Track1
Track2
Track3
Track4
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Bidai Bela Hiyar Khela

Bidai bela hiyar khela
Ebar suru habe
Premer nishan urbe aji
Bandhan hara nabhe
Rabi shashi amar chetan
Asimatar gopan ratan
Bishwa prabhur charana khani
Dur amarar ashish bani
Mukti plaban sudha niloy
Jukta moder bhabe

Translation:

It is farewell-time.
The play of the heart will now begin.
The banner of Divine Love will fly today
In the boundless sky.
The sun, the moon,
The deathless consciousness,
Infinity’s secret wealth,
The World-Lord’s very Feet,
Far Heaven’s Blessing-Message,
The flood of liberation,
The Abode of Divine Nectar,
All will be united in the heart of our world.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Garden of Love-Light, part 1’ songbook


2. Biraher Giti Barai Madhur Jani Biraher Giti

Biraher giti barai madhur jani biraher giti
Biraha ante labhibe jiban nabin ushar priti

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Kalpana Rath — Imagination Chariot’ songbook


3. Bidhata Tomai Karechhe Baran

Bidhata tomai karechhe baran
Tai nai bandhan
Dhara adharai tumi mahajan
Ami heya abhajan

Translation:

The Lord Supreme has accepted you
As His very own.
Therefore, on earth and in Heaven
You are great, very great.
But I am a man of no consequence
Because God has not accepted me.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Seventy Rosebuds’ songbook


4. Biraher Giti Geye Chira Birahere Peyechi

Biraher giti geye
Chira birahere peyechhi
Milaner hasi hese
Chira milanere bendechhi
Swapane swarup dekhe
Swarupere bhalobesechhi
Bastabe ami din Mor dinatare henechhi

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Journey’s Goal, Part 4’ 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.

© 2026 Sri Chinmoy Centre

O My Heart #32: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Tanima

Posted on by Yatkara

Welcome to this series sharing four beautiful songs from Sri Chinmoy’s “O My Heart” collection. Sri Chinmoy wrote thousands of heartfelt songs full of hope, thanks, and inner light. They’re simple melodies that speak straight to your heart, helping you feel calm, peaceful, and a little brighter – whether you’re meditating, relaxing, or just going about your day.

These songs from “O My Heart” carry that gentle, uplifting feeling. Tanima, a longtime student of Sri Chinmoy and one of the early singers in his community, performs them here with real warmth and care. Her gentle, soulful voice makes each song feel alive and easy to connect with.

You can just listen quietly, hum along, or let the melodies play softly in the background — they bring a soft, happy lift to your day.

Featured this time:

Songs

  • Bhuler Anta Nai Je Amar
  • Bhulite Diyona Prabhu
  • Bhulite Diyona Tomar Charan

Listen & Learn

You can learn by watching the notation while listening, follow along with the melody, or download both the audio and the PDF scores for your personal practice. Everything is available for free, so you can learn at your own pace and enjoy the music more deeply. Use the links below to easily listen to the audio, download the recordings, and view or download the PDF sheet music for your convenience:

Track1
Track2
Track3
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Bhuler Anta Nai Je Amar

Bhuler anta nai je amar
Bhuler anta nai
Mithya dainya kuruper glani
Sabiy je ami chai
Asim kripai tabu tumi more
Nirabadhi basa bhalo
Hutashan jwele antare mor
Tumiy ghuchabe kalo

Translation:

There is no end to my mistakes,
No end to falsehood,
Destitute in darkness and disgrace
I am totally lost.
Yet Your boundless Compassion
still loves me.
It burns the flame of aspiration
And wants to illumine my agelong darkness.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Pole-Star Promise-Light, Part 4’ songbook


2. Bhulite Diyona Prabhu

Bhulite diyona prabhu
Jadi ami bhule jai kabhu
Tibra bedane jagabe amai
Bhulite diyona kabhu
Bedanar tape jadi bhule jai
Maraner ghum jadi kabhu pai
Amar parashe jagabe amai
Bhulite diyona kabhu
Smarane manane thakio amar
Chahibar mato nahi kichhu ar
Shesh anurodh janabo tomare tabu
Bhulite diyona prabhu

Translation:

Lord, allow me not to forget You.
If ever I forget You,
Do torture my heart ruthlessly.
If excruciating pangs shall compel me
To forget You,
Do awaken me with Your infinite Compassion.
My Lord,
If ever the sleep of death attacks me,
Do come and protect me.
Do remain inside my sleeping heart.
I have not asked You for anything
Meaningful and fruitful.
Do allow me not to forget You.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘Illumination-Song and Liberation-Dance, Part 1’ songbook


3. Bhulite Diyona Tomar Charan

Bhulite diyona tomar charan
Bhulite diyona tomar nayan
Bhulite diyona tomar bachan
Bhulite diyona tomar swapan
Amar jibane amar marane
Ogo mor prananath   
Laho laho pranipat
Bhulite diyone bhulite diyona bhulite diyona

Translation:

My Lord Absolute Supreme,
Do not allow me to forget Your Feet.
Do not allow me to forget Your Eye.
Do not allow me to forget Your Message.
Do not allow me to forget Your Dream.
In my life and in my death,
O Lord of my heart,
Do accept my prayerful obeisance.
My Lord, do not allow me to forget You.
Do not allow me to forget You, do not.

– Sri Chinmoy, ‘One Thousand Lotus Petals, Part 1’ 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.

© 2026 Sri Chinmoy Centre