Category: Sri Chinmoy

News #119: Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile Celebrates 40 Years in London

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On 15 March 1986, Sri Chinmoy personally inaugurated the world’s first Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile

Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile Celebrates 40 Years

On Sunday, 15 March, several students from the London Sri Chinmoy Centre gathered in Battersea Park to meditate and walk the Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile, marking its 40th anniversary.

Exactly 40 years earlier, on 15 March 1986, Sri Chinmoy personally inaugurated the world’s first Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile in the same park and walked its path that day. 

The weather on this anniversary was glorious — bright and uplifting. The group followed in Sri Chinmoy’s footsteps, walking the measured one-mile loop with a sense of gratitude and quiet joy.

From Quiet Beginnings to a Vibrant Running Spot

In 1986, recreational running was still in its infancy among the general public. Today, Battersea Park was teeming with runners of all levels. It was wonderful to see how the park has become a popular place for fitness and outdoor activity.

Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile Celebrates 40 Years in London

This transformation is due in no small part to Sri Chinmoy’s inspiration. He encouraged people to combine physical exercise with inner peace and aspiration. The Battersea Park Peace Mile continues to serve as a dedicated space where runners and walkers can enjoy a measured mile while connecting with the ideal of peace.

The path runs through beautiful surroundings near the River Thames and close to the Buddhist Peace Pagoda, creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

The Inspirational Message

Run and become.
Become and run.
Run to succeed in the outer world.
Become to proceed in the inner world.

– Sri Chinmoy, Run and become, become and run, part 2, Agni Press, New York, 1979

This powerful message beautifully captures the spirit of the Peace Mile — balancing outer achievement with inner growth.

Lasting Legacy of the Peace Mile

The Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile was created as a blessingful gift and a place where people could run or walk while remembering the ideals of peace. Forty years later, thousands of Londoners have used this loop for exercise and reflection.

This anniversary walk reminded everyone of Sri Chinmoy’s vision: offering simple, accessible spaces that support both physical fitness and inner aspiration.

The celebration was simple yet meaningful — a quiet but powerful way to honour four decades of inspiration in the heart of London.

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

News #117: The Surprising Story of Kouros & Sri Chinmoy

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Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy

The world of ultrarunning is often a mirror for our inner journey. Recently, the prominent Russian magazine Marathoner (reaching 40,000 subscribers) published a major feature on the legendary Greek runner Yiannis Kouros. The article beautifully highlights the historic bond between Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s vision of Self-Transcendence, showing how the outer world of sports can perfectly reflect the inner world of the spirit.

A Life of Self-Transcendence: Who is Yiannis Kouros?

Yiannis Kouros is widely regarded as the most prolific ultradistance runner in history. With over 150 world records, his achievements are a testament to what a human being can do when they move beyond the limitations of the physical mind. He competed in distances ranging from 100 km to a staggering 1,000 miles (1,609 km).

For Kouros, running was never just about the body. He was famous for entering a deep, meditative state that allowed him to continue long after his physical strength should have been exhausted. He proved that when we reach deep within ourselves, we find a reservoir of energy that the mind cannot explain.

Finding Harmony: Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s Philosophy

The Marathoner feature explores why Kouros was drawn to the races organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT). The connection between Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s races was built on a shared understanding that running is a form of spiritual practice.

Sri Chinmoy, who ran many marathons and ultramarathons himself, saw the track as a place to manifest the soul’s potential.

This philosophy became the foundation for hundreds of races worldwide, including the iconic 3100-Mile Race. For Kouros, these events weren’t just competitions; they were opportunities to manifest the power of the inner will.

The 24-Hour World Record in New York

In 1984, Kouros returned to New York to participate in the Sri Chinmoy 24-Hour Race. It remains one of the most historic performances in the history of the sport:

  • World Record: 284 km in 24 hours.
  • Inner Focus: During the race, he also broke the records for 100 miles and 200 km.
  • The Witness: Observers described his running as “breathtaking,” noting how he moved with incredible speed while appearing completely absorbed in a state of inner peace.

The “Hurricane Race”: Inner Strength Against the Storm

One of the most remarkable stories in the history of Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s races took place during Hurricane Gloria. While most of New York was shut down due to 40 mph winds and torrential rain, the SCMT 24-hour race continued.

Sri Chinmoy himself was there to give the start. Despite the extreme weather, Kouros ran 286.463 km, setting yet another world record. It was a vivid demonstration that the peace and determination we find within can overcome any outer obstacle.

Legendary Achievements and the Spartathlon

Kouros first gained international attention at the Spartathlon (246 km from Athens to Sparta).

  • 1983 Breakthrough: He finished in 21h 53m, a time so fast that many found it hard to believe.
  • The Record: He eventually improved his time to 20h 25m, a record that stood for 39 years.

His multi-day feats are equally extraordinary:

  • 6-Day Race (New York): 1,022 km world record.
  • Sydney to Melbourne (~960 km): He won by a full day’s margin.
  • 1,000-Mile Race (New York): 10 days, 10 hours, and 30 minutes.

A Mind-Over-Matter Approach

Kouros’s training was very different from most modern athletes. He often ran only about 12 km a day, believing that the real secret to endurance was mental and spiritual strength rather than high mileage. He famously believed that after 100 km, everyone suffers the same; the difference lies in the ability to control the mind and let the inner spirit guide the feet.

A Lasting Legacy

It is deeply inspiring to see mainstream media like Marathoner recognize the connection between Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy. It reminds us all that we are not just physical beings, but spiritual seekers on a journey of constant self-transcendence.

Link to original article (Russian): Marathoner Magazine Feature

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

News #97: Sydney’s Royal National Park Trail Magic 2025 – New Records!

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Royal National Park Trail 2025 – joyful run under Sydney sunshine

The Royal National Park delivered its famous magic once again on Sunday, 16 November 2025. Just 32 km south of Sydney, Australia’s oldest national park welcomed runners for the classic Sri Chinmoy marathon, half-marathon, 10 km and 5 km trail races. Perfect spring weather, friendly volunteers and breathtaking scenery created the special feeling that makes this event so loved.

5 km – Young Stars Steal the Show

Xavier Brown (U17) flew to a new course record of 18:47. Twelve-year-old Emma Felsman smashed a 9-year-old record with 22:35 and finished 3rd overall – beating her father Marcus by 43 seconds!

Half-Marathon & 10 km Highlights

Greta Truscott dominated the women’s half-marathon in 1:31:28, while Matthew Geleta led the men in 1:20:40. Veteran runner Qiang Richard Zhang set a stunning new M60-69 record of 1:39:11.

Marathon – Running Together, Finishing Together

Luke Jeffery led the men in 3:03:46, and Alexandra Dunn-Delvaen took the women’s title in 3:42:49. The day’s most touching moment came when Nadene Sermon and her son Jared crossed the line together in 5:12:57.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team – 50 Years of Self-Transcendence Around the World

These races are organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT), founded in 1977 by spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy himself. What began as a handful of runners in New York has grown into one of the world’s largest independent race organisations, staging over 500 events each year across more than 30 countries.

From the iconic Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race in New York (the world’s longest certified footrace) to peaceful park runs in London, Tokyo, Zurich, Bali and Auckland, the SCMT offers distances from 2 miles to multi-day ultras. Every event is run completely by volunteers and carries Sri Chinmoy’s simple message: “Run and become; become and run.” There are no sponsors, no commercial pressure – just the joy of going beyond yesterday’s self.

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) was not only a spiritual master but also an enthusiastic athlete. He encouraged his students to discover inner peace through outer movement, and he himself completed several marathons and ultra-distance events in his later years. Today, thousands of runners worldwide continue his vision of sport as a path to harmony and happiness.

Whether you prefer peaceful forest trails, friendly city-park runs, or the challenge of a 3100-mile ultra, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has a race for you – and every single one carries the same open-hearted, meditative spirit you felt at Royal National Park.

Download Full Results: Every Finish, Every Triumph

Relive the excitement of the Royal National Park Trail Runs with these detailed PDF results! Organized by age and gender categories, they capture every runner’s journey—from the speedy young champions in the 5km to the enduring marathon heroes. Perfect for checking your time, celebrating friends, or planning next year. All files are from the official Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team archives.

Race Photos: Capture the Joy & Scenery

See the smiles, sweat, and stunning bushland through the lens! This gallery from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team photographers showcases runners conquering trails, families cheering at the finish, and the timeless beauty of Royal National Park under Sydney’s spring sun. Scroll for action shots, podium moments, and that unbeatable post-race glow.

  • View Full Race Photo Gallery – Hundreds of high-res images from all distances. Download favorites or tag yourself for memories that last.

These resources let you dive deeper into the Royal National Park Trail magic—congrats to all who ran, volunteered, or cheered! Ready for more? Check upcoming events on the Sri Chinmoy site.

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Video #331: Understanding Maya – The Great Illusion Explained | Ancient Wisdom Thoughts Podcast, Episode 27

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Understanding Maya is the heart of this warm and insightful episode of the Ancient Wisdom Thoughts Podcast. Abhinabha from the Netherlands and Vajin from New Zealand, both students of Sri Chinmoy, sit down for a relaxed yet profound conversation that makes one of the deepest ideas in Indian philosophy feel close and alive.

What Maya Actually Is

Most people hear “Maya = illusion” and think it means the world is fake. The truth is more beautiful. Maya is the creative power of the Divine that projects the One into the many. It is the cosmic artist who paints the entire universe and then makes us believe we are only the tiny figures inside the painting. Without Maya, there would be no creation, no play, no adventure of the soul.

The Matrix – A Modern Key to Understanding Maya

Few metaphors work as perfectly as the 1999 film ‘The Matrix’. When Neo takes the red pill and wakes up in the real world, he experiences exactly what the ancient sages described: the sudden revelation that everyday reality is a dream superimposed on something far vaster. Abhinabha and Vajin laugh about how often runners and meditators have their own “red-pill moments” – a sudden glimpse of oneness that changes everything afterwards.

Maya in Sri Chinmoy’s Teachings

Sri Chinmoy never asked his students to reject the world. Instead, he taught that Maya is a temporary classroom. Life is real, feelings are real, joy and sorrow are real – they are simply seen through a limited lens. Through regular meditation, singing soulful songs, running long distances, or offering selfless service, we gradually polish that lens until the light of the soul shines through clearly. The goal is not escape, but transformation.

Sri Aurobindo’s Revolutionary View

The conversation then turns to Sri Aurobindo, who offered a gentle correction to the classical “world is illusion” idea of Shankara. For Sri Aurobindo, Matter itself is Brahman – the Divine in disguise. Maya is not something evil to be destroyed; it is consciousness that has forgotten its own divinity. The spiritual journey, therefore, is evolutionary: we bring more and more light down into the body, the emotions, even the cells, until earth becomes a place where the Divine can live openly.

Personal Experiences That Make Maya Real

Both hosts share stories that every listener can recognise. Vajin describes moments during an ultra-marathon when the sense of a separate “I” simply dissolved and only vast peace remained. Abhinabha recalls sitting in meditation and suddenly feeling the room, the city, the planet as one living being. These are not rare mystical events – they are natural glimpses once Maya’s grip loosens even a little.

Why Understanding Maya Matters Right Now

In an age of endless distraction, endless comparison, and endless fear, understanding Maya becomes practical medicine. Every time we choose gratitude over complaint, presence over worry, or kindness over judgment, we weaken the illusion of separation. Little by little, the veil lifts, and life feels lighter, brighter, more meaningful.

The episode closes on a hopeful note: Maya is not our enemy. She is the Divine Mother playing hide-and-seek with Her children. When we finally “find” Her with love and surrender, the game does not end – it becomes infinitely more joyful because now we play consciously.

Whether you are completely new to Eastern philosophy or have been meditating for decades, this heartfelt conversation will leave you with fresh inspiration and a quiet smile of recognition.

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

News #90: Discover Sri Chinmoy and the Legendary 3,100-Mile Race

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A recent feature article in Marathon Runner magazine, Russia’s leading publication for running enthusiasts with a readership of 40,000, delves into the life and philosophy of Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT), and the inspiration behind the world’s longest certified footrace – the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race.

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English Translation:

Sri Chinmoy: The Story and Philosophy of the Founder of the 3,100-Mile Race

By Irina Kebo – 10/31/2025

The name of Sri Chinmoy, the 20th-century philosopher and humanist, has appeared often in Marathoner magazine. Many of his students call him “Teacher” and proudly belong to the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.

Nikolai Duzhiy runs the astonishing Self-Transcendence Race in New York every year – a nearly 5,000 km (3,100 miles) race over 51 days. He has won it three times (2013, 2017, 2018) and is a consistent finisher.

Svetlana Khisamutdinova ran her first marathon at age 50. Now over 80, she amazes thousands with her energy and ability to run not just tens, but hundreds of kilometers. Her track record includes countless marathons, ultramarathons, and multi-day races.

These athletes are students of Sri Chinmoy, but who was their mentor? Let’s get to know him and his philosophy – not just about running, but about life itself.

Who is Sri Chinmoy?

Born on August 27, 1931, in East Bengal (now Bangladesh), he was the youngest of seven children and named Chinmoy Kumar Ghose. “Sri” is an honorific, showing respect to a spiritual teacher.

Chinmoy lost his parents as a teenager. From an early age, he showed talent in sports and creativity, which later flourished in many areas:

• Music: He composed over 23,000 songs in languages including Sanskrit, Bengali, English, and French. Some are short mantras; others honor countries, landmarks, and individuals who contributed to humanity. He mastered dozens of instruments, including piano, organ, flute, cello, and the Indian bowed esraj, and gave hundreds of free concerts worldwide –sometimes playing 15 to 20 instruments in a single performance. His largest audience was over 19,000 in Montreal, 2000.

• Painting: Chinmoy created millions of drawings and paintings, often abstract, vibrant, and harmonious. He called his style Jharna Kala (“Fountain of Art”). Birds often appear in his work, symbolizing peace, freedom, and the soul’s aspirations. His artwork has been exhibited globally, from JFK Airport to the UN Secretariat and the Museum of Contemporary History in Russia.

• Literature: A prolific writer, Chinmoy wrote poems, essays, short stories, plays, and commentaries on Plato, Mozart, and Dostoevsky. Over 1,600 works have been published. His main themes include self-knowledge, harmony, and human values. He lectured at universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Harvard, and Moscow State University. He received awards such as the UN Society of Writers’ Award for Excellence and the Gandhi Peace Prize.

Despite his artistic and literary achievements, Chinmoy is best remembered as a humanist, philosopher, and advocate for peace and unity, admired by figures like Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Princess Diana. He passed away in October 2007, leaving behind a rich legacy in art, music, literature, and human inspiration.

Sri Chinmoy’s Philosophy

Sri Chinmoy taught that everyone has the right to life, freedom, happiness, and the development of spiritual and physical potential. His works express love for the world and for each individual.

Don’t try to change the world. You will fail. Try to love the world. And look! The world has changed forever.
– Sri Chinmoy

He encouraged overcoming the ego, cultivating compassion, and seeking harmony within oneself. True happiness comes from love and inner balance, which exists in everyone, though not all find it.

Athletic Achievements

Chinmoy led an active life: he was a competitive athlete, weightlifter, tennis enthusiast, and long-distance runner. He completed 22 marathons and 5 ultramarathons. He also organized the Harmony Run, a global torch relay symbolizing unity and peace. Since 1987, participants have covered over 650,000 km across 155 countries. The torch has even reached space, the North Pole, and Mount Elbrus.

The Self-Transcendence Race

Known as the “Everest of ultramarathons,” this race is 3,100 miles (4,988 km) long. Participants run an 883-meter loop in Queens, New York, daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, with 51 days to finish. Daily distances range from 70 to 100 km, supported with food, massages, and medical care.

The race tests mental resilience as much as physical stamina. In 2025, Andrea Marcato of Italy won in 46 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes, and 8 seconds, while Nikolai Duzhiy, at age 59, finished second in 48 days, 4 hours, 57 minutes, 52 seconds – his 13th participation. Only a few runners have ever finished; the race embodies the human spirit’s limitless potential.

Just as a bird needs two wings to fly, a person needs harmony between body and spirit.
– Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

Although Sri Chinmoy is no longer alive, the team he founded in 1977 continues organizing ultra-distance races worldwide. Team members pursue ambitious goals in running, swimming, mountaineering, and other challenges, striving for progress in both the outer and inner worlds.

Run to achieve success in the outer world. Reach to make progress in the inner world.
– Sri Chinmoy

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For those interested in exploring the profound connection between running and spiritual growth, the full article offers an in-depth perspective. While currently available in Russian, its insights transcend language barriers, resonating with readers worldwide.

Learn More and Explore Resources

To find out more, visit the official website: www.3100.srichinmoyraces.org. 
For more information about races, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.