Sri Chinmoy

Born Chinmoy Kumar Ghose in India in 1931, Sri Chinmoy moved to the United States in 1964 to share his teachings on spiritual fulfillment through meditation and prayer. He established the Sri Chinmoy Center, which grew to include thousands of students across 60 countries. Beyond his spiritual leadership, he was a prolific author, artist, poet, and musician.

Chinmoy advocated for a path of "self-transcendence" through spiritual practices and also promoted athleticism, organizing marathons and participating in distance running and weightlifting. His activities extended to humanitarian efforts, including the "Oneness Heart Tears and Smiles" initiative, and global peace initiatives like the "Peace Run." Despite his widespread influence and positive interactions with figures like Mother Teresa and Princess Diana, some former members have accused his organization of being a cult.

Born in British India in 1931, Chinmoy Kumar Ghose experienced early loss, losing both parents by age 12. He began his meditation practice at 11 and at 12, joined his siblings at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. It was there he received the name Chinmoy, meaning "full of divine consciousness." For two decades, he dedicated himself to spiritual practices, literature, athletics, and work within the ashram, reportedly serving as personal secretary to the General Secretary and translating writings.

In 1964, Chinmoy felt an inner calling to move to New York City and assist Westerners seeking spiritual growth. With the help of American sponsors, he emigrated and began giving lectures on spiritual topics at universities and eventually at the United Nations. His teachings, which emphasized a spiritual path to God through prayer and meditation, led to the establishment of Sri Chinmoy Centers worldwide. By 2007, his organization claimed seven thousand students in 60 countries. He was recognized in India as having attained a high level of consciousness.

Sri Chinmoy's philosophy centered on "self-transcendence," encouraging individuals to expand their consciousness beyond perceived limitations. This principle was extended to physical pursuits, with Chinmoy promoting athleticism including running, swimming, and weightlifting. He organized numerous athletic events, such as marathons and the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, and his followers, like Ashrita Furman, have attributed their achievements to his teachings. Olympic runner Carl Lewis also learned meditation from Chinmoy, stating it enhanced his spiritual fulfillment.

Beyond his spiritual teachings, Sri Chinmoy dedicated significant efforts to global peace and humanitarian aid. In 1987, he launched the "Oneness Home Peace Run," a torch relay aimed at fostering harmony across nations. He also initiated "Oneness Heart Tears and Smiles" in 1991, a humanitarian service that provided food and medicine to needy populations in 136 countries, working with NGOs and governments. Chinmoy met with various world leaders and figures, including Mother Teresa and Princess Diana, often discussing peace and shared humanitarian goals.

“I am so pleased with all the good work you are doing for world peace and for people in so many countries. May we continue to work together and to share together all for the glory of God and for the good of man.”