View source for Sri Chinmoy

{{Short description|Indian writer and spiritual teacher (1931–2007)}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix   = [[Shri|Sri]]
| name               = Chinmoy
| image              = File:Sri-Chinmoy-meditate-2.jpg
| caption            = 
| birth_date         = {{Birth date|df=yes|1931|8|27}}
| birth_name         = Chinmoy Kumar Ghose
| birth_place        = East Shakpura, Shakpura 4367, [[Boalkhali Upazila|Boalkhali]], [[Chittagong]], [[Bengal Presidency|Bengal Province]], [[British Raj|British India]] <br /> (now in [[Bangladesh]])
| death_date         = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2007|10|11|1931|8|27}}
| death_place        = [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], [[United States]]
| nationality        = Indian<ref>{{cite web |title=Many at U. N. Find Guru's Message Brings Peace |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/11/08/archives/many-at-un-find-gurus-message-brings-peace.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=8 November 1971 |quote=When Sri Chinmoy came to the United. States seven years ago, he worked in the Indian Consulate in New York and began to set up meditation classes. The classes soon gathered enough of a following for him to give up his job and to preach fulltime. He is not a United States citizen.}}</ref>
| occupation         = Spiritual teacher
| known_for          = 
}}

'''Chinmoy Kumar Ghose''' (27 August 1931 – 11 October 2007), better known as '''Sri Chinmoy''',<ref>Sands 2001, According to legal papers signed in November 2006, his name is Chinmoy Kumar Ghose aka Sri Chinmoy. Sri Chinmoy is the name under which the guru has taught, published, composed and performed since approximately 1972. (See front and back matter of referenced works.) He was previously known as Chinmoy Kumar Ghose (e.g. "Many at U.N." ''[[New York Times]]'' 8 November 1971: 42). He signed most of his paintings and drawings C.K.G. ("C.K.G." ''Jharna-Kala Magazine'' 1.1 (April –June 1977): 1).</ref> was an Indian spiritual leader who taught [[meditation]] in the United States after moving to New York City in 1964.<ref name=hinduaward>[https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/december-1997/1997-12-hindu-of-the-year/ "Hindu of the Year: Sri Chinmoy clinches 1997 'Hindu Renaissance Award'"]. ''[[Hinduism Today]]''. December 1997. pp.34–35. Retrieved 2 December 2016.</ref> Chinmoy established his first meditation center in [[Queens, New York]], and eventually had seven thousand students in 60 countries.<ref name=mcshane>McShane, Larry. [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-10-12-404017503_x.htm "Charismatic guru Sri Chinmoy dies in NYC"]. ''[[USA Today]]''. 12 October 2007.</ref><ref name="NYT_obit">{{Cite news |last=Kilgannon |first=Corey |date=13 October 2007 |title=Sri Chinmoy, Athletic Spiritual Leader, Dies at 76 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/13/nyregion/13chinmoy.html |access-date=22 August 2008}}</ref> He was an author, artist, poet, and musician; he also held public events such as concerts and meditations on the theme of [[inner peace]].<ref name="NYT_obit" /><ref name="Sri Chinmoy Composes">Dua, Shyam (ed). ''The Luminous Life of Sri Chinmoy: An Authorised Biography''. Tiny Tot Publications, 2005. p. 66.</ref> Chinmoy advocated a spiritual path to God through prayer and meditation. He advocated [[athleticism]] including distance running, swimming, and weightlifting. He organized marathons and other races, and was an active runner and, following a knee injury, weightlifter.<ref name="NYT_obit" /><ref name="Sri Chinmoy Composes"/> Some ex-members have accused Chinmoy of running a [[cult]].<ref name="forbes" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Molina |first=Kimberley |date=1 August 2017 |title=Statue of controversial spiritual leader pops up at busy Ottawa street corner |work=[[CBC News]] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/sri-chinmoy-controversial-figure-statue-ottawa-old-ottawa-south-1.4229703}}</ref>

==Biography==
===Early years in India===
[[File:Sri-Chinmoy-sprint.jpg|thumb|Chinmoy in his youth at the start of a sprint.]]
Chinmoy was the youngest of seven children, born in Shakpura, [[Boalkjhali Upazila]], in the [[Chittagong District]] of [[Bengal Presidency|East Bengal]], [[British India]] (now [[Bangladesh]]). He lost his father to illness in 1943, and his mother a few months later. Chinmoy began his practice of meditation at the age of 11.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Flame-Waves|last=Chinmoy|first=Sri|publisher=Agni Press|year=1975|location=New York|pages=part 1}}</ref> In 1944, the 12-year-old Chinmoy joined his brothers and sisters at the [[Sri Aurobindo Ashram]] in Pondicherry, where his elder brothers Hriday and Chitta had already established a presence.<ref>Dua, Shyam (ed). ''The Luminous Life of Sri Chinmoy: An Authorised Biography''. Tiny Tot Publications, 2005. pp. 18, 22.</ref><ref>Chinmoy, ''My Brother Chitta'' 1998, p. 58.</ref> It was Chitta that gave Chinmoy his name which means "full of divine consciousness".<ref>{{Cite book|title=World-destruction: never, impossible!|last=Chinmoy|first=Sri|publisher=Agni Press|year=1994|pages=Part 2}}</ref>

In the ashram he spent the next 20 years in spiritual practice, including meditation, study in [[Bengali literature|Bengali]] and [[English literature]],<ref>Chinmoy, ''My Brother'' 1998, pp. 60, 65.</ref> athletics,<ref name="hinduaward" /> and work in the ashram's [[cottage industries]].<ref>Chinmoy, ''Sri Chinmoy Answers, Part 23''  2000, p. 28 and Chinmoy, ''How Nolini-da'' 2004, pp. 6–7.</ref> Chinmoy claimed that for about eight years, he was the personal secretary to the General Secretary of the ashram, [[Nolini Kanta Gupta]]. Chinmoy translated his writings from Bengali into English.<ref>Chinmoy, ''Sri Chinmoy Answers, Part 23'', Agni, New York, 2000, p. 28</ref>

===Move to the United States===
According to Sri Chinmoy, in 1964 he was prompted to move to the United States in response to a "message from within" to be of service to people in the West searching for spiritual fulfillment.<ref>Chinmoy, ''Sri Chinmoy Answers, Part 23'', Agni, New York, 2000, p. 48</ref> With the help of [[Sam Spanier]], Eric Hughes, and other American sponsors connected with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, he emigrated to New York City.<ref>Chinmoy, ''Sri Chinmoy Answers, Part 23'' 2000, p. 28.</ref>

He applied for a job as junior clerk at the Indian [[consulate]], despite his lack of formal education. He received support and encouragement from his colleagues and bosses and was invited to give talks on [[Hinduism]]. He started to give talks at universities and later, at the [[United Nations]].<ref>Sri Chinmoy, ''Sri Chinmoy Answers, Part 23'' 2000, pp. 40–50</ref>

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sri Chinmoy continued giving lectures and talks at universities around the U.S. on spiritual topics. In 1974, he gave lectures in 50 states at 50 universities, and these lectures were published as a six-part book series entitled ''50 Freedom-Boats to One Golden Shore'' (1974). In the 1970s and 1980s he traveled around Europe, Asia, and Australia lecturing at universities, resulting in the publication of ''The Oneness of the Eastern Heart and the Western Mind''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.srichinmoybio.co.uk|title=Sri Chinmoy biography|website=srichinmoybio.co.uk|access-date=2016-07-12}}</ref><ref>Sri Chinmoy, ''50 Freedom Boats to One Golden Shore'', 1974, Agni Press, Parts 1-6.</ref> Chinmoy has also published books, essays, spiritual poetry, plays, and commentaries on the [[Vedas]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/88136853/|title=Sri Chinmoy disciples schedule lectures here.|date=14 March 1973|work=Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph}}</ref>

In 1966 Chinmoy opened a Sri Chinmoy Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico.<ref>Sri Chinmoy, 'Sri Chinmoy Answers, Part 3 Agni Press, 1995, p6</ref> Up until the late 1970s the main Sri Chinmoy study centers were in New York, Florida and the West Indies.<ref>Sri Chinmoy, ''Earth's cry meets heaven's smile'', part 3, Agni Press, 1978.</ref> Over the next few decades Sri Chinmoy Centers were opened and established in multiple cities in the US, Europe, Australasia, South Africa and South America totaling 350 centers worldwide.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/srichinmoy.html|title=Biography Sri Chinmoy|website=BiographyOnline.net|access-date=2016-07-12|archive-date=29 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929184038/http://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/srichinmoy.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=landmarks>{{Cite web|url=http://www.srichinmoy.org/sri_chinmoy/landmarks|title=Landmarks since 1964 – Sri Chinmoy|website=srichinmoy.org|access-date=2016-07-12}}</ref> In 1973, the ''New York Times'' wrote that Sri Chinmoy was "revered in India as one of the few holy men to have reached [[Nirvikalpa Samadhi]], the absolute highest level of consciousness".<ref name=nyt-1973>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/15/archives/gurus-disciples-active-in-business-meat-served-in-connecticut.html|title=Guru's Disciples Active in Business|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 April 1973|access-date=2017-09-17|last1=Christensen|first1=Jean}}</ref>

[[File:Bonn-sri-chinmoy.jpg|thumb|Sri Chinmoy playing flute]]
During the 1970s Chinmoy began playing and composing on the [[flute]] and [[esraj]].<ref name=landmarks/> In 1984, he started giving free 'Peace Concerts' around the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.srichinmoycentre.org/sri_chinmoy/concerts|title=Sri Chinmoy Concerts {{!}} Sri Chinmoy Centre|website=srichinmoycentre.org|access-date=2016-07-13}}</ref> The largest concert was in Montreal, for 19,000 people.<ref>[http://us.srichinmoycentre.org/sri_chinmoy/sri_chinmoy_in_concert Sri Chinmoy in Concert]. ''US.SriChinmoyCentre.org''. Retrieved 27 July 2016.</ref>

While in America in the 1970s, Sri Chinmoy attracted followers such as musicians [[Carlos Santana]], [[John McLaughlin (musician)|John McLaughlin]], [[Narada Michael Walden]], [[Roberta Flack]], [[Clarence Clemons]], [[Premik Russell Tubbs]] and [[Boris Grebenshchikov]].<ref name="New York Times">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/01/nyregion/they-re-not-heavy-they-re-his-people-72-year-old-sri-chinmoy-offers-uplift.html|title=They're Not Heavy; They're His People; 72-Year-Old Sri Chinmoy Offers An Uplift Beyond the Spiritual|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|date=1 July 2004|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=31 May 2011}}</ref><ref name="Thomas Jr">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/22/sports/scouting-one-more-time-a-torch-relay.html|title=SCOUTING; One More Time: A Torch Relay|author=Robert McG. Thomas Jr. and Samuel Abt|date=22 April 1987|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=31 May 2011}}</ref> Sri Chinmoy offered the musicians a disciplined spiritual path that forbade the use of [[recreational drugs]] including alcohol and encouraged music and poetry as expressions of thankfulness to the Divine.<ref>Weinstein, Norman. [https://books.google.com/books?id=4AfpTEM1FsAC&pg=PA50 ''Carlos Santana: A Biography'']. [[ABC-CLIO]], 2009. p. 50.</ref>

Santana and McLaughlin stayed with Sri Chinmoy for a number of years before leaving. In 1973 they released an album based on Sri Chinmoy's teachings, titled ''[[Love Devotion Surrender]]''. McLaughlin was a Sri Chinmoy follower from 1970 to 1975.<ref>Stump, Paul. ''Go Ahead John: The Music of John McLaughlin''. SAF Publishing, 2000. p. 92. {{ISBN|0-946719-24-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-946719-24-2}}</ref> In 1971 he formed the [[Mahavishnu Orchestra]], named for the spiritual name Sri Chinmoy had given him. McLaughlin introduced Santana to the guru,<ref>Nigro, Nicholas. [https://books.google.com/books?id=F5AiAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT8 ''The Spirituality of Carlos Santana'']. 
Hal Leonard Corporation, 2014. GoogleBooks pt. 8.</ref><ref>Slavicek, Louise Chipley. [https://books.google.com/books?id=H37dSTiOPqIC&pg=PA80 ''Carlos Santana'']. Infobase Publishing, 2006. p. 80.</ref> and Santana and his wife Deborah were subsequently Chinmoy followers from 1972 to 1981. Santana said, "Without a guru I serve only my own vanity, but with him I can be of service to you and everybody. I am the strings, but he is the musician. Guru has graduated from the Harvards of consciousness and sits at the feet of God."<ref name=heath>Heath, Chris. [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-epic-life-of-carlos-santana-20000316 "The Epic Life of Carlos Santana"]. ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. 16 March 2000. Retrieved on 10 August 2008.</ref> Under the spiritual name ''Devadip'' – meaning "Lamp of God", "Eye of God", and "Light of God"<ref>Santana, Deborah. [https://books.google.com/books?id=dIPII6_q4g0C&pg=PA241 ''Space Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart'']. Random House, 2009. p. 241.</ref> – that Chinmoy gave him, Santana released three albums: ''[[Illuminations (Alice Coltrane and Carlos Santana album)|Illuminations]]'' (1974), ''[[Oneness (Carlos Santana album)|Oneness]]'' (1979), and ''[[The Swing of Delight]]'' (1980). In 2000, he told ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' that things soured between him and Chinmoy in the 1980s. Santana emphasized that he took much that was good from his years with the guru, even though when he left, Sri Chinmoy "was vindictive for a while. He told all my friends not to call me ever again, because I was to drown in the dark sea of ignorance for leaving him."<ref name=heath /> In 2017 Santana told ''Rolling Stone'', "I'm really grateful for those 10 years I spent with that spiritual master."<ref>Browne, David. [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/carlos-santana-on-coltrane-trump-woodstock-drugs-w491909 "The Last Word: Carlos Santana on Turning 70, Trump's 'Darkness'"]. ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. 13 July 2017.</ref>

[[File:Sri-Chinmoy-John-Paul-II.jpg|thumb|Sri Chinmoy and [[John Paul II]] in Vatican, 1980]]
Spiritual teacher [[Frederick Lenz]] became a follower around 1972, but in 1981 he broke with Sri Chinmoy and became a guru on his own.<ref name=autogenerated13>{{cite web|url=http://www.ex-cult.org/Groups/Rama/rama-appendix-1.html |title=Chronology/Biography, Frederick Lenz |publisher=Ex-cult.org |date=9 February 1950 |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref> Spiritual author [[Lex Hixon]] was a member of the Sri Chinmoy Centre in the 1970s.<ref>Greenfield, Robert. [https://books.google.com/books?id=tlZcHVc5q_4C ''Spiritual Supermarket: An Account of Gurus Gone Public in America'']. Saturday Review Press, 1975. p. 203.</ref>

Sri Chinmoy advocated "self-transcendence" by expanding one's consciousness to conquer the mind's perceived limitations,<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. "Limitation", university lecture in: ''The Oneness of the Eastern Heart and the Western Mind, Part 1''. Agni Press, 2003.</ref> and this was applied to athletics. Olympic gold-medalist runner [[Carl Lewis]] was advised by Sri Chinmoy.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140611091357/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-3985387.html "Carl Lewis Receives U Thant Peace Award"]. ''The New York Beacon''. 11 June 1997.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Callahan, Tom| url=http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,926709,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724221953/http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,926709,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 July 2013 | magazine=Time | title=Olympics: No Limit to What He Can Do | date=30 July 1984}}</ref> He learned to meditate from Sri Chinmoy, and practices the techniques regularly. A devoted Christian, Lewis stated that his involvement with Sri Chinmoy was a step forward to spiritual fulfillment which strengthened his Christian beliefs.<ref>Lewis, Carl with Marx, Jeffrey. ''Inside Track: My Professional Life in Amateur Track and Field''. Simon and Schuster, 1990. pp.56–61.</ref> In 2011 Lewis appeared in the short documentary ''[[Challenging Impossibility]]'', which features the feats of strength demonstrated by Chinmoy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/25/a-monument-to-strength-as-a-path-to-enlightenment |title=A Monument to Strength as a Path to Enlightenment |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=25 April 2011 |first=Corey |last=Kilgannon |date=25 April 2011}}</ref>

According to the team's website, members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team have swum the [[English Channel]] over 40 times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://channel.srichinmoyraces.org/channel_swimmers/channel_swimmers_list |title=Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team Channel Swim List |publisher=Channel.srichinmoyraces.org |date=19 July 2011 |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref> Other Chinmoy-sponsored athletic events include [[Ultramarathon|ultra-distance running]], including the [[Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race]]; [[mountain climbing]]; and [[long-distance cycling]]. In 2010 [[Ashrita Furman]], who holds over 150 [[Guinness World Record]]s, stated that "the meditation he learned from Sri Chinmoy helps him to perform beyond his expectations."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703326204575616624274994844|title=The Ultimate Guinness Record Is the Record for Records|last=Mincer|first=Jilian|date=18 November 2010|work=[[Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=30 May 2011}}</ref>

In 1987 Sri Chinmoy inaugurated the Sri Chinmoy Oneness Home Peace Run, a relay style run for peace through many countries of the world where runners carry a flaming torch representing harmony. Sri Chinmoy described his concept as a "grassroots effort for peace". The 'Oneness Home' theme of the Peace Run, is that people are all peace-longing citizens on one single planet.<ref name="Thomas Jr"/><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-13973385  "Worldwide torch relay reaches Cornwall"]. [[BBC News]]. 11 June 2011.</ref>

In 1991 Sri Chinmoy initiated the 'Oneness Heart Tears and Smiles' humanitarian service which sends food and medicine to those in need. The organisation, which as of 2007 served 136 countries, began with members of the Sri Chinmoy Centre distributing humanitarian aid to needy children and adults worldwide.<ref>Rouen, Ethan. [http://www.nydailynews.com/news/sri-chinmoy-spiritual-leader-dies-queens-article-1.231438 "Sri Chinmoy, Spiritual Leader, dies in Queens"]. ''[[New York Daily News]]''. 12 October 2007.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110807164651/http://www.onenessheart.org/en/about_sri_chinmoy The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles – About Sri Chinmoy]. ''OnenessHeart.org''. Retrieved 27 July 2016.</ref> It works with NGOs or governments, and provides health, medical, and educational supplies to recipient nations. It is served by health professionals and private volunteers on five continents, in programs which provide disaster relief, regional development, and health and medical supplies.<ref>[http://www.globalhand.org/en/organisations/11770 Oneness – Heart, Tears and Smiles]. Crossroads Global Hand. Retrieved 27 July 2016.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110807165412/http://www.onenessheart.org/about_us Welcome to The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles International]. ''OnenessHeart.org''. Retrieved 27 July 2016.</ref> The 'Kids to kids' program sponsored by the Oneness Heart Tears and Smiles encourages school children to prepare packs of school supplies and toys for disadvantaged children in other communities.<ref>Poirier, Tracy. [http://www.orleansstar.ca/Living/Community/2007-05-10/article-642950/Kids-To-Kids-program-embraced-at-east-end-school/1 "'Kids To Kids' program embraced at east end school"]. ''Orléans Star''. 10 May 2007.</ref>

[[File:Sri-Chinmoy-and-Mother-Teresa.jpg|thumb|Sri Chinmoy and [[Mother Teresa]]]]
Chinmoy travelled and dedicated his many activities and the events he founded to peace. He met with world figures, and was described as an ambassador of peace. Chinmoy met Mother Teresa on five separate occasions. On their second meeting in Rome, Italy during October 1994, Sri Chinmoy presented her with an award. During the ceremony, Mother Teresa said to Sri Chinmoy: "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."<ref name="mcshane" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.srichinmoy.org/service/meetings/mother-teresa|title=Meetings with Mother Teresa|website=srichinmoy.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/fe7cceee985a17f4e101ffbbe8af6dc8/Mother-Teresa-meets-peace-activist-Sri-Chinmoy-in-Rome/|title=Mother Teresa meets Sri Chinmoy|date=2 October 1994|website=[[UPI]] Photo}}</ref> Chinmoy met with [[Diana, Princess of Wales]], at [[Kensington Palace]] on 21 May 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.srichinmoy.org/kind_words/diana|title=Princess Diana|website=srichinmoy.org|access-date=2016-08-31}}</ref>

[[File:Princess Diana Sri Chinmoy.jpg|thumb|[[Diana, Princess of Wales]], meeting Sri Chinmoy]]

He did not charge fees for his spiritual guidance or music performances. He was respectful towards all religions and religious figures of the world.<ref name=":2">Harley, Gail M., [https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=hhK4cfNt4BMC&oi=fnd&pg=PA90 ''Hindu and Sikh Faiths in America'']. Infobase Publishing, 2009. p. 90.</ref> He attracted an estimated 7,000 students in his lifetime.<ref name="greenberg">Greenberg, Keith, [http://www.villagevoice.com/2007-11-06/news/sri-you-later/full/ "Sri You Later"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203171811/http://www.villagevoice.com/2007-11-06/news/sri-you-later/full/ |date=3 February 2014 }}, ''[[The Village Voice]]'', 6 November 2007, accessed 28 May 2011</ref> His path was a contemporary spiritual system of [[yoga]], practised under the guidance of a [[guru]], or spiritual teacher.<ref>Melton, J. Gordon and Martin Baumann (eds). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140314013847/http://librarum.org/book/21245/1300 ''Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices'']. ABC, 2002. p. 1216.</ref><ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://books.google.com/books?id=vKiFI67GIFMC&pg=PA74 ''The Wisdom of Sri Chinmoy'']. Motilal Banarsidass Pub., 2003. pp. 74–75.</ref> Chinmoy advocated [[brahmacharya]] – celibacy – for both married and unmarried devotees, and focusing on experiencing inner spiritual joy rather than pleasure.<ref name=institutehonors>{{cite magazine|title=Peace Institute Honors Chinmoy|url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/february-1994/1994-02-peace-institute-honors-chinmoy/|author=Anonymous|magazine=[[Hinduism Today]]|date=2 February 1994|access-date=2 December 2016}}</ref> According to a 1987 article in ''[[Hinduism Today]]'', Chinmoy as a yoga spiritual master was an unmarried celibate.<ref name=powerhouse>{{cite magazine|title=A Spiritual Powerhouse Powerlifts 7,063 Pounds|url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/december-1987/1987-12-a-spiritual-powerhouse-powerlifts-7-063-pounds/|magazine=[[Hinduism Today]]|author=Anonymous|date=2 December 1987|access-date=2 December 2016}}</ref> Unlike in some other older traditions, Chinmoy taught that a complete withdrawal from the world was not necessary for spiritual progress, but rather "a gradual and total Illumination of life".<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [http://www.srichinmoy.org/resources/library/talks/philosophy/quintessence_mysticism "The Quintessence of Mysticism"]. ''SriChinmoy.org''.</ref><ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/mmt-11 "Spirituality and satisfaction"]. In: ''My Maple Tree''. Agni Press, 1974.</ref>

===Death===
[[File:Sri Chinmoy President Gorbachev.jpg|thumb|Sri Chinmoy with [[Mikhail Gorbachev]]]]
Until his death in late 2007, Chinmoy was the spiritual leader to thousands of devoted followers worldwide.<ref name=olmsted>Olmsted, Larry. [https://books.google.com/books?id=IT8AMyZMe3QC&pg=PA7 ''Getting into Guinness: One Man's Longest, Fastest, Highest Journey Inside the World's Most Famous Record Book'']. HarperCollins, 2008. pp. 6–8.</ref>  Chinmoy died from a heart attack while at his home in [[Jamaica, Queens]], New York on 11 October 2007. Mikhail Gorbachev wrote that his death was a loss for the whole world and that he will remain a man who dedicated his whole life to peace.<ref name="NYT_obit" />

== Controversy ==
The Chinmoy group was accused of being a [[cult]] by some, including some ex-members.<ref name="mcshane" /><ref name="San Diego CityBeat" /><ref name="forbes" /><ref name=":3" /> The 1994 book ''The Joy of Sects'' stated that "some of his followers left, however, amid accusations that Chinmoy was making sexual advances towards the wives of his disciples",<ref>Occhiogrosso, Peter. ''The Joy of Sects''. Doubleday, 1994. p. 67.</ref> and in 2005 and 2014 ''[[San Diego CityBeat]]'' and ''[[Salon.com]]'' each posted a profile of a different female former disciple who alleged inappropriate sexual conduct.<ref name="San Diego CityBeat">{{cite news |last1=Gottlieb |first1=Jed |title=The Amazing World of Sri Chinmoy and his devoted disciples |url=http://sdcitybeat.com/culture/film/amazing-world/ |access-date=13 August 2018 |work=[[San Diego CityBeat]] |date=10 August 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/2014/05/09/the_medias_love_affair_with_accused_sex_criminal_sri_chinmoy/ |title=The media's love affair with alleged sex criminal Sri Chinmoy |work=[[Salon.com]] |date=2014-05-09 |access-date=2014-06-17}}</ref> In February 2016 [[PIX 11|PIX 11 News]] in New York did two segments on Chinmoy, in which one former follower alleged sexual impropriety, while others praised Chinmoy and the Sri Chinmoy Center's spokesperson stated in a written response that "Our founder and teacher, Sri Chinmoy, led a life of the utmost purity and integrity".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pix11.com/2016/02/24/former-disciples-of-sri-chinmoy-draw-ire-by-continuing-stories-about-abuse|title=Former 'Disciples' of Sri Chinmoy draw ire, by continuing stories about abuse|author=Murphy, Mary|website=[[PIX 11]]|date=24 February 2016|access-date=11 September 2016|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225141556/https://www.pix11.com/2016/02/24/former-disciples-of-sri-chinmoy-draw-ire-by-continuing-stories-about-abuse|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="defend his name">{{cite web|last1=Murphy|first1=Mary|title=Followers of late Guru defend his name|url=https://pix11.com/2016/02/25/followers-of-late-guru-sri-chinmoy-defend-his-name-and-stay-in-the-life/|website=[[PIX 11]]|date=25 February 2016|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226221201/https://www.pix11.com/2016/02/25/followers-of-late-guru-sri-chinmoy-defend-his-name-and-stay-in-the-life/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sri Chinmoy was never sued or charged with any crime, and his lawyer denied the 2004 allegations at the time.<ref name="San Diego CityBeat" />

Some journalists and former followers have criticized what they view as Sri Chinmoy's obsessive or aggressive self-promotion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Howard |first1=Brian |title=Chinmoy Annoys |url=http://mycitypaper.com/articles/092696/article028.shtml |access-date=13 August 2018 |work=[[Philadelphia City Paper]] |issue=26 September – 3 October 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kannapell |first1=Andrea |title=New Plaque Affixed to Statue of Liberty |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/07/nyregion/new-plaque-affixed-to-statue-of-liberty.html |access-date=13 August 2018 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=7 September 1996}}</ref><ref name="defend his name" />

In 2009, Jayanti Tamm published an account of life as a Chinmoy disciple, ''[[Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Child of Chinmoy ministry blasts 'cult' in new book|author=Brendan Brosh|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2009/04/24/2009-04-24_child_of_chinmoy_ministry_blasts_cult_in_new_book.html|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|location=New York|date=24 April 2009}}</ref> Tamm, who was born into Chinmoy's organisation, claimed that Chinmoy predicted she would become his perfect disciple. She was banished from the group when she was 25. The book describes her life in the guru's inner circle and her efforts to break free from his influence.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sussman |first=Mick |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/books/review/Sussman-t.html |title=Sunday Book Review: Nonfiction Chronicle |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=16 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redroom.com/publishedwork/cartwheels-a-sari-a-memoir-growing-up-cult |title=Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult |publisher=Redroom.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603144233/http://redroom.com/member/jayanti-tamm/books/cartwheels-in-a-sari-a-memoir-of-growing-up-cult|date=2009-04-14 |archive-date=2012-06-03}}</ref> According to the book, Chinmoy banned sex, and most disciples were directed to remain single. The book also states that the guru disparaged secular education, and his prohibitions included the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and meat; dancing; dating; socializing with outsiders; and owning pets, although he kept a collection of exotic pets in his Queens basement. Tamm notes however that the 7,000 other followers around the world, and others who encountered Chinmoy, are likely to have had different experiences and perceptions.<ref name="forbes">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/2009/04/14/jayanti-tamm-carwheels-sari-opinions-book-reviews-cults-sri-chinmoy.html|title=Under The Thumb of Cult Leader Sri Chinmoy|author=Krystle M. Davis|date=14 April 2009|work=Forbes}}</ref><!-- add note about living there for ?40 years -->

==Teachings==
Sri Chinmoy taught that spiritual progress could be made by following a path of love, devotion, and surrender.<ref name=nyt-1973/><ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140313080427/http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/eternity-breath/devotion "Devotion"]. In: ''Eternity's Breath''. Agni Press, 1972.</ref><ref name=lovedevotion>Chinmoy, Sri. [http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/my-rose-petals-1/love-devotion-and-surrender "Love, devotion and surrender"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218222251/http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/my-rose-petals-1/love-devotion-and-surrender |date=18 February 2014 }}. In: ''My rose petals, part 1''. Agni Press, 1971.</ref><ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [http://www.srichinmoy.org/resources/library/talks/inner_qualities/love_divine "Love Divine"]. ''SriChinmoy.org''.</ref><ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160305144544/http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/cacr-65 "Question: Do you have a particular meditation technique?"]. In: ''Canada Aspires, Canada Receives, Canada Achieves Part 2''. Agni Press, 1974.</ref> He described divine love as self-offering and self-expansion.<ref name=lovedevotion /><ref>Bennett, Vidagdha Meredith. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KHIPQVSGj7IC&pg=PA96 ''Simplicity and Power: The Poetry of Sri Chinmoy, 1971-1981'']. Aum Publications, 1991. p. 96.</ref> This practice of love and devotion to God is known as [[Bhakti Yoga]].<ref name=":1" /> His path was not one of earthly renunciation or asceticism, but a middle path where the seeker has the opportunity to renounce or transform, the negative qualities which stand in the way of union with the Divine. Chinmoy taught that meditation on the heart brings the light of the soul forward to reach the highest reality as soon as possible.<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://books.google.com/books?id=BDDwAAAACAAJ ''The Divine Hero: Winning in the Battlefield of Life'']. Watkins, 2002. pp. 6–7, 34-35.</ref>
Chinmoy stated: "We are all seekers, and our goal is the same: to achieve inner peace, light and joy, to become inseparably one with our Source, and to lead lives full of true satisfaction."<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://books.google.com/books?id=6dbdSOBXuR4C&pg=PA13 ''The Wings of Joy: Finding Your Path to Inner Peace'']. Simon and Schuster, 1997. p. 13.</ref>
An integral element of Sri Chinmoy's teachings is the understanding of 'self-transcendence'. Self-transcendence is the practice of having a new goal and going beyond our previous capacities and limits which inevitably gives us joy. Self-transcendence is the goal of making progress in life by becoming a better human being rather than competing with the rest of the world. Chinmoy believed that we are unlimited in spirit.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sri Chinmoy|title=Sport and Meditation|date=2013|publisher=The Golden Shore|isbn=978-3-89532-213-6|pages=16–18}}</ref>

Sri Chinmoy's philosophy he explains is the acceptance of life. By sharing goodwill and inspiration to others and serving mankind the world can be transformed and peace can be achieved.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/sca-812|title=Interviewer: So you feel that peace is going to come about by offering goodwill to each and every human being? {{!}} Sri Chinmoy Library|website=srichinmoylibrary.com|language=en|access-date=2017-04-28}}</ref>

He asked his disciples to adopt a vegetarian diet, abstain from [[recreational drugs]] including [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]],<ref>Kubacki, Maria. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090301103721/http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=0bbec2e4-ce74-4c86-9ffb-dc4a940af980&k=83044 "An 868-kilometre 'Spiritual Journey'"] ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]''. 23 May 2006.</ref> and lead a pure and celibate lifestyle.<ref name=hinduaward/><ref name=institutehonors/> Although influenced by [[Hinduism]], his path catered to an international community of seekers from diverse backgrounds.<ref>Hinnells, John R. [https://books.google.com/books?id=CDSxCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA80 ''Who's Who of World Religions'']. Springer, 1991. p. 80.</ref>

===Meditation===
Sri Chinmoy taught a range of techniques for meditation, those for calming and bringing silence to the mind, purifying the thoughts of the mind and meditating on the spiritual heart. Chinmoy explains that by keeping your mind calm and quiet for ten or fifteen minutes, a new experience can begin to dawn within you and this practice of stilling the mind is the root of all spiritual progress.<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sZ1EhmSSX30C&oi=fnd&pg=PA3 ''Meditation: Man-Perfection in God-Satisfaction'']. Aum Publications, 1978 (1989 reprint). pp. 3–5.</ref>

Sri Chinmoy recommended meditation during the quiet atmosphere of the early morning, before starting daily activities. As the traditional hour of God, between three and four a.m., known as the ''[[Brahma Muhurta]]'', may not suit the western lifestyle of keeping late hours, Sri Chinmoy recommended for those newer to meditation to ideally meditate before seven a.m. Sri Chinmoy taught that both prayer and meditation are important, but there is a difference in the result. Prayer is a process of rising up to God and speaking to Him, and meditation is a practice of stilling the mind so that the God-presence can envelop us and commune with us.<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://books.google.com/books?id=6dbdSOBXuR4C&pg=PA29 ''The Wings of Joy: Finding Your Path to Inner Peace'']. Simon and Schuster, 1997. p. 29.</ref> He also taught that reading spiritual writings or singing profound songs was useful to prepare for meditation or to remain in a meditative mood after practicing meditation.<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sZ1EhmSSX30C&oi=fnd&pg=PA140 ''Meditation: Man-Perfection in God-Satisfaction'']. Aum Publications, 1978 (1989 reprint). pp. 140, 158.</ref> Chinmoy believed that running and physical fitness were a help to the inner spiritual life as well as to the outer life of activity, and encouraged his followers to run daily.<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/orir ''The Outer Running and the Inner Running''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220053044/http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/orir |date=20 December 2016 }}. Agni Press, 1974 (reprinted online). Retrieved 3 December 2016.</ref> Sri Chinmoy regarded the benefits of running as keeping the body fit and clearing the mind; he felt it can also be a form of external meditation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/foot-soldiers-of-the-soul-636987.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/foot-soldiers-of-the-soul-636987.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Foot soldiers of the soul|last=Welch|first=Julie|date=28 October 2000|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=25 March 2017}}</ref>

====United Nations====
In 1970, Sri Chinmoy began giving twice-weekly non-denominational peace meditations at the [[United Nations]] for UN delegates, staff, and NGO representatives.<ref name=consecrated>Rebidoux, Michelle. [https://books.google.com/books?id=yrweDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT407 "Cultivating the Life of Divinity: The Consecrated Lifestyle of the Sri Chinmoy Centers of Canada"]. In: ''Understanding the Consecrated Life in Canada: Critical Essays on Contemporary Trends'', Jason Zuidema, editor. Wilfrid Laurier Univ. Press, 2015. GoogleBooks pt. 407.</ref> In 1976, he stated, "The ideas of the United Nations are universal peace and universal brotherhood, and the ideals of the United Nations are a oneness-world-family and a oneness-heart."<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/msun-16 ''My Meditation-Service at the United Nations For 25 Years''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220053056/http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/msun-16 |date=20 December 2016 }}. Agni Press, 1995. Retrieved 3 December 2016.</ref>

After directing the peace meditations, which had been attended by many UN employees and diplomats, for 37 years, more than 700 UN officials, ambassadors, members of the U.S. Congress, and representatives of various religions, paid tributes to Chinmoy following his death during a posthumous celebration at the UN headquarters in New York.<ref>[[Press Trust of India]]. [http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/nov/01chinmoy.htm "UN pays tribute to spiritual guru Sri Chinmoy"]. ''[[Rediff]]''. 1 November 2007.</ref> During the ceremony at the UN, Daw Aye Aye Thant, the daughter of former UN Secretary-General [[U Thant]], said in her speech:
{{blockquote|In a letter to Sri Chinmoy in April 1972, my father wrote, 'You have indeed instilled in the minds of hundreds of people here the moral and spiritual values which both of us cherish very dearly. I shall always cherish the memorable occasion of our meetings at the United Nations." ... I feel fortunate to have known Sri Chinmoy and to have been in his presence many times, and to have known many members of the Group.<ref>[http://www.srichinmoybio.co.uk/news/celebration-life-sri-chinmoy/ "Celebration of the Life of Sri Chinmoy"]. 30 October 2007, United Nations, New York. ''SriChinmoyBio.co.uk''. Retrieved 16 January 2014.</ref>}}

===Interfaith===
[[File:Parliament of Religions 1993.jpg|thumb|Sri Chinmoy giving opening meditation at the [[Parliament of World Religions]], Chicago, 1993]]
An integral part of Sri Chinmoy's teaching is the respect for other paths and religions. Sri Chinmoy wrote:

{{blockquote|True religion has a universal quality. It does not find fault with other religions. ... Forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and the feeling of oneness are the signs of a true religion.<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/books/0988/1/21 ''World-Destruction: Never, Impossible!'' Part 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402122313/http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/books/0988/1/21 |date=2 April 2012 }}. Agni Press, 1994 (excerpted online). Retrieved 1 May 2011.</ref>}}

Sri Chinmoy's efforts to promote inter-faith harmony resulted in him being invited to open the [[Parliament of the World's Religions]] in Chicago (1993)<ref name="PoWR">{{cite web |url=http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/news/index.php/2013/04/interfaith-reborn-sri-chinmoys-opening-meditation-of-the-1993-parliament-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026123841/http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/news/index.php/2013/04/interfaith-reborn-sri-chinmoys-opening-meditation-of-the-1993-parliament-video/|title=Interfaith Reborn: Sri Chinmoy's Opening Meditation of the 1993 Parliament |website=[[Parliament of the World's Religions]] |date=10 April 2013|archive-date=26 October 2014}}</ref> and Barcelona (2004)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110718142233/http://www.yogachicago.com/sep04/parliament.shtml "Sri Chinmoy Opens the Parliament of World's Religions"]. ''YOGA Chicago''. September–October 2004.</ref> with a silent meditation. During the 2004 Opening Meditation, he said: "During my opening meditation I am praying for the oneness of all religions."<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [https://www.srichinmoy.org/interfaith ''I Bow to the Soul of the Parliament of Religions – Barcelona''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220045949/https://www.srichinmoy.org/interfaith |date=20 December 2016 }}. Agni Press, 2005. p. 5 (excerpted online). Retrieved 3 December 2016.</ref>

Sri Chinmoy said that although he was brought up in the [[Hindu]] tradition, he felt that his religion was the "Love of God".<ref name=consecrated/>

==The arts==
===Artwork===
[[File:Jharna Kala Painting by Sri Chinmoy.jpg|thumb|Jharna Kala painting by Chinmoy]]

Sri Chinmoy began painting in 1974 during a visit to Ottawa, Canada. He called his artwork "Jharna Kala", which in Bengali means "Fountain Art". Chinmoy's artwork is inspired by the themes of universal oneness and universal peace.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/02/07/painting-exhibition-showcases-art-a-spiritual-luminary.html|work=[[The Jakarta Post]]|title=Painting exhibition showcases the art of a spiritual luminary|last=Nurhayati|first=Desy|date=7 February 2011}}</ref>

His abstract paintings are a mixture of acrylics and pen drawings. Sri Chinmoy used variety of sponges, brushes and colors to paint in a mystical style with vigour, strong movement and rhythm. Sri Chinmoy has said that when he paints he finds flow of creativity from the stillness of his meditation that allows him to follow an inner inspiration or 'streak of light' to follow.
In December 1991 Chinmoy started a new series of art-work entitled "Dream-Freedom-Peace-Birds" or 'Soul Birds'. The bird drawings are often simple zen like sketches that have either one bird or in some paintings hundreds of birds in one large drawing. The soul bird drawings, Sri Chinmoy stated, symbolize humanity's heart cry for freedom.<ref>{{cite web|title=Art of Sri Chinmoy|url=http://www.srichinmoybio.co.uk/art/|website=SriChinmoyBio.co.uk|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ART|url=http://www.srichinmoycentre.org/sri_chinmoy/sri_chinmoy_art|website=SriChinmoyCentre.org|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Chinmoy's Art|url=http://www.srichinmoy.tv/art/|website=SriChinmoy.tv|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref>

His art has been displayed in the [[UNESCO]] offices in Paris, London's [[Victoria and Albert Museum]], the Mall Gallery in London, the Museum of Modern Art in [[St. Petersburg]], [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] in New York, and the [[United Nations Headquarters]].<ref name="Newsweek">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/2008/08/29/out-of-the-chaos-of-difference-harmony.html|title=United Nations Displays Sri Chinmoy's Paintings |last=Barker|first=Kate|date=29 August 2008|work=[[Newsweek]] |access-date=28 May 2011}}</ref><ref>Shaw, Alexandra. "70,000 Soul-Bird-Flights by Sri Chinmoy". ''Manhattan Arts International''. September–October 1993. p.25.</ref><ref>[http://www.srichinmoy-reflections.com/birds-stats-ref "Sri Chinmoy's First One Million Soul-Birds: December 29th, 1991 – January 5th, 1994"]. ''SriChinmoy-Reflections.com''. Retrieved 3 December 2016.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/09/us/religion-notes.html|title=RELIGION NOTES – Messengers of Peace|last= Goldman |first=Ari L.|date=9 April 1994|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=31 May 2011}}</ref> [[File:Acrylic by Sri Chinmoy.jpg|thumb|Acrylic by Sri Chinmoy]]

===Music===
According to his followers, Sri Chinmoy composed thousands of short musical compositions, written with lyrics primarily in [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and English.<ref name="NYT_obit" /> Many of these have been published online under a Creative Commons license at Sri Chinmoy Songs (lyrics and sheet music)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srichinmoysongs.com/|title=Sri Chinmoy Songs|website=SriChinmoySongs.com|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref> and Radio Sri Chinmoy (audio).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiosrichinmoy.org/|title=Radio Sri Chinmoy: Meditative and Spiritual Music|website=RadioSriChinmoy.org|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref> He released two albums in Jamaica on the [[Studio One (record label)|Studio One]] subsidiary label Port-O-Jam.<ref>{{cite web |title=MY PILOT SUPREME – Sri Chinmoy |url=http://www.downbeat-special.co.uk/mypilotsupreme.html |website=Downbeat-Special.co.uk|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.downbeat-special.co.uk/mother.html|title=MOTHER, I BOW TO THEE – Sri Chinmoy|website=Downbeat-Special.co.uk|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=19 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119073038/http://www.downbeat-special.co.uk/mother.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1976, Sri Chinmoy released a meditative album on [[Folkways Records]] entitled ''Music for Meditation''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.folkways.si.edu/sri-chinmoy/music-for-meditation/world/album/smithsonian|website=Folkways.SI.edu|title=Music for Meditation – Sri Chinmoy|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref>
  
Sri Chinmoy also gave hundreds of peace concerts,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.srichinmoy-reflections.com/peace-concerts|title = Sri Chinmoy's Peace Concerts &#124; Sri Chinmoy Reflections}}</ref> many of them free.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gallery.srichinmoycentre.org/Posters-concerts-and-meditation-classes |title=Posters-concerts and meditation classes |website=gallery.srichinmoycentre.org |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812175920/https://gallery.srichinmoycentre.org/Posters-concerts-and-meditation-classes |archive-date=12 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He gave concerts in venues around the world, including London's [[Royal Albert Hall]],<ref>Sri Chinmoy offers 500th Peace Concert in London Hosted by HC Singhvi (2 May 1997) Sri Chinmoy offered his 500th Peace Concert at London's majestic Royal Albert Hall last night. The completely full house of 4500 people included many prominent British and Indian dignitaries personally invited by High Commissioner for India to the United Kingdom Dr. LM Singhvi... (Asia Online, No.117 Vol II. 2 June 1997)</ref> New York's [[Lincoln Center]]<ref>Chinmoy Concert For U.N. The 50th and final concert in the series of performances by Sri Chinmoy in honor of the Golden Anniversary of United Nations was scheduled for 8 Dec. at 7:30 p.m. at the Kaplan Penthouse in Lincoln Center, New York..... (India Abroad, International Weekly Newspaper, Vol. XXVI, No.10, Friday, 8 December 1995)</ref> and [[Carnegie Hall]],<ref>Sri Chinmoy's Family Music, The Magazine of Carnegie Hall (1975-76 season, Sri Chinmoy's Family Music, Tuesday Morning, 13 April 1976 at 10:00, program notes) Sri Chinmoy in Concert, an evening of Spiritual Music, Sri Chinmoy's musical creativity is in a class by itself. It unites the lyrical, devotional tradition of India and the power, speed and vastness of the dynamic West – all in the universal human aspiration toward the Infinite. Says Sri Chinmoy: "Soulful music makes us feel that we are in tune with the highest, with the deepest, with the farthest. It also makes us feel that God Himself is the Supreme Musician."</ref> Tokyo's [[Nippon Budokan]],<ref>Sri Chinmoy Dedicates Peace Concert for Gorbachev, Peace Philosopher Sri Chinmoy dedicated his Peace Concert in Tokyo's Nippon Budokan Hall to renovated man of peace Mikhail Gorbachev. In May, Sri Chinmoy will bring his Peace Concert series to Washington D.C. .. (The Washington Sun, 19 March 1992)</ref> the [[Eiffel Tower]] in Paris,<ref>Sri Chinmoy's Week-long Concert Tour Begins at Mother Teresa's Birthplace and finishes in the Eiffel Tower, Oct.30 Sri Chinmoy returned from a non-stop week in Europe of standing room only concerts and art exhibits. ...His concert included performances on such instruments as the Indian flute and esraj, cello, sitar, the slide guitar and grand piano. At the top level, Sri Chinmoy offered an exalted performance in the historic setting of Eiffel Tower. (The Weekly Bangladesh, Vol. 06, Issue 33, Saturday, 8 November 2003)</ref> and the [[Sydney Opera House]].<ref>Heart-Power-Victory, Sri Chinmoy (Author) Format: Audio CD, Pipe Organ recorded live in Australia. Tracks: 1. Sydney Opera House, 11/30/87 36:10; 2. Sydney Town Hall, 11/30/87 23:14.,

Label : Aum, published in 1988.

ASIN : B000CS8MN2</ref> Sri Chinmoy played a number of different instruments at his concerts including the flute, esraj, piano, cello and other Eastern and Western instruments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.edgemagazine.net/2000/10/the-joy-of-inner-peace-with-sri-chinmoy/|title=The Joy of Inner Peace|last=Miejan|first=Tim|date=1 October 2000|website=Edge Magazine}}</ref>

===Poetry===
According to the Sri Chinmoy Centre, Sri Chinmoy published over 1,300 books including 120,000 poems.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.srichinmoycentre.org/sri_chinmoy/writings |title=Literary output |website=US.SriChinmoyCentre.org |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref> Many of these poems are aphorisms – a short but complete spiritual poem or verse, such as "We are all truly unlimited, if we only dare to try and have faith."<ref>Chinmoy, Sri. [http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/luw-98 ''Lifting Up the World with a Oneness-Heart'']. Agni Press, 1988 (reprinted online). poem no: 98. Retrieved 3 December 2016.</ref> Chinmoy also published some volumes of longer more classical style poetry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Writings|url=http://www.srichinmoy.org/sri_chinmoy/writings|website=SriChinmoy.org|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Chinmoy's Writings on Poetry|url=http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/poetry|website=SriChinmoyLibrary.com|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=3 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103124548/http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/poetry/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2001, Chinmoy recited his poetry at the United Nations, as part of a UN sponsored event of promoting "Dialogue Among Civilizations Through Poetry".<ref>[http://www.rattapallax.com/dialogue/ "Rattapallax Press organized Dialogue Among Civilizations Through Poetry in 2001"]. ''Rattapallax.com''. Retrieved 6 December 2016.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101229081141/http://www.un.org/Dialogue/poetryprfinal.htm Dialogue Among Civilizations Through Poetry]. [[United Nations]]. Retrieved 29 December 2010.</ref>

Sri Chinmoy's writing has been praised by many, including Archbishop [[Desmond Tutu]], who wrote: "These sweet gems of wisdom written by my dear friend Sri Chinmoy are timeless truths full of encouragement, love and goodness. These chapters fill us with indomitable hope and enthusiasm for life."<ref>Tutu, Archbishop Desmond. [http://www.heart-light.com/the-jewels-of-happiness/ "Foreword"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913044448/http://www.heart-light.com/the-jewels-of-happiness/ |date=13 September 2011 }}. In: Chinmoy, Sri. ''The Jewels of Happiness: Inspiration and Wisdom to Guide Your Life-Journey''. Watkins Publishing, 2010. {{ISBN|1906787972}}</ref>

==Athleticism==
===Running===
In 1977 the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team was founded; it holds running, swimming, and cycling events worldwide, from [[fun run]]s to [[ultramarathon]]s.<ref>Puntillo, Kimi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=C53Y8utmakQC&pg=PA140 ''Great Races, Incredible Places: 100+ Fantastic Runs Around the World'']. Random House, 2009. p. 140.</ref><ref>Bennett. ''Ultrarunning''. April 1987. pp. 23–25.</ref><ref>Pearlman, Jeff. [https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA71 "Endurance Special"]. ''[[Runner's World]]''. February 2007. p. 71.</ref><ref>Cushman, Anne and Lizette Montgomery. [https://books.google.com/books?id=cekDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA44 "Ultra Runners"]. ''[[Yoga Journal]]''. April 1995. pp. 44–45.</ref><ref>[https://us.srichinmoyraces.org/marathon-team-history History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team]. Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. Retrieved 7 December 2016.</ref> Its precursor was the 1976 Liberty Torch Run, a [[relay race|relay]] in which 33 runners marked America's [[United States Bicentennial|bicentennial]] by covering 8,800 miles in 7 weeks through 50 states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aspiringindia.org/saints_sages/sri-chinmoy/biography-of-sri-chinmoy-part-3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060622083214/http://www.aspiringindia.org/saints_sages/sri-chinmoy/biography-of-sri-chinmoy-part-3|title=Biography of Sri Chinmoy – Part 3 |website=Aspiringindia.org |date=4 June 2006|archive-date=22 June 2006}}</ref> This concept was expanded in 1987 to become the [[Peace Run|Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run]].<ref name="pr">{{cite web|url=http://www.peacerun.org/|website=PeaceRun.org|title=Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run|access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> The Peace Run is generally held every two years, and the first was launched in April 1987 at the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] in New York City.<ref name="Thomas Jr"/>

In 1985 Sri Chinmoy, with the then [[Mayor of Oxford]], inaugurated the first "Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile", which is a measured mile in [[Cutteslowe Park, Oxford]] giving joggers something against which to measure their progress.<ref name="Student of Peace">{{cite web|url=http://www.studentofpeace.org/oxford-sri-chinmoy-peace-mile/|title=Oxford Peace Mile|website=StudentOfPeace.org|date=23 November 2010 |access-date=7 December 2016}}</ref> <!--the only reliable ref I can find that provides a date says it opened in 1987. See section 4.20 of www.oxford.gov.uk/files/seealsodocs/71627/CuttesloweSunnymeadManagementPlan2007.pdf --> There are now numerous "Peace Miles" around the world.<ref>Morano, Mercedes. [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/137391862/ "Making the world fit for peace"]. ''[[Democrat and Chronicle]]''. 3 July 1991. p. 46.</ref>

Many of Sri Chinmoy's followers run daily for health and physical fitness. Sri Chinmoy himself continued to enter races until his 60s when a knee injury hampered his ability to run; afterwards he turned his attention to tennis and weightlifting.<ref name="Times_obit">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/sri-chinmoy-520djd8x873|title=Sri Chinmoy|date=14 October 2007|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=21 August 2008|location=London|first=Fiona|last=Hamilton}}</ref>

Sri Chinmoy also founded the [[Self-Transcendence 6- & 10-day Race]]s, which run concurrently in Queens each April, and the [[Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race]], described by ''[[The New York Times]]'' as the "Mount Everest of ultramarathons".<ref>{{cite news|first=Richard |last=Weir |title=Neighborhood Report: Jamaica: Running on Inner Strength |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/12/nyregion/neighborhood-report-jamaica-running-on-inner-strength.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=12 July 1998 |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref>

The Self-Transcendence Marathon is a [[marathon]] around the shores of [[Rockland Lake State Park]], located in [[Congers, New York]], north of [[New York City]]. Inaugurated in 2002, the event attracts around 900 international runners. The Marathon takes place in the last week of August.<ref name="ref">Random House {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C53Y8utmakQC&dq=Self-Transcendence+Marathon++Rockland+Lake+State+Park&pg=PA139 |title= Great Races, Incredible Places |date= April 2009|isbn= 9780553906202 |accessdate=2013-07-29|last1= Puntillo |first1= Kimi |publisher= Random House Publishing }}</ref>

===Weightlifting===
[[File:Sri-Chinmoy-weightlifting.jpg|thumb|Sri Chinmoy weightlifting]]
Sri Chinmoy began weightlifting in 1985, at the age of 54. His weightlifting included an array of objects and machinery designed to challenge his strength and ability. His message to the public in his weightlifting endeavours was that anything is possible if one is able to put aside the limitations of the mind.<ref name=hinduaward/><ref>{{cite web |title=Sri Chinmoy's Weightlifting |url=https://www.inspiration-lifts.org/ |website=Inspiration-Lifts.org |access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref> [[Bill Pearl]], former [[Universe Championships|Mr. Universe]], acted as Master of Ceremonies at many of Chinmoy's strength exhibitions. Introducing one of Chinmoy's weightlifting exhibitions in 1999, Bill Pearl wrote: "Today you are going to see some amazing feats of strength that I myself – and I have been in the industry for fifty-five years – would not even attempt to perform."<ref>Pearl, Bill ''Beyond The Universe: The Bill Pearl Story'' 2003, p192</ref> Chinmoy said his motivation for lifting was to inspire others, especially those of an older generation.<ref>''New Zealand Fitness'', February/March 2006 issue (No.77)</ref>

In a program created in 1998 known as 'Lifting up the world with a Oneness Heart', Sri Chinmoy lifted well- known people while they stood on a platform overhead. Sri Chinmoy stated: 'I lift them up to show my appreciation for their achievements,'<ref>[http://www.srichinmoy.org/service/lifting_up_the_world/ Lifting up the World] at Sri Chinmoy.org</ref> Among some of the 7000 people he lifted include: [[Nelson Mandela]],<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Z9H9ga3agTU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130726124214/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9H9ga3agTU Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9H9ga3agTU |title=Video of Mandela and Sri Chinmoy |via=YouTube |date=30 April 2009 |access-date=15 July 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Desmond Tutu]], [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Sting (musician)|Sting]], [[Eddie Murphy]], [[Susan Sarandon]], [[Roberta Flack]], [[Yoko Ono]], [[Jeff Goldblum]], [[Richard Gere]],<ref name="New York Times"/> and [[Helen Hunt]].<ref name="TFE">{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/who-needs-doctors-when-you-can-conceive-courtesy-indian-guru-helen-hunt-finds-out/1075823|title=Who needs doctors when you can conceive courtesy Indian guru, Helen Hunt finds out|date=18 February 2013|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]] |access-date=18 February 2013}}</ref> Twenty Nobel laureates and a team of sumo wrestlers were also lifted.<ref name="NYT_obit" />

In April 2011, a documentary film about Sri Chinmoy's weightlifting titled ''[[Challenging Impossibility (film)|Challenging Impossibility]]'' was featured at the [[Tribeca Film Festival]].<ref name="NY_Times">{{Cite news|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/25/a-monument-to-strength-as-a-path-to-enlightenment/|title=A Monument to Strength as a Path to Enlightenment|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|date=25 April 2011|work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref>

[[Terry Todd]], a former powerlifter and latterly professor of [[kinesiology]] at the University of Texas, concluded that Sri Chinmoy misrepresented the type and weight of some of the lifts he claimed to have completed.<ref name=powerhouse/><ref>{{cite news |last=Galloway |first=Paul |date=20 September 1991 |title=Gonzo Guru |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/09/20/gonzo-guru/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116210218/https://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-09-20/features/9103110628_1_meditation-sri-chinmoy-ashram/2 |archive-date=16 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outsideonline.com/1840086/bless-you-sir-may-i-jog-another|title=Bless You, Sir, May I Jog Another?|date=2 May 2004}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outsideonline.com/1840156/be-sri|title = Be Like Sri|date = 2 May 2004}}</ref>

==Awards==
A summary of award highlights includes:

* '''Visva Sama Duta''', meaning "Ambassador of Universal Peace", title conferred by the Asgiriya Order of Buddhist Monks in 1990. The first non-Buddhist in Sri Lankan history to receive such an honorary degree.<ref>''Daily News'', Sri Lanka. 10 January 1990.</ref>
* '''Mahatma Gandhi Universal Harmony Award''' received jointly with [[Coretta Scott King]], widow of [[Martin Luther King Jr.]], from the American branch of the Indian cultural institute [[Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan]] in 1994.<ref>''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]''. 31 October 1994.</ref>
* '''Fred Lebow Award''', in the name of the founder of the [[New York City Marathon]], presented by NYC Marathon Director Allan Steinfeld and Umberto Silvestri, President of the Rome Marathon in 1996.<ref>''Northwest Runner''. December 1996</ref>
* '''Hindu of the Year (1997)''' and '''Hindu Renaissance Award''' presented by the international magazine ''[[Hinduism Today]]'' in 1997, honouring him for teaching a yoga which combines aspects of ancient Hinduism in a modern setting.<ref name=hinduaward/>
* '''Pilgrim of Peace''' prize from the 'International Center of Assisi for Peace among Peoples' in 1998.<ref name="Centro_Pace">{{cite web|url=http://www.centropace.org/contents/it-IT/Storia/index.html|title=Peace Pilgrim Award|access-date=22 May 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209014003/http://www.centropace.org/contents/it-IT/Storia/index.html|archive-date=9 February 2011}}</ref>
* '''Mother Teresa Award''' presented by President of the Republic of Macedonia [[Boris Trajkovski]] in 2001.<ref>''Nova Makedonija''. 9 July 2001.</ref><ref>''Macedonia Denes''. 10 July 2001.</ref>
* '''Medal of Honor For the Cause of Peace and Friendship Among Nations''' presented by Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Nations [[Le Luong Minh]] in 2004.<ref>''Voice of Vietnam News''. 16 November 2004.</ref><ref>''Vietnam News Agency''. 15 November 2004.</ref>
* '''Honorary Doctorate of Humanities in Peace Studies''' presented by the Science Council committee of [[Cambodia's International University]] in a unanimous decision in 2005.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130413135851/http://www.iu.edu.kh/old-website/www.iu.edu.kh/oldweb/public/news_070905_srichinmoyddps.htm "Sri Chinmoy Honored"] News Release. International University [Cambodia] 7 September 2005.</ref>
* '''2012 Class of Honorees''', International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, including honouring the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team with [[swimming the English Channel]] 38 times.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://imshof.org/2012/04/20/imshof-class-of-2012/ |title=Class of 2012 Announced |date=December 2011 |access-date=17 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102143337/http://imshof.org/2012/04/20/imshof-class-of-2012/ |archive-date=2 November 2012 }}</ref>

==Bibliography==
{{Main| Sri Chinmoy bibliography}}
* (1972) ''Arise! Awake! Thoughts of a Yogi'' – Frederick Fell Inc 
* (1974) ''Yoga and the Spiritual Life'' – Aum Publications
* (1974) ''The Inner Promise: Paths to Self Perfection'' – Wildwood House
* (1974) ''Samadhi and Siddhi – The Summits of God Life'' – Aum Publications
* (1974) ''The Dance of Life – Volume 1 -20'' – Agni Press
* (1975) ''Astrology, the Supernatural and the Beyond'' – Aum Publications
* (1977) ''Everest Aspiration'' – Aum Publications
* (1977) ''The Soul's Evolution'' – Agni Press ({{ISBN|0-88497-396-4}})
* (1984) ''Inner and Outer Peace'' – Peace Publishing ({{ISBN|0-88497-769-2}})
* (1985) ''The Master and the Disciple – Insights into the Guru-Disciple Relationship'' – Agni Press ({{ISBN|978-0884978848}})
* (1986) ''A Child's Heart and a Child's Dreams'' – Aum Publications
* (1988) ''Beyond Within'' – Agni Press
* (1989) ''Meditation: Man-Perfection in God-Satisfaction'' – Aum Publications
* (1990) ''On Wings of Silver Dreams'' – Aum Publications
* (1992) ''Kundalini: The Mother-Power'' – Aum Publications
* (1994) ''Garden of the Soul'' – Health Communications Inc.
* (1994) ''My Life's Soul-Journey'' – Aum Publications
* (1997) ''God Is...'' – Aum Publications
* (1997) ''The Wings of Joy: Finding Your Path to Inner Peace'' – Simon and Schuster
* (1998) ''Blessingful invitations from the university-world -'' Agni Press
* (2000) ''Wisdom of Sri Chinmoy''<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vKiFI67GIFMC&pg=PA82 |title=Wisdom of Sri Chinmoy – Sri Chinmoy – Google Boeken |date= March 2003|isbn=9788120819436 |access-date=2014-01-16|last1=Chinmoy |first1=Sri|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. }}</ref> – Motilal Banarsidass Publ.
* (2007) ''Power Within: Secrets of Spirituality and Ocultism'' – Guru Noka Publications
* (2007) ''Heart-Garden'' – New Holland Publishing
* (2009) ''A Selection of Songs composed by Sri Chinmoy, Vol. 1'' – Sri Chinmoy Center
* (2010) ''The Jewels of Happiness'' – Watkins Publishing
* (2013) ''Sport and Meditation'' – The Golden Shore ({{ISBN|978-3-89532-213-6}})

===Poetry===
* (1979–1983) ''Ten Thousand Flower-Flames'' – Agni Press (100 volumes)
* (1983–1998) ''Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants'' – Agni Press (270 volumes)
* (1998–2007) ''Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees'' – Agni Press (50 volumes... unfinished)
* (1973) ''The Dance of Life''
* (1974) ''The Wings of Light''
* (2000–2007) ''My Christmas-New Year-Vacation-Aspiration-Prayers'' (51 volumes)

===Plays===
* (1973) ''Sri Ramachandra'' – My Rama is My All – A play on the life of Sri Ramachandra
* (1973) ''The Singer of the Eternal Beyond'' – A play on the life of [[Sri Krishna]]
* (1973) ''Siddhartha Becomes The Buddha'' – A Play on the life of Lord [[Buddha]]
* (1973) ''The Son'' – A play on the life of [[Jesus]] Christ
* (1973) ''Lord Gauranga: Love Incarnate'' – A Play on the life of Sri Chaitanya
* (1973) ''Drink, Drink, My Mother's Nectar'' – A play on the life of [[Sri Ramakrishna]]
* (1973) ''The Heart of a Holy Man'' – various plays on spiritual figures
* (1973) ''Supreme Sacrifice'' – a book of spiritual plays
* (1974) ''The Descent of the Blue'' – A play about the life of [[Sri Aurobindo]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Sri Chinmoy|display=Sri Chinmoy|wikt=no|v=no|voy=no|n=no|b=no|author=no|d=Q319578}}
* [http://www.srichinmoy.org/ SriChinmoy.org]
* {{Internet Archive author}}
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{{New Age Movement}}

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