Sri Chinmoy: Dreamer of World Oneness

On April 13, 1964 Sri Chinmoy came to New York. Since then he tirelessly dedicated his life for the world peace and to the fulfillment of the unlimited potential of the human spirit. A prolific author, poet, artist and musician, an avid athlete, a respected spiritual leader and a devoted humanitarian, Sri Chinmoy- who left is body in 2007- continues to inspire and encourage countless people around the world through his creative endeavors, through innovative peace activities, and through the example of his own life.

In about 1600 books of essays, poetry, short stories and answers to the spiritual questions Sri Chinmoy conveys the richness and diversity of the quest for peace and selfdiscovery. Sri Chinmoy offered hundreds of inspiring talks at the world’s most prestigious universities. Sri Chinmoy composed more than 21,000 spiritual songs which in their lyrics and melodies explore the length and breadth of the aspiring human experience. In more than 700 Peace Concerts around the world he expressed humanities aspiration for inner and outer peace. Sri Chinmoy performed on a dozen or more instruments in concert.

Sri Chinmoy created a vast outpouring of art. His paintings continues to give people joy and inspiration at galleries worldwide. He named it “Fountain Art” to signify the art flowing from the source. He also drew a very large number of peace-bird drawings which symbolize the peace and freedom of the soul.

Through all his activities he was conveying the message of Oneness of humanity. Sri Chinmoy came from his native India to New York following an inner command. In the spring of 1970, at the invitation of then United Nation’s Secretary-General U Thant, Sri Chinmoy began conducting twice-weekly Peace Meditation for UN delegates and staff. Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations, as the group is known. This group sponsors a series of programs, lectures and concerts to promote world peace. The aim of UN and the aim of spirituality are one and the same. That is “Oneness”.

When UN was criticized for its ineffectiveness, Sri Chinmoy said, “Now it is a small plant, but in future it will grow into a big tree and protect the world. We expect everything from the child, but we forget that the child has to grow”. He was very optimistic about the future, he further said,” The United Nations is playing the most important role in seeking to establish world harmony, world peace, world oneness, world perfection and God satisfaction.” Coincidently April 13 is the Birth-day of America’s founding father Thomas Jefferson who was instrumental in writing the Declaration of Independence which is the guiding force to the American nation. Jefferson’s vision and divinity played a very important role in American and world history with its positive aspect and Sri Chinmoy has a great respect for Thomas Jefferson.

Sri Chinmoy wanted to take the concept of the United States further to oneness world. At a time when inter-religious strife seems insurmountable, the simplicity and power of Sri Chinmoy’s message of oneness amongst the faiths is very relevant. Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to building bridges among faiths. Sri Chinmoy’s dedication to fostering peace in the aspiring heart of humanity continues through the work of Sri Chinmoy Meditation Centers in more than 60 countries.

These centers around the world are composed of individuals who seek to cultivate peace, harmony and goodwill. On April 13 many students from these centers come to New York for Meditation, Peace Concerts and other world peace related activities.

Here is a quote from Sri Chinmoy:
” There shall come a time when this world of ours will be flooded with peace. Who is going to bring about this radical change? It will be you – you and your sisters and brothers, who are an extension of your reality existence. It will be you and your oneness-heart which is spread throughout the length and breadth of the world.

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