Tribute to Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007)

The joy in being touched by Sri Chinmoy's God-union life, offering us insight into the highest levels of spirituality, connectedness and inner peace, achieved when we carry our love of God as high in our heart's, and offer that same love most soulfully and self-givingly in our unconditional and dedicated service-life to mankind. Many of us have been in the physical presence of our teacher, he showered us with his blessings and love. He has given us all a dream, hope and a vision, and planted the seed of unconditional love in our aspiring heart's.

We meditated and prayed with our Guru, we served his ideals, we received prasad and flowers from his hand, we listened devotedly to his divine discourses, we meditated on his music, we watched him regularly exercise, we were with him when he graciously honoured and showered his affection on dignitaries, we travelled the world with him, we performed in his plays, we sang his songs, we memorised his poetry, we celebrated his birthday and special anniversaries, we bathed in the font of his loving-kindness, we read his books, we ran in his races, we marvelled at his spiritual insight, we sat with him, we laughed at his innocent jokes and quick wit.

We listened intently to his ashram stories, we watched him paint with vibrant hues, we witnessed his God-sourced power lift unimaginably heavy weights, we were lifted ourselves by him, we attended his musical performances, we were deeply moved by the love for his family and in his sadness at their passing, we built a humble temple for him, we watched him sketch countless numbers of soul-birds, we spent hours and hours with him, we were inspired by him, we loved him - and we followed to the best of our ability his constant loving self-giving example.

Now we have our dearest Gurudev resting at the pinnacle-heights of Heaven's radiant transcendental realms offering his boundless love. While inwardly guiding and quietly encouraging us through our meditations and prayers to fully realise our heart's potential and soul's Delight, by transcending our mind's and body's limitations through our prayerful and self-giving lives. We shall with renewed enthusiasm and impetus manifest Guru's unique dream of soulful-oneness with outer dynamism in achieving universal brotherhood.

Our heart's have been uplifted and fulfilled in seeing Guru manifest his deep love in helping so many reach greater achievements in their lives, finding God within their heart's, true satisfaction and happiness in their lives. Guru was often called the universal man - universal in his love for all; seeing only the best in everyone. From the simplest of men and women, to athletes, heads of state and musicians, to the wisest of noble laureates, all were moved by Sri Chinmoy's love, kindness and appreciation. Such was the appeal of this apostle of peace. He had the most profound capacity of bringing out the heart-goodness in all he met, and leaving them feeling loved, inspired and joyful.

Now we the peace-seeker's and manifestors of a rising earth-dawn, whether direct disciples of Sri Chinmoy's, or devotees from the great spiritual paths, faiths and religious traditions shall be joined by countless aspiring individuals. United in our belief and love for our fellow man and by Sri Chinmoy's God ordained self-giving life, we shall most powerfully spread the universal message of harmony, becoming the spiritual force behind the rising waves that break on the shores of our world flooding it with kindness, compassion, loving hearts and peaceful minds.

This simple God-loving man served his countrymen and global family with utmost love, sincerity and devotion. He spontaneously, soulfully and fearlessly challenged with all of his physical might, heart's strength, joy, creative ability and determination all that was placed before him, for only one reason: to inspire. To show us all just what can be achieved when we live a prayerful and meditative life in full service to God in mankind through the soul's infinite capacities. He devoted his life to serving his dream of promoting humanity's oneness, harmony and peace.

His tireless example inspired by an inner directive to constantly transcend all that he had previously achieved saw him lift the heart's, spirit and aspiration of God-lovers. His lasting legacy shall endure for all time and be there as a constant reminder to us all, should we ever find ourselves living in the limited and separative mind and feel insecure, sceptical, reluctant, tired, lazy, unsure, unwilling, hesitant or doubtful!

But for now let us reflect. After forty-three years of tireless service to God within humanity, Sri Chinmoy who was seventy-six years young when he passed away is now at rest, free from the bindings and pain of the mortal body. It was time, his body was weary. He has ascended after entering Mahasamadhi and discarding the physical sheath. He has returned to the Eternal heart-home of his soul's guidance, the Source of his love, joy and compassion. The Lord that gave him the inspiration, strength, determination and capacity to humbly serve so many and achieve so much embraces him. Gurudev rests now in silent-peace, in the fragrance of the lotus-heart of his Lord Beloved Supreme.

Guru your timeless message is clear, your sweet-voice sings in our heart's. The path lies before us, your Light shows the way. All is in place for us to continue your mission supreme...

“My physical death

Is not the end of my life -

I am an eternal journey.”

Sri Chinmoy

(This is the last poem published in Sri Chinmoy's life-time).

Gratitude Guru, gratitude. We carry you in our aspiring heart's, we are your devoted and humble servers eternally with and for you...

Sahayak.

• To view Sri Chinmoy's teachings, please visit - Sri Chinmoy Books
• View also: World's tributes, to Sri Chinmoy
• The life of Sri Chinmoy at - Sri Chinmoy Books
• Selected extracts from - Sri Chinmoy's books
• 'When I am gone away, remember me' - a song by Sri Chinmoy
• Sri Chinmoy's Poetry on - Happiness, Peace, God, Self-giving, Meditation and prayer