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Sri Chinmoy's 312lb 50-Flower Salute to America
(New York City) World harmony leader Sri Chinmoy observed his 43rd year in America by lifting overhead with one arm a large double-tiered fountain filled with 50 roses and weighing 312 pounds (141.5 kg) to offer his gratitude to each state of the country that has been his home since 1964.
Sri Chinmoy Salutes America
Just before the lift, he said, "America the Beautiful, you have showered your choicest blessings, concern and encouragement upon my God-aspiring heart and man-dedicated service for long 43 years. I am offering 50 roses from my heart-garden lovingly, devotedly and self-givingly to the beauty, prosperity and divinity of each state."
About 1500 of Sri Chinmoy's students from more than 50 countries are celebrating the occasion with a wide range of cultural, athletic and humanitarian activities in New York City.
Since coming to America from his native India, Sri Chinmoy has created a wide range of activities involving millions of people in an active quest to foster world harmony. These include the World Harmony Run in which people of all ages from many countries run with a lighted peace torch, an international peace concert series and a worldwide humanitarian service programme. Some of his more than 16 million "Soul-Bird" drawings are now on display in the United Nations Secretariat Lobby. His writings from more than 1500 books of spiritual wisdom have been published in over 30 languages.
Sri Chinmoy has greatly encouraged and supported luminaries from many walks of life through his Lifting Up the World With A Oneness-Heart award programme and his personal friendship with them.
Speaking about the harmony leader's feats of strength, such as his recent one arm lift of a 575 pound (260.8 kg) dumbbell, long-time registrar of the British Amateur Weightlifters Association Jim Smith said, "No other human being on earth has ever lifted over 3 times their own bodyweight even with two hands standing! Sri Chinmoy used one arm while seated, which is vastly more difficult. He is giving back to people the importance of having the mind, body and spirit together."
Sri Chinmoy's 312lb 50-Flower Salute to America
