'I happily and proudly fulfilled your unmistakable prediction'

This is one of the stories in our Story-Gems project, a collection of our experiences with our Guru, Sri Chinmoy. Project homepage »

In June of 1996, Guru asked me something about my family and I wrote to him, including in my letter my great-uncle Sisir Kumar Ghosh. Sisir-da was a noted Indian journalist, writer, freedom-fighter and spiritual seeker, who Guru considered to be a literary mentor.

So as an answer to that letter, Guru sent me sent me the meaning, the significance of my spiritual name that Guru gave. I’ll just tell you the spiritual significance of my name as Guru wrote it: Mahatapa, the God-seeker who practises askesis Supreme. And Vidagdha, the person who relayed Guru´s message, explained that the word askesis was a Greek word. To me, that means the meaning of the name is something that I have to aspire to. I personally don't think askesis - which means spiritual discipline essentially - is my strong point, but when I do, it's really good for me.

So along with my name, another very sweet message came from Guru and I will read it out to you. So Guru said: “Sisir-da" – that is, Sisir Kumar Ghosh – "had predicted my arrival in America four years prior to my actual arrival. He made this prediction in front of hundreds of people. “

At that time, I had still been living in the university and I was thinking that it was time for me to move closer to the Miami Sri Chinmoy Centre. I told Lunthita, who is a very good friend, "We should get a place together, a home together. Wouldn't it be nice if Guru could come and give a concert in Miami and disciples from other places could come and help? And they could stay with us."

It so happened that just a few days after that, Guru called the Miami Centre and said to them that he was planning to come to Miami for a concert.

Guru said, "And here, like your illustrious great-uncle, you also made a prediction three weeks ago. You predicted that I would visit Miami."

Sri Chinmoy meditates during the Miami concert

Then Guru said, "Just a few days ago, I happily and proudly fulfilled your unmistakable prediction. I shall definitely come to Miami, provided Durjaya and Drishti"—our Centre leaders in Miami—"and all the members of Florida's Centres can dare to bring 2,000 meditation-music lovers."

In October 1996 Guru came to Miami. I remember there was a beautiful boat ride.

In a conversation, Guru said that Sisir Kumar Ghosh had brought my soul to Guru. I am always grateful to Sisir Kumar Ghosh—whom I called Chotogatu, “youngest grandfather” in Bengali—for doing me this great favour.

Its prediction is perfect

Your doubting mind
Cannot predict your future.
Your crying heart
Cannot predict your future.
But your smiling soul
Can predict your future,
And it always does.
What is more,
Its prediction is absolutely perfect.

Sri Chinmoy 1

Sri Chinmoy's opening meditation at the Parliament of World Religions

This is one of the stories in our Story-Gems project, a collection of our experiences with our Guru, Sri Chinmoy. Project homepage »

Swami Vivekananda (second from right, in turban) and other religious leaders, at the Parliament of World Religions in 1893

By way of background, in 1893 the Parliament of the World’s Religions met in Chicago as part of the World Exposition being held there. Of course, this was when the great Swami Vivekananda first became known to America. (Guru has written and spoken much on Swami Vivekananda. My sense is that they are like inner “brothers”.)

In 1993, one hundred years later, a second Parliament of the World’s Religions was being convened in Chicago. Guru was invited to open that event with seven minutes of meditation. I think that Guru himself considered this to be one of his most auspicious manifestations. And of course, there was talk of Vivekananda all that year.

Early in 1993, there was no talk of a concert, only the Parliament. I confess I was relieved by this. (Sri Chinmoy had tasked me to organise large Peace Concerts for the previous few years).

I was in Ottawa for a work-related event when I received a call from Ashrita with a message from Guru. “Vivekananda’s soul came to me. He said that he lived 39 years on earth, so he has requested me to offer 39 concerts. The last concert has to be in Chicago and should be for 13,000 people.”

“Oh…okay,” came my not-so-enthusiastic reply.

A few minutes later the phone rang again. It was Ashrita with an addendum. He told me, “Guru said that Vivekananda actually wanted 39,000 people, but your soul immediately came to Guru and said that you would die a thousand deaths.”

My soul was correct.

In August of every year, Guru’s students gather in New York in celebration of his August 27th birthday. This is a 2-week event which includes meditations, runs, performances, singing and more. It is two weeks of inspiration. But 1993 was a very unique experience. Guru’s actual birthday event ended early and most of us packed up and left New York for Chicago on August 28th. Guru opened the 100th Anniversary of the Parliament of the World’s Religions with a seven minute meditation. This was an absolutely wonderful event and experience.

At that opening event, I swear Guru brought God down in front of thousands of people in absolute silence. The rest of the people who shared the opening dais with Guru just talked and talked and talked.

I was so proud of Guru, and equally proud to be escorting him around the crowd. I was in the elevator when a woman noticed me and recognized me as the individual escorting Guru. She said, “I wish he had meditated more and everybody else had talked less!”

“Me too!” I thought to myself as I smiled in acknowledgement.

Guru came twice to Chicago that year. Just two weeks after the Parliament, Guru returned to Chicago to offer the concert that Vivekananda requested. In his honor, we called it the Oneness-World Vivekananda Peace Concert.

O Chicago’s World Parliament of Religions!

The heart of an Indian monk,
Vivekananda,

Became your boat;

His soul became your boatman;

And his vision’s one religion —
God-love
—
Became your Golden Shore.

Sri Chinmoy 1

Books by disciples of Sri Chinmoy

A bibliography of books written by disciples of Sri Chinmoy. See also selected Books and Sri Chinmoy's Bibliography

Selected books

Recollections on Sri Chinmoy, part 1
Mahiruha Klein
2022
Ganapati Press
The Drop and the Ocean - My Life with Sri Chinmoy
Aruna Pohland
2021
Perfection-Glory Press, Augsburg
The Philosophy of Sri Chinmoy: Love and Transformation 
Kusumita Pedersen
2021
Lexington
My Life with Guru - On the Spiritual Path with Sri Chinmoy
Projjwal Pohland
2020
Perfection-Glory Press, Augsburg
Remembrances
Jogyata Dallas
2019
The Golden-Shore, Nuernberg
Running in rhythm with the heart
Jayasalini Abramovskikh
2019
Sri Chinmoy Centre
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's Sunlit path, Ashcharjya
Ashcharjya Gat
2019
 
Plays based on stories by Sri Chinmoy
Sumangali Morhall
2019
Ganapati Press
Light and Love
Bhadra Kleinman
2018
Golden Shore,
Stories from the spiritual life
Tejvan Pettinger
2018
Ganapati Press
The hidden path in the light
Apaga Renner
2018
The Golden-Shore, Nuernberg
The unusual spiritual journey of a Catholic nun
Dodula Zurfluh
2018
The Golden-Shore, Nuernberg
Unmilan's spiritual life, part 1
Unmilan Howard
2018
Blurb
Unmilan's spiritual life, part 2
Unmilan Howard
2018
Blurb
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Sujata
Sujata Muto
2018
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Pilgrimage of the Heart
Sujantra McKeever
2018
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Memories of Guru: The Golden Years
Chameli Herdes
2017
Golden Shore,
Miracle-suns from the heart
Various authors
2017
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Of speed and spirit, part 1
Various authors
2017
Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, New York
The challenge of the English Channel - Adriano Passino
Adriano Passini
2016
Golden Shore,
The sunlit road
Various authors
2016
Peace Run Publishing, New York
Gratitude-blossoms, part 5
Various authors
2015
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
On Sri Chinmoy's Sunlit Path
98 disciples
2015
Golden Shore,
Serve Guru by serving the disciples
Various
2015
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Akuti
Akuti
2015
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Gratitude-blossoms, part 4
Various authors
2014
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Moments of Eternity
Utsahi St-Amand
2014
Golden Shore,
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Adesh & Ajita
Adesh & Ajita Widmer
2014
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Devaki
Devaki Groulx
2014
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Sarama
Sarama Minoli
2014
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Venu
Venu Riggo
2014
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Gratitude-blossoms, part 3
Various authors
2013
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
My Guru, Sri Chinmoy
Manatita Hutchinson
2013
Vajra Books,
Running beyond the marathon
Grahak Cunningham
2013
Pure refreshments
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Subarata
Subarata Dallas
2013
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Vijali
Vijali Anctill
2013
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Auspicious good fortune
Sumangali Morhall
2012
O-Books, UK
Gratitude-blossoms, part 2
Various authors
2012
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
In the Boat
Jogyata Dallas
2012
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Sulochana
Sulochana Kallai
2012
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Compassion-miracles, a selection from parts 1-3
Various authors
2011
Agni Press, New York
Gratitude-blossoms
Various authors
2011
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Gratitude-blossoms, part 1
Various authors
2011
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Thy Will be done
Ushasi Thompson
2011
 
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Tejvan
Tejvan Pettinger
2011
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Trishakash
Trishakash
2011
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Walking along Sri Chinmoy's sunlit path, Vijaya
Vijaya Claxton
2011
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
At the feet of my Master
Pradhan Balter
2010
Agni Press, New York
First steps on the sunlit path, part 2
Various authors
2010
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
First steps on the sunlit path, part 3
Various authors
2010
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
First steps on the sunlit path, part 1
Various authors
2009
Golden Shore, Nurnberg
Lifting up the world and other miracles
Sushumna Mary Plumbly
2006
Agni Press, New York
Believe in your impossible dreams
Sushumna Mary Plumbly
2004
Agni Press, New York
Compassion-miracles, part 6
Various authors
2004
Agni Press, New York
My hospital-life experiences
Shardul Dillicar
2004
Agni Press, New York
Compassion-miracles, part 5
Various authors
2003
Agni Press, New York
My Madal Bal children
Various authors
2003
Madal Bal Zurich, Zurich
Things my Guru taught me
Sushumna Mary Plumbly
2003
Agni Press, New York
Compassion-miracles, part 4
Various authors
2001
Agni Press, New York
Compassion-miracles, part 3
disciples
1999
Agni Press, New York
Shephali's occult world
Shephali Burke
1999
Agni Press, New York
Sri Chinmoy chronicles
disciples
1999
Agni Press, New York
One spirit - a journey to the heart of America
Various authors
1997
Peace Run Publishing, New York
Tales from the medical world, part 2
Hiyamallar Daniel Shalom
1997
Agni Press, New York
My Master finds me
Mridula
1994
Agni Press, New York
Peace runs around the world
Various authors
1991
Peace Runs International,
Seven multiplied by five sagas by Databir
Databir
1984
Agni Press, New York
Fifteen years in America
Various authors
1979
 
A tribute to your sacred esraj music
Ashrita Furman
1977
Agni Press, New York
A day in the life of Sri Chinmoy
Brihaspati, Connie, Gariyan
1975
Bhakti Press, Ottawa
Sri Chinmoy in Europe
Mahalakshmi
1974
Agni Press, New York
My Guru: Sri Chinmoy Kumar Ghose
Mukti
1970
Sri Chinmoy Centre
Sri Chinmoy Kumar Ghose
B. Ramamoorthy
1970
 
The life of Sri Chinmoy
Madhuri Honig
1970
Agni Press, New York
Our spiritual teacher
Indrani
1968
Aum Centre Inc., New York

Essays

Collected writings on Sri Chinmoy, vol.I
Vidagdha Bennett
2019
Collected writings on Sri Chinmoy, vol.II
Vidagdha Bennett
2019
Collected writings on Sri Chinmoy, vol.III
Vidagdha Bennett
2019
Collected writings, vol.IV
Vidagdha Bennett
2019
Light, truth, & nature
Durjaya Pliske
2017
The aphorisms of Sri Chinmoy and other essays
Vidagdha Bennett
2015
Collated works
Kalatit Baker
2006
The creativity of Sri Chinmoy
Kusumita Pedersen
2004
The vision of a oneness-world: Sri Chinmoy's approach to global love and harmony
Anneshan Dorn, Kusumita, Utsahi
2004
More pearls of wisdom
Kalatit Baker
2001
Gratitude
Kautuhali
2001
The ABC's enlightenment
Kalatit Baker
1997
The rainbow-dreams of the Japanese children's hearts
Chidananda Burke
1997
My heart-journey through the Ukraine and Russia
Chidananda Burke
1995
When the source is deep
Vidagdha Bennett
1994
The silent presence of peace
Vidagdha Bennett
1993
Sri Chinmoy: The Phenomenon of a Twentieth Century God-Realised Master
Chaudhuri
1992
Simplicity and power: the poetry of Sri Chinmoy
Vidagdha Bennett
1991
When the earth was encircled with power
Vidagdha Bennett
1990
Volcanic calf-fire
Vidagdha Bennett
1987
Hinduism and the West: Challenges and new creations
Kusumita Pedersen
1986
A Guru of 20th Century Himalayas
Nemi Fredner
1986
Simplicity and power: the poetry of Sri Chinmoy
Vidagdha Bennett
1981
The United Nations and planetary consciousness
Donald Keys
1977
Human nature and its transformation
Tom Pliske
1976
Fountain-art
Nilima Silver
1975
Meditation under a Yogi-Guru
Chidananda Burke
1970
The philosophy of a Yogi
Agni José Casanova
1968
A Yogi in America
Agni José Casanova
1968
The impact of a Yogi on my life
Agni José Casanova
1968
World-story and soul-story: Narrative in the English poetry of Sri Chinmoy
Kusumita Pedersen
 
When you meditate you sleep better
Kalatit Baker
 
Sri Chinmoy: At the Heart of Infinite Power
Kokila Bennett Jodi
 
Obedience comes in many forms
Snehashila Alaimo
 

People see something in Guru and want to be part of it

This is one of the stories in our Story-Gems project, a collection of our experiences with our Guru, Sri Chinmoy. Project homepage »

Sri Chinmoy in a relaxed mood with his disciples, Cancun, January 1998

This happened in 1998. We had just arrived in Cancun, which is in La Peninsula Yucatan in Mexico—a very beautiful place.

There had been unfortunately some very bad massacre in some tribal groups in Chiapas down in the south of Mexico. There were detectives investigating all of the foreign groups; they always think it is a foreign group that does something kooky.

There were two detectives that wanted to speak to Guru. I said, "Guru, there are two gentlemen here." I explained to Guru why they wanted to speak to him.

Guru said, "Don't worry—I will give them my transcendental smile."

Sri Chinmoy is interviewed by media, Cancun, January 1998

So I introduced the two gentlemen to Guru and Guru just gave them this beautiful open smile. They became like two tiny little kids.

They said, "No señorita, no pasa nada, no pasa nada. Todo esta bien." They meant, "Oh, no, lady, don't worry. Everything's fine."

They were so humble with Guru. Whatever Guru gave them, some part of their souls just absorbed it.

There are many experiences where we've been in so many parts of the world and people see something in Guru and want to be part of it. I am sure just in that second, Guru has that incredible capacity to feed the need of that soul. That is why I will forever love my Guru.

Sri Chinmoy with President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico, January 1998

Each soulful smile  
Is a life-changing power.

Sri Chinmoy 1

Everyone is looking for unconditional love

This is one of the stories in our Story-Gems project, a collection of our experiences with our Guru, Sri Chinmoy. Project homepage »

Pipasa talks about how she saw her Guru for the very first time in Eugene, Oregon

Guru asked Nayak to tell him who were the new disciples from Seattle. Then he meditated on us. Each of us would raise our hand, and then Guru would look at that person and smile.

When Guru smiled at me, I was just... you cannot imagine what it feels like to have... it's like the sun is looking at you with unconditional love. I was so overwhelmed. I kind of looked at the floor because I did not know how to accept all that love. Then I looked up and Guru was still smiling at me.

Guru at one point said that everyone is looking for unconditional love. Every seeker is looking for unconditional love. Guru showed me so much affection over the years.

If I Accept My Supreme Lord

If I accept my Supreme Lord
Supremely and unconditionally,
Then only will I be able to read
What He has inscribed
On the golden tablet of my heart:
That He loves me unconditionally.

Sri Chinmoy 1

  • 1. Ten Thousand Flower-Flames, part 82, Agni Press, 1983

'When you perform for me, always choose devotional songs.'

This is one of the stories in our Story-Gems project, a collection of our experiences with our Guru, Sri Chinmoy. Project homepage »

Gunthita (seen here with guitar) is the leader of the Mountain Silence singing group, which has been performing Sri Chinmoy's music for over 30 years

When we performed in New York for Guru with Mountain-Silence, we played three songs as always. We liked these songs very much. After some other people performed, Guru called for me and talked to me.

He said, “Gunthita, not even one of the three songs performed were devotional. Please, please, in the future, when you perform for me, always choose devotional songs.”

Then he said, "When you give concerts and you play with devotion, then the people will receive." Guru said, "They will receive something from me." Guru meant from him and from our souls. He said that the only and most important thing is to play with devotion. The songs don't have to be slow or fast, but the devotion is the most important thing.

Guru suggested, "Why don't you play Christ songs? They are always devotional."

A few days later at the Celebrations, Guru told me, "Gunthita, I am giving your group another chance. Tomorrow morning at 11, you can perform for me."

That morning, we were practising and practising. We prepared seven songs just in case there was more than one performance. We chose Christ songs and only songs which we knew from the translation were very devotional.

Mountain Silence perform 'Jishu Kristo' by Sri Chinmoy

Then we sat with no audience, just Guru. We performed just for Guru at the front of Aspiration-Ground. At that time, it was not yet the temple. It was just a small little house.

We played one song and another song and another song. Guru meditated and meditated. He said, "One more, one more." Exactly up to seven songs. And then Guru bowed.

Mountain-Silence perform 'Blessed are the pure in heart...' taken from the famous words of the Saviour Christ.

Later on in his house, Guru said that when we performed for him, "I was very moved, I was very moved."

Sri Chinmoy talks about which kinds of music help us and hinder us in our spiritual life

We meditate on the Christ.
We repeat his name countless times.
Without the Christ-consciousness
Our life is totally lost.
Christ is for all.
He is our divinity’s Son
And humanity’s Father.

Sri Chinmoy 1

The day I saw my Guru's Third Eye

This is one of the stories in our Story-Gems project, a collection of our experiences with our Guru, Sri Chinmoy. Project homepage »

This is another story that happened when we were in New York. We went to the Connecticut Centre, which was in a basement. Connecticut is not far from New York. We were having a meditation, and Guru was just in front of us. We could sit right in front of Guru. While I was looking at Guru, I saw the third eye very bright, bright, bright. I can't explain. It was whiter than white. It was like when you see some people in India that have a fork shape on their third eye. I asked the person beside me, “Can you see Guru? Look… he's got….”  He said: “What are you talking about? I don't see anything.”

It was indescribable. The only visual I could see was like when a star vibrates and the light seems to just grow and grow. It was very striking and very awakening.

May my two human eyes
At every moment
Love and love and love
The celestial Beauty
Of my Lord’s Third Eye.

Sri Chinmoy 1