NEW YORK, October 11, 2007 - Internationally renowned peace leader and spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy passed away on October 11, 2007, in his home in Queens, New York. The cause of death was a heart attack.
Respected and loved worldwide, Sri Chinmoy's philosophy for world peace was manifested through a wide array of activities, ranging from literature to art to sports to music. The universal nature of his philosophy embraced and encouraged people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities to work together for peace. Read

Hailed as a modern-day renaissance man, Sri Chinmoy wrote over 1500 books of prose and poetry, composed nearly 21,000 pieces of music, and offered more than 750 Peace Concerts worldwide – all free of charge - in venues like the Royal Albert Hall in London and New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. He was an avid runner and tennis player, and in recent years, a champion weightlifter.

President Mikhail Gorbachev wrote,
"Your enormous and significant activities are helping people to live better lives in peace, friendship and love. Whatever you dedicate yourself to - art, poetry, drawing - all this is connected with peace, peace amongst people and peace amongst nations."

Sri Chinmoy was born on August 27, 1931 in a small village in east India. Orphaned at the age of 11, Sri Chinmoy travelled with his six brothers and sisters to a spiritual community in south India, where he spent the next 20 years in intense prayer and meditation. Heeding an inner call, he travelled to the United States in 1964 and made New York City his home.

In the 43 years since his arrival in the West, Sri Chinmoy became a model of the potential of humankind. Opening centers throughout the world for peace and harmony he tirelessly travelled the globe to share his inspiration and goodwill.

Of his contributions to peace, President Nelson Mandela wrote,
"It is a very rare gift indeed for humankind to be blessed with such a selfless individual who has dedicated his entire life to the service of world peace. Your work has inspired spiritual growth, resilience and well-being, especially in view of the present and unprecedented onslaughts against humankind. Yours is a voice of reason we all must heed."

A champion of interfaith harmony, Sri Chinmoy was beloved by religious leaders of all denominations. From Mother Teresa to Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II to the Dalai Lama, Sri Chinmoy was celebrated as a true servant of God.

"I am so pleased with all the good work you are doing for world peace and for people in so many countries," wrote Mother Teresa. "May we continue to work together and share together, all for the glory of God and for the good of man."

Sri Chinmoy was an ardent supporter of the United Nations. Since 1970 he had served as the leader of the Peace Meditation at the United Nations, an association of delegates and staff he founded under the aegis of the third UN Secretary-General U Thant.
"The outer message of the United Nations is peace. The inner message of the United Nations is love. The inmost message of the United Nations is oneness," said Sri Chinmoy.

Javier Perez de Cuellar, the fifth UN Secretary-General said,
"Sri Chinmoy, you are the heart of the United Nations. In all the years I was Secretary-General and even before, you were always with us. Your message was always with us, and we were being inspired by you."

Sri Chinmoy's love of sports spanned a lifetime and resulted in a number of landmark programs for peace and self-transcendence. In 1987, Sri Chinmoy founded the World Harmony Run, the world's largest relay for peace involving millions of participants in over 70 nations.

Sri Chinmoy also founded the Sri Chinmoy Marathon team which is a leading promoter of ultra distance races, sponsoring events ranging from marathons to the world's longest footrace, a 3100 mile run.
"The physical and the spiritual must go together," taught Sri Chinmoy. "They cannot be separated."
In this light, Sri Chinmoy astounded sports heroes and luminaries through a weightlifting career which he began in 1986, at the age of 55. Weight being anything but insurmountable, Sri Chinmoy credited his inner peace for the ability to lift thousands, sometimes even tens of thousands of pounds. From cars to animals to small planes, Sri Chinmoy lifted almost every object imaginable in various styles of strongman lifts.
"I have learned from Sri Chinmoy that the size of the arm does not make the man; the size of the heart makes the man," said five-time Mr. Universe and Best Built Man of the 20th Century, Bill Pearl. "Nobody on earth has done what Sri Chinmoy has done."

A musician since his youth, Sri Chinmoy made dozens of recordings, composed almost 21,000 songs, and offered more than 750 Peace Concerts - all free of charge.

"Sri Chinmoy has a tremendous, a fantastic creative urge!" exclaimed Indian maestro Ravi Shankar.
A humanitarian, Sri Chinmoy's service organization, the Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles collected and distributed millions of dollars of medical supplies throughout Asia and Africa. Dedicated to easing pain and alleviating suffering, Sri Chinmoy once wrote, "My Lord, do give me the capacity to wipe every tear from every heart."

Sri Chinmoy practiced a life of spiritual discipline and never married. Over 7,000 people continue to follow his philosophy through the over 300 Sri Chinmoy Centres worldwide.

New York, October 14, 2007 - At a private ceremony befitting the universal message of Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy, dozens of luminaries from all around the world joined thousands of followers to pay final tributes to the beloved spiritual leader, Sri Chinmoy, who passed away Thursday morning at his home in Queens, New York.

Religious leaders of all faiths, UN officials, humanitarian workers, world-class athletes and renowned musicians gathered in Sri Chinmoy’s meditation garden, where his body lay in wake, to express their condolences on his sudden passing.

“Sri Chinmoy always inspired me,” said nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis. “He used to call me his outer coach in running but say he was my inner coach. I may have lost my student, but, though he has passed on physically, I know I have not lost my coach spiritually.”

Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack added, “I loved Sri Chinmoy. I love Sri Chinmoy. My whole life changed when I met him and I thank the whole world for that.”

“I say on behalf of my father Muhammad Ali,” shared Khaliah Ali, daughter of the boxing superstar, “that if I ever thought Sri Chinmoy’s physical presence was powerful, being here in this period of transition with all of you has been truly transformational.”

Leaders who could not be present but who sent letters of condolence ranged from US Congresspersons and Senators to Prime Ministers from countries as varied as Nepal and Namibia. Numerous Nobel Peace Prize winners offered statements as well.

Tributes have been flowing in from all over the world; they will be added at SriChinmoy.org as they become available.

President Mikhail Gorbachev “With deep regret I have learned that my long-term close friend, the friend of my family and of our Foundation, Sri Chinmoy, passed away yesterday…This is a loss for the whole world. Through many years of his selfless work for the sake of peace, Sri Chinmoy has gained recognition and love in the farthest corners of our planet…In our hearts he will forever remain a man who dedicated his whole life to peace… We shall remember Sri Chinmoy forever!”

President Nelson Mandela “It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of my dear friend, Sri Chinmoy. Today, the world is a lesser place as I recall his lifetime of service to humanity in the great cause of world peace. I will remember always the time we spent together and treasure his support and encouragement over the years.”

President Bill Clinton “Hillary and I were saddened to learn of Sri Chinmoy’s death, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the many people who loved him…Throughout his many years, he enriched the lives of countless others and served as a model of generosity and discipline to those he met, fostering an atmosphere of compassion, harmony, and unity. Sri Chinmoy was a leader, humanitarian, artist, athlete, and public servant who will be sorely missed. His legacy of kindness, reflection, and resolve will endure for many years to come.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu “Sri Chinmoy was a great man. God is smiling to know the immense good he has accomplished and encouraged in others. In a world of suspicion, hostility and conflict, he worked tirelessly to bring the different faiths together and inspired many to emulate.”

The Rt. Hon. Lord Malloch Brown Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom; former UN Deputy Secretary-General “Sri Chinmoy reached out to so many in the UN. In the UN we felt the force of his love for us. However difficult the moment, he never lost faith in the UN and those who worked in it. He brought courage and support to so many individuals in our organisation but also his voice and prayer to those who led it. A man of the spiritual life, he understood the need for the UN in the material world if the two were ever to find justice and harmony.”

Mr. Vijay Nambiar UN Chef de Cabinet and Under-Secretary-General “I am sure I represent the Secretary-General when I express my profound respect and gratitude to Sri Chinmoy for his contribution to the building up of inner peace in the United Nations as in the world at large.”

H.E. Dr. Srgjan Kerim President of the United Nations General Assembly for the current 62nd Session “It is with profound sadness that I learned that the great humanitarian, meditation teacher and advocate of the boundless potential of the human spirit, Sri Chinmoy, is no longer with us. Sri Chinmoy loved and supported the ideals of the United Nations over his long career, and his life’s dedication to working for peace and the betterment of humanity was unmatched. We shall always remember, follow and treasure the value in his words: “The outer message of the United Nations is peace. The inner message of the United Nations is love. The inmost message of the United Nations is oneness.”

H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson President of the 60th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Darfur “It is a great loss. Sri Chinmoy was a man of compassion and tolerance, representing the very best in humanity.”

Bishop Carlos Belo, East Timor Nobel Peace Laureate, 1996 “The Lord of Life and of Death receives his most blessed son who during his life sleeplessly worked for the peace and harmony of between peoples of religion.”

Senator Daniel Akaka United States Senator from Hawaii “Known as the Ambassador of World Peace, he shared his inner wealth with sincere seekers throughout the world. I join his students in bidding Sri Chinmoy a fond aloha.”

Congressman Gary Ackerman United States Member of Congress for the congressional district in which Sri Chinmoy lived “Each and every one of us has been privileged, because we have been touched by a great master-teacher, a great inspirer, who has given us a message, a message to live by...Death in itself is confusing. It is even more confusing when somebody who has exhibited such unbelievable dynamism, such strength, such humility, such power...somehow seems gone from our lives. But that is not the truth. It may be the reality, but it is not the truth. Because what is a visionary, but for his vision? The visionary may be gone, but the vision is here.” Read the entire text of Congressman Ackerman's moving speech, or watch a video...

Hon. Svenn Kristiansen Mayor of Oslo, Norway “You will forever remain inside our hearts. May your light continue to spread throughout the length and breadth of the entire world.”

Quincy Jones Legendary music producer and humanitarian “I don't have words to express my sadness. Sri’s spirit will always be with us all. I just thank the higher power to have briefly had him and you in my life. Men like Sri Chinmoy were all too rare in this world. In fact, Sri Chinmoy was truly one-of-a-kind. I was, am and will always be his biggest fan, for he understood what truly matters most in life: and that is love. His love could fill an ocean. I join the many people touched by this man and pray that his message will touch many more. Sri, we love you, and we miss you.”

Mahavishnu John McLaughlin Legendary guitarist and creator of the Mahavishnu Orchestra “Finding one’s way in life is difficult even in the best of times. The presence of inspiring human beings is the surest way of receiving help and guidance in these matters. Five years of my life were spent under the direct tutelege of Sri Chinmoy. There are but a few real and true human beings to whom I will never ever be able to repay my debt of gratitude. The principle reason for this is that they have transcended the merely human and attained the All. Sri Chinmoy is one of these human beings. My gratitude to him will remain forever endless."

Carl Lewis Nine time Olympic gold medal winner, and spokesman for the World Harmony Run founded by Sri Chinmoy “Sri Chinmoy always inspired me. He used to call me his outer coach in running but say he was my inner coach. I may have lost my student, but, though he has passed on physically, I know I have not lost my coach spiritually...His life was all about challenging yourself and being the best you can be. He told his disciples to go out and meet a challenge you don’t think you can do. He’s the reason I plan on running the New York marathon when I’m 50." Watch an podcast of Carl Lewis on Sri Chinmoy TV

Jesper Olsen First person to run around the world “My big big condolences to all in the Sri Chinmoy community... (I) was fortunate to meet disciples and Sri Chinmoy during different occasions at World Run 1...(it) always made a deep impression to carry your warmth with me forward on the endless roads.” Photo: Jesper holding World Harmony Run torch with Suprabha Beckjord, Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team Member and the only person to run the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race - the world's longest race - every year it has been run.

NEW YORK, October 11, 2007 - Internationally renowned peace leader and spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy passed away on October 11, 2007, in his home in Queens, New York. The cause of death was a heart attack.
Respected and loved worldwide, Sri Chinmoy's philosophy for world peace was manifested through a wide array of activities, ranging from literature to art to sports to music. The universal nature of his philosophy embraced and encouraged people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities to work together for peace. Read

Hailed as a modern-day renaissance man, Sri Chinmoy wrote over 1500 books of prose and poetry, composed nearly 21,000 pieces of music, and offered more than 750 Peace Concerts worldwide – all free of charge - in venues like the Royal Albert Hall in London and New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. He was an avid runner and tennis player, and in recent years, a champion weightlifter.

President Mikhail Gorbachev wrote,
"Your enormous and significant activities are helping people to live better lives in peace, friendship and love. Whatever you dedicate yourself to - art, poetry, drawing - all this is connected with peace, peace amongst people and peace amongst nations."

Sri Chinmoy was born on August 27, 1931 in a small village in east India. Orphaned at the age of 11, Sri Chinmoy travelled with his six brothers and sisters to a spiritual community in south India, where he spent the next 20 years in intense prayer and meditation. Heeding an inner call, he travelled to the United States in 1964 and made New York City his home.

In the 43 years since his arrival in the West, Sri Chinmoy became a model of the potential of humankind. Opening centers throughout the world for peace and harmony he tirelessly travelled the globe to share his inspiration and goodwill.

Of his contributions to peace, President Nelson Mandela wrote,
"It is a very rare gift indeed for humankind to be blessed with such a selfless individual who has dedicated his entire life to the service of world peace. Your work has inspired spiritual growth, resilience and well-being, especially in view of the present and unprecedented onslaughts against humankind. Yours is a voice of reason we all must heed."

A champion of interfaith harmony, Sri Chinmoy was beloved by religious leaders of all denominations. From Mother Teresa to Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II to the Dalai Lama, Sri Chinmoy was celebrated as a true servant of God.

"I am so pleased with all the good work you are doing for world peace and for people in so many countries," wrote Mother Teresa. "May we continue to work together and share together, all for the glory of God and for the good of man."

Sri Chinmoy was an ardent supporter of the United Nations. Since 1970 he had served as the leader of the Peace Meditation at the United Nations, an association of delegates and staff he founded under the aegis of the third UN Secretary-General U Thant.
"The outer message of the United Nations is peace. The inner message of the United Nations is love. The inmost message of the United Nations is oneness," said Sri Chinmoy.

Javier Perez de Cuellar, the fifth UN Secretary-General said,
"Sri Chinmoy, you are the heart of the United Nations. In all the years I was Secretary-General and even before, you were always with us. Your message was always with us, and we were being inspired by you."

Sri Chinmoy's love of sports spanned a lifetime and resulted in a number of landmark programs for peace and self-transcendence. In 1987, Sri Chinmoy founded the World Harmony Run, the world's largest relay for peace involving millions of participants in over 70 nations.

Sri Chinmoy also founded the Sri Chinmoy Marathon team which is a leading promoter of ultra distance races, sponsoring events ranging from marathons to the world's longest footrace, a 3100 mile run.
"The physical and the spiritual must go together," taught Sri Chinmoy. "They cannot be separated."
In this light, Sri Chinmoy astounded sports heroes and luminaries through a weightlifting career which he began in 1986, at the age of 55. Weight being anything but insurmountable, Sri Chinmoy credited his inner peace for the ability to lift thousands, sometimes even tens of thousands of pounds. From cars to animals to small planes, Sri Chinmoy lifted almost every object imaginable in various styles of strongman lifts.
"I have learned from Sri Chinmoy that the size of the arm does not make the man; the size of the heart makes the man," said five-time Mr. Universe and Best Built Man of the 20th Century, Bill Pearl. "Nobody on earth has done what Sri Chinmoy has done."

A musician since his youth, Sri Chinmoy made dozens of recordings, composed almost 21,000 songs, and offered more than 750 Peace Concerts - all free of charge.

"Sri Chinmoy has a tremendous, a fantastic creative urge!" exclaimed Indian maestro Ravi Shankar.
A humanitarian, Sri Chinmoy's service organization, the Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles collected and distributed millions of dollars of medical supplies throughout Asia and Africa. Dedicated to easing pain and alleviating suffering, Sri Chinmoy once wrote, "My Lord, do give me the capacity to wipe every tear from every heart."

Sri Chinmoy practiced a life of spiritual discipline and never married. Over 7,000 people continue to follow his philosophy through the over 300 Sri Chinmoy Centres worldwide.

New York, October 14, 2007 - At a private ceremony befitting the universal message of Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy, dozens of luminaries from all around the world joined thousands of followers to pay final tributes to the beloved spiritual leader, Sri Chinmoy, who passed away Thursday morning at his home in Queens, New York.

Religious leaders of all faiths, UN officials, humanitarian workers, world-class athletes and renowned musicians gathered in Sri Chinmoy’s meditation garden, where his body lay in wake, to express their condolences on his sudden passing.

“Sri Chinmoy always inspired me,” said nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis. “He used to call me his outer coach in running but say he was my inner coach. I may have lost my student, but, though he has passed on physically, I know I have not lost my coach spiritually.”

Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack added, “I loved Sri Chinmoy. I love Sri Chinmoy. My whole life changed when I met him and I thank the whole world for that.”

“I say on behalf of my father Muhammad Ali,” shared Khaliah Ali, daughter of the boxing superstar, “that if I ever thought Sri Chinmoy’s physical presence was powerful, being here in this period of transition with all of you has been truly transformational.”

Leaders who could not be present but who sent letters of condolence ranged from US Congresspersons and Senators to Prime Ministers from countries as varied as Nepal and Namibia. Numerous Nobel Peace Prize winners offered statements as well.

Tributes have been flowing in from all over the world; they will be added at SriChinmoy.org as they become available.

President Mikhail Gorbachev “With deep regret I have learned that my long-term close friend, the friend of my family and of our Foundation, Sri Chinmoy, passed away yesterday…This is a loss for the whole world. Through many years of his selfless work for the sake of peace, Sri Chinmoy has gained recognition and love in the farthest corners of our planet…In our hearts he will forever remain a man who dedicated his whole life to peace… We shall remember Sri Chinmoy forever!”

President Nelson Mandela “It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of my dear friend, Sri Chinmoy. Today, the world is a lesser place as I recall his lifetime of service to humanity in the great cause of world peace. I will remember always the time we spent together and treasure his support and encouragement over the years.”

President Bill Clinton “Hillary and I were saddened to learn of Sri Chinmoy’s death, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the many people who loved him…Throughout his many years, he enriched the lives of countless others and served as a model of generosity and discipline to those he met, fostering an atmosphere of compassion, harmony, and unity. Sri Chinmoy was a leader, humanitarian, artist, athlete, and public servant who will be sorely missed. His legacy of kindness, reflection, and resolve will endure for many years to come.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu “Sri Chinmoy was a great man. God is smiling to know the immense good he has accomplished and encouraged in others. In a world of suspicion, hostility and conflict, he worked tirelessly to bring the different faiths together and inspired many to emulate.”

The Rt. Hon. Lord Malloch Brown Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom; former UN Deputy Secretary-General “Sri Chinmoy reached out to so many in the UN. In the UN we felt the force of his love for us. However difficult the moment, he never lost faith in the UN and those who worked in it. He brought courage and support to so many individuals in our organisation but also his voice and prayer to those who led it. A man of the spiritual life, he understood the need for the UN in the material world if the two were ever to find justice and harmony.”

Mr. Vijay Nambiar UN Chef de Cabinet and Under-Secretary-General “I am sure I represent the Secretary-General when I express my profound respect and gratitude to Sri Chinmoy for his contribution to the building up of inner peace in the United Nations as in the world at large.”

H.E. Dr. Srgjan Kerim President of the United Nations General Assembly for the current 62nd Session “It is with profound sadness that I learned that the great humanitarian, meditation teacher and advocate of the boundless potential of the human spirit, Sri Chinmoy, is no longer with us. Sri Chinmoy loved and supported the ideals of the United Nations over his long career, and his life’s dedication to working for peace and the betterment of humanity was unmatched. We shall always remember, follow and treasure the value in his words: “The outer message of the United Nations is peace. The inner message of the United Nations is love. The inmost message of the United Nations is oneness.”

H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson President of the 60th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Darfur “It is a great loss. Sri Chinmoy was a man of compassion and tolerance, representing the very best in humanity.”

Bishop Carlos Belo, East Timor Nobel Peace Laureate, 1996 “The Lord of Life and of Death receives his most blessed son who during his life sleeplessly worked for the peace and harmony of between peoples of religion.”

Senator Daniel Akaka United States Senator from Hawaii “Known as the Ambassador of World Peace, he shared his inner wealth with sincere seekers throughout the world. I join his students in bidding Sri Chinmoy a fond aloha.”

Congressman Gary Ackerman United States Member of Congress for the congressional district in which Sri Chinmoy lived “Each and every one of us has been privileged, because we have been touched by a great master-teacher, a great inspirer, who has given us a message, a message to live by...Death in itself is confusing. It is even more confusing when somebody who has exhibited such unbelievable dynamism, such strength, such humility, such power...somehow seems gone from our lives. But that is not the truth. It may be the reality, but it is not the truth. Because what is a visionary, but for his vision? The visionary may be gone, but the vision is here.” Read the entire text of Congressman Ackerman's moving speech, or watch a video...

Hon. Svenn Kristiansen Mayor of Oslo, Norway “You will forever remain inside our hearts. May your light continue to spread throughout the length and breadth of the entire world.”

Quincy Jones Legendary music producer and humanitarian “I don't have words to express my sadness. Sri’s spirit will always be with us all. I just thank the higher power to have briefly had him and you in my life. Men like Sri Chinmoy were all too rare in this world. In fact, Sri Chinmoy was truly one-of-a-kind. I was, am and will always be his biggest fan, for he understood what truly matters most in life: and that is love. His love could fill an ocean. I join the many people touched by this man and pray that his message will touch many more. Sri, we love you, and we miss you.”

Mahavishnu John McLaughlin Legendary guitarist and creator of the Mahavishnu Orchestra “Finding one’s way in life is difficult even in the best of times. The presence of inspiring human beings is the surest way of receiving help and guidance in these matters. Five years of my life were spent under the direct tutelege of Sri Chinmoy. There are but a few real and true human beings to whom I will never ever be able to repay my debt of gratitude. The principle reason for this is that they have transcended the merely human and attained the All. Sri Chinmoy is one of these human beings. My gratitude to him will remain forever endless."

Carl Lewis Nine time Olympic gold medal winner, and spokesman for the World Harmony Run founded by Sri Chinmoy “Sri Chinmoy always inspired me. He used to call me his outer coach in running but say he was my inner coach. I may have lost my student, but, though he has passed on physically, I know I have not lost my coach spiritually...His life was all about challenging yourself and being the best you can be. He told his disciples to go out and meet a challenge you don’t think you can do. He’s the reason I plan on running the New York marathon when I’m 50." Watch an podcast of Carl Lewis on Sri Chinmoy TV

Jesper Olsen First person to run around the world “My big big condolences to all in the Sri Chinmoy community... (I) was fortunate to meet disciples and Sri Chinmoy during different occasions at World Run 1...(it) always made a deep impression to carry your warmth with me forward on the endless roads.” Photo: Jesper holding World Harmony Run torch with Suprabha Beckjord, Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team Member and the only person to run the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race - the world's longest race - every year it has been run.