This week again there were so many significant postings that the
HIGHLIGHTS have been made rather longer by the Assistant Moderator.
Are people reading the HIGHLIGHTS? What do you think of them? Please
post your comments and suggestions.

Contents

1. Functions and Activities
2. Children in Sri Chinmoy Centre, Part 2
3. Tribute To Sunil William Davidson
4. In Brief
5. Links to Previous Highlights


Functions and Activities

From: Kamalakanta
Date: Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:13 pm
Subject: Race Prayer/Song - July 17, 2004
#5520 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5520
...
Thanks to Arpan, we now have on Radio Sri Chinmoy the race prayer
for the 2-mile Self-Transcendence Race from July 17, 2004. The audio
has Sri Chinmoy teaching the race prayer song, and the students
singing it a few times.

The text (unofficial) is:

"Learn more truth,
Earn more joy,
Be more perfect.

Be more perfect,
Earn more joy,
Learn more truth.

This message-light is for all."

***********************************

From: Nayak
Date: Fri Jul 23, 2004 4:39 pm
Subject: Heavy man lift
#5513 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5513

Recently, Sri Chinmoy lifted a really heavy person. This person was
obese, but he is courageous and is trying to become un-obese, and
also draw attention to the problems related to obesity. What struck
me most after this lift is that Sri Chinmoy, in presenting him with
an award, most appreciated his cheerfulness. This person's
circumstances must be quite trying, and if you look at him, you
immediately think of the obesity, but that is not what Sri Chinmoy
sees. That reminds me of a phrase Sri Chinmoy has used to describe
what he sees when he looks at a person. He sees a "golden glowing
soul." He noted that when we look at ourselves we see all of our
problems, but he sees the soul and its beauty and promise. Here is a
very obese person, with an un-attractive body by conventional
standards, and some people might be quick to judge this person by
looks. But Sri Chinmoy sees divine cheerfulness and other qualities,
such as bravery.

The lift took place in a park under a beautiful sky. Singers sang a
very nice song that Sri Chinmoy had composed for this person. Then
Sri Chinmoy successfully did a very challenging lift, and gave this
man the "Lifting up the World With a Oneness-Heart" award.
Afterwards, our heavy friend spoke of his inspiration from this
event.

Don't judge anyone by their appearance!

***********************************

From: Sumangali
Date: Sun Jul 18, 2004 1:14pm
Subject: French-British Joy Day
#5336 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5336

Here is some news of the latest French-British Joy-Weekend. It took
place in Lee Valley near Cheshunt, just north of London, and a
monumental 105 people attended! We took over an entire hostel
consisting of brand new purpose-built Swiss-style chalets on the
side of a lake. Oxford Centre did a fantastic job of organising
everything so efficiently, and made it an abundantly full, soul-
stirringly inspiring and fabulously fun time for all. Thanks again
for everything Oxford!

On Saturday night we had a meditation followed by each person
reading out one of Sri Chinmoy's aphorisms, then we all sang
together some of the Bengali songs that Sri Chinmoy composed
recently. After prasad, Sanjaya treated us to a video of Sri
Chinmoy's recent visit to Slovenia. I found it so overwhelming to be
in a room with so many from France, England, Ireland, Scotland and
Wales. It always feels so special when we can all get together. I
felt so proud of our Centres and how all the amazing and beautiful
qualities of each person come together in one place to make such a
divinely powerful family feeling.

In the morning we had a beautiful, peaceful hour-long meditation
incorporating performances from various singing groups. It was such
a luxury to have a place all to ourselves out in the country.
Somehow having that many people meditating in one room early in the
morning, and the peaceful surroundings, made such a tangible
stillness and timelessness. Add to that the soulful performances of
Sri Chinmoy's music ....et voila...Heaven!

Then there was a two-mile race through the woods surrounding the
lake. It was so encouraging to be in such a big race. As it was an
out-and-back course, and I was somewhere towards the back, I felt
the benefit of the faster runners speeding past me on the other side
of the path, which gave me extra inspiration!
...
After a proper full English breakfast we had an auction to raise
money to support Abichal running the 3100 mile race. Sanjaya's
performance as auctioneer was most commendable - an experience not
to be missed! I think he missed his vocation! The whole thing was so
entertaining with Sanjaya talking nineteen to the dozen, throwing in
comments about the bidders and the items as he went along. Richard
F. starred as the porter, holding up the donated items and trying to
present them in an appealing way, but with Sanjaya scolding him if
he ran them down too much. What a hilarious comedy double-act. It
was also really touching to think that the whole group was having so
much fun while supporting our heroic brother out there running 3100
miles!

Sanjaya then entertained us further with videos of Ashrita's recent
World Records - stomach crunches and hula-hooping. Also a beautiful
video of Sri Chinmoy talking fondly about Sudhahota Carl Lewis.

Free-time came next, when we all did various things such as walking
to the historic Waltham Abbey, playing games (football as usual in
the men's case), and other fun things. Then there was a short
meditation followed by a bountiful and delicious lunch. In the
afternoon there were more games. The women had a gripping game of
giant Jenga. For anyone who is not familiar with it, there is a
tower of wooden blocks, and each person takes it in turn to remove a
block and place it on the top. The tower therefore gets higher but
less stable as the game goes on. There were many furrowed brows and
rounds of applause after each hair-raising turn! Luckily no injuries
were sustained by the participants or the spectators.....
...
The main thing was that we were all together, which always gives us
so much joy and inspiration. Thank you to all my French, British and
Irish brothers and sisters for being there and for being so great
and so awesomely inspiring!

Love from
Sumangali

***********************************

From: Stuart
Date: Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:15am
Subject: Seminar
#5284 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5284

Our weekend seminar was a great success with 30 very nice seekers.
They started classes on Friday night and also attended all day
Saturday. The Perth centre women cooked up a huge feast and everyone
broke the golden rule of not eating too much before meditation in
the session after lunch. Prabuddha had an intuition game where
people had to guess what he had in a box. Item 1 was a copy of Sri
Chinmoy's book The Wings of Joy with accompanying CD. Item 2 was a
chocolate bar - intuitively guessed by a hungry girl. Interestingly,
a seeker who claimed to have psychic powers failed to gain a prize
but tried very hard!

***********************************

From: Maleenendra
Date: Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:07am
Subject: Generosity
#5415 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5415

I am constantly overwhelmed by the abundant generosity of people in
positions of influence who are more than eager to assist and give of
their time and energy.

Most notably, a few of us have been collecting goods for the project
to send medical supplies to underserviced countries in our region.
The response has been staggering. I had to stop calling people
because of the amount they were offering and amount I could collect
and store. We are now reassessing our storage area and seeking a
larger premises in which to hold all the donations before shipping
overseas.

What a beautiful world we live in.

***********************************

From: Kamalakanta
Date: Sat Jul 17, 2004 5:56am
Subject: Puerto Rico Centre - 40th Anniversary - 40-hour run
#5293 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5293

I am so proud of my brothers and sisters from Puerto Rico! This
weekend they are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Sri Chinmoy's
mission in the West by running a 40-hour run. It started yesterday,
Friday, at 5:00 a.m. and ends at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday.

The idea is that there is always someone running during those 40
hours. Sometimes they run in groups, sometimes alone. Those who
cannot run participate by walking.

I am so proud!

***********************************

From: Kate (New Zealand)
Date: Tue Jul 20, 2004 3:40pm
Subject: Concert in Christchurch
#5405 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5405

Inspired by our runaway success concert 'Journey to the Heart' in
June, the Christchurch centre put on another successful free concert
combined with a play about the legendary 'Harishchandra.' The
concert and play were a two hour event and about 120 members of the
public attended. One of our great friends who has been playing the
koto (traditional Japanese stringed instrument) for over 20 years
did a small performance, and we joined her in a soul-stirring
rendition of Sakura. At half time we served chai and muffins. The
performers had a really nice experience... We had a lot of positive
feedback from the audience, too. Four people from the centre in
Dunedin drove up for the event, which made it even more special.
...
In Pradhan's book he mentions that Guru said to him, "When we give a
concert, it should not be that we are doing something so special
that people have to come. No. It should be that we are grateful for
the opportunity to be of service to them, to their aspiration." Of
course this was in relation to a concert that Sri Chinmoy himself
was performing, but it really inspired us when we were putting on
this concert.

***********************************

From: Harald from Salzburg
Date: Mon Jul 19, 2004 0:27pm
Subject: July 17 concert at Fitness-Cafe
#5365 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5365

On Saturday evening July 17 we again had a very haunting meditation
and concert at Fitness-Cafe. Before the concert started, there was a
rainbow and a very special atmosphere. The sky and the air appeared
to be red and gold, and purified from the rain. Anke and Anette's
"Ganga" [Ganges] music group performed in blue Indian saris. They
showed great assurance and variety in their singing performance.
Other highlights were Anke's tabla, Anette's flute, and excellent
rhythmic clapping by all 4 women to one of Sri Chinmoy's great
enthusiasm-songs. This was followed by our master's song about the
evening-star (Bengali title: Pit Pit Mit Mit). They ended the
concert with a striking Lord Buddha song (Jaya Jaya). Altogether we
were about 20 listeners. We hope very much that Ganga will visit us
again. Next time we will work harder to bring a few more listeners.
Many thanks to Ganga for performing and arranging Sri Chinmoy's
songs in such a spiritually uplifting way.

In the master's music-heart
Harald from Salzburg.

***********************************

From: Bihagee
Date: Wed Jul 21, 2004 0:15am
Subject: Exciting journey
#5411 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5411

... here I am in Munich, Germany.

Not even a week has passed, and already so many things have
happened. Coming from a small country like Bulgaria, everything
seems much bigger to you...

I think I am staying at a palace, although Tirtha is not that sure;
but for me, the house definitely is one. And the garden!?! A lotus-
pond, flowers, green, green grass: Surely fairies live there :)

Next adventure: Children-singers Joyday on the weekend near
Salzburg. Well, it was like a dream vacation. A nice big house with
a little farm: horses, dog, cats, hens, rabbits, goats... and a
lovely mom, who cooks delightfully. Sunny weather, games, singing
and trying to eat 1 1/2 kilos of that huge Nutella chocolate
container!

The moment we finished one singing session on Saturday evening,
there was a big beautiful rainbow, reaching from one side to the
other...!

The next day, after playing ping-pong and stuffing ourselves with
all sorts of delicacies, we jumped into the car, driving back home.

Just near Munich, after a big rainfall, another most beautiful,
colourful and bright rainbow appeared. Tirtha and I stopped in the
middle of the highway and jumped out of the car and started staring
at it with wide open eyes. It decorated the sky for such a long
time, keeping these amazing colours and size...!

So, there we were, somewhere in the world, staring at God's Creation
and singing "My own Gratitude-Heart" and Rainbow songs. At that
moment I thought that no matter how busy God was at that time, He
stopped and looked "down" to His dear children, who were so thrilled
by Him.
...
Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude
Bihagee

***********************************

Children in Sri Chinmoy Centre, Part 2

From: Marichi
Date: Fri Jul 2, 2004 4:50 pm
Subject: Re: 9 Years Ago in Australia
#4764 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4764
...
I too have many fond memories of Sri Chinmoy's visit to Australia 9
years ago. I was only 10 years old at the time, and I remember
getting the greatest joy in the world seeing Sri Chinmoy in our own
Canberra and Melbourne centres.

The moment I will never ever forget was when we had come back to the
Melbourne centre for a small function after the concert and Sri
Chinmoy was sitting in his chair on the left side of the shrine, and
people were saying nice things about the performance. We had just
received pizza for prasad and everybody was standing up. I remember
taking my slice of pizza to the back of the room, and I had just sat
down thinking this is probably the best day I have ever had - my
Master here in our centre, a magical concert given in one of the
best cities in the world, and now the "ultimate 10 year old boy
prasad" - pizza! It couldn't get much better...

Then all of a sudden everybody standing in front of me turned around
and looked straight at me and I remember thinking "What?"... I heard
someone whisper that Sri Chinmoy had called me up to be blessed!!!!
I couldn't believe it!! This was the greatest privilege and honour I
could ever have, and I never imagined that it would happen in my
centre. What a shock! I quickly handed a nearby person my prasad and
walked to the front of all the people, where I saw the most amazing
beautiful smile I have ever seen. Sri Chinmoy asked me a few
questions, then reached up and touched my head for one of the nicest
photos I have ever been in.

This was without-a-doubt my most cherished experience from Sri
Chinmoy's visit to Australia, and I will carry this awesome memory
with me forever!

-Marichi

***********************************

From: Durba
Date: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:51pm
Subject: Re: Question For The Women
#5232 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5232

I have known Marichi since he was a little boy and have had the
privilege of watching him grow up on the path into a very fine young
adult. He has all the wonderful attributes of a young person as well
as the wisdom of an elder.

One needs only to read the story of his experience during Sri
Chinmoy's visit to Australia to get a glimpse of the unimaginable
effect of a spiritual upbringing.

It is quite obvious that Sri Chinmoy is more than just a saintly
person... how else can an adult evoke such devotion in the heart of
a 10 year old boy?!

It is also obvious that Sri Chinmoy's philosophy and path provide
the perfect guidelines and environment for the integral development
of the young and old.

I leave you with the opening quote from Chapter 3 of Sri Chinmoy's
book "A Child's Heart & A Child's Dreams":

"A child should be taught spirituality from the very first moment he
sees the light of day....." -Sri Chinmoy

***********************************

From: Aruna
Date: Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:23pm
Subject: Re: Question For The Women
#5243 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5243

Hello and thank you very much for this selection of questions and
answers.

My father, Projjwal, has already written something about my
childhood on our spiritual path, but I also wish to share a few
things about my life.

How Sri Chinmoy answers children's questions is fantastic. It is
simple and totally understandable, and that is how I remember it
from my childhood. Nothing was ever "not understood." Everything
always made perfect sense, because I was always told the truth in a
very simple way, as you can only tell a child. And I still feel the
same way now that I am 28 years old!!! Whenever I have the
opportunity to ask Sri Chinmoy something and expect a grand complex
answer, he replies in the simplest possible way - that totally makes
sense when you hear it. It blows your mind away! - and you ask
yourself, "Why didn't I think of that myself before?!"

When I was 2 1/2 years old, my parents took me along for the first
time to Sri Chinmoy's birthday celebrations in New York, so I met
him for the first time. I do not remember so much from those early
years, but for me, the most important thing is that I do not
remember a life without Sri Chinmoy and his guidance and love.

During my entire childhood and teenage years, and now in my adult
life, I have always felt protected somehow, inwardly and outwardly.
My parents raised me as Sri Chinmoy advises parents to raise a child
- although I think they did it intuitively, led by God, because they
themselves were still children, and still are, more than me
sometimes. :)

-they were there for me at every moment

-they showered me with love, guidance, compassion, forgiveness
(especially my mother), oneness

-they taught me the results of their own spirituality, not always
consciously, but through their behaviour...

I am most grateful to them for loving the spiritual Aruna more than
the ordinary person Aruna, for that is the ultimate love of a
parent, the only real love.

Sure, there were some hard times in my life - growing up isn't
always easy; but whatever happened, I always knew it will be taken
care of, it will turn out okay, it is for the best. I never lost my
faith completely. And it always turned out fine. And I know in every
life situation my teacher Sri Chinmoy was present, watching me,
guiding me, showing me the right way.

Now when I think back, I had a great childhood - I still do! We
travel alot, getting to know the world, widening our view. I've
always had great friends I know I can trust who share the same
interest in spirituality; I always feel protected, safe and happy
among my friends at Sri Chinmoy Centre, which is like an extended
family.

When I look at some children or teenagers who do not have
spirituality, and see how lost they are, how sad, how confused, how
rude they are, what language they use, how they treat others, I feel
grateful that I was able to live a life like mine.

My gratitude to Sri Chinmoy for blessing me with such a great life.

***********************************

From: Nayak
Date: Sat Jul 17, 2004 8:40pm
Subject: Re: Question For The Women
#5311 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5311

Aruna, your essay is terrific, just terrific. We all saw you grow
up, too, and you were most soulful and most amusing, a wonderful
combination. Your eyes are still those of a child.

I particularly remember your performance in Japan when you played a
cosmic being asking for a ticket in one of Sri Chinmoy's plays.

We can always count on you for a fresh approach to any situation.

Congratulations to your parents, Projjwal and Karali, they also get
a little credit for this.

***********************************

From: Shardul
Date: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:38pm
Subject: Re: Question For The Women
#5274 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5274

Hi Aruna - and welcome to the list!

What you have offered us here is deeply inspiring and encouraging. I
do hope that parents everywhere read these words and are also
encouraged by your first-hand account of growing up with parents who
aspire, meditate and practice their spirituality in a personal and
practical way with the loving guidance of a spiritual master. Your
words are a direct and unique testimonial to Sri Chinmoy's loving
concern and are very touching.

***********************************

From: Doris
Date: Sat Jul 17, 2004 8:58am
Subject: Re: Question For The Women
#5312 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5312

Hi Aruna and everybody

Your message has touched me deeply.
...
Believe me, the children who are growing up without the spiritual
benefits we find in the Centre may feel they are lost, or you may
feel they are lost, but they aren't. Their life-experiences will one
day deepen their inner hearts' cry for the Light Supreme.

It just reminds me of my own childhood that was anything other than
a happy one. I had such a longing for "something" that today I am
calling "God" or "oneness," but there was no chance in East
Germany!!

I am sure I was always in the Heart of the Supreme - nothing and
nobody is lost forever. Since I was growing up in the streets, these
children have my special concern, oneness and love. I know how
strangely I behaved when I was young; you need to use a kind of
cutoff valve to survive.

I know how hard it is even today to become a civilised person. Many
kids want to be extraordinary, extravagant or somehow different than
people of the ordinary stream. I have only one desire: to become
normal in a spiritual sense, to unlearn what an unspiritual world
taught me. Sri Chinmoy is like a father to me. I still have to learn
to trust him fully, because I never had the experience of a good
physical father or mother.

I really thank you so much for your posting - it brought to the fore
my heart.

***********************************

From: Kata
Date: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:34am
Subject: Re: Question For The Women
#5236 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5236

A Moment With The Universal Father

My Universal Father,
My Divine Father,
My Beloved Father.

Yesterday You entered into my sweet dream.
You stayed only for a moment
But this moment changed my whole day.

Today I can still see Your Beautiful Face
And I can still feel Your Supreme Light.

Tomorrow I will still remember
Your unconditional Love,
Your unconditional Concern,
Your unconditional Forgiveness
That You gave,
That You give,
That You will give
To Your spiritual child.

The child of Gratitude.

***********************************

From: Jogyata
Date: Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:48am
Subject: Re: Question For The Women
#5233 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5233
...
At the heart of all the world's spiritual teachings and religions is
the common belief that each human being is here to realize God and
to serve God in the world – or in different language, we are here to
become enlightened, liberated, perfected and then to help others in
their own journey along this same road.

It is likewise accepted that children's lives are primarily shaped
during their first seven to ten years on earth – it is here that the
ideas, attitudes, experiences and knowledge they assimilate will
form the enduring foundations of their entire later lives. Given
these two truths it becomes self-evident that parents have an
overriding responsibility to nurture their children's spirituality
from the very beginning, thus offering the best possible opportunity
for the child to live a fulfilling, progressive and conscious life.

Neglecting this essential aspect of any child's upbringing is a
failure to nourish the child's greatest need and the single most
important aspect of it's nature, it's very highest purpose in being.
Essential reading for any parent is Sri Chinmoy's beautiful guide
book on parenting, A Child's Heart and A Child's Dreams. This book
is filled with exquisite gold nuggets of wisdom:

"A child is an especially significant special part of God's
creation, since God is dreaming in and through every child and
manifesting Himself in an unprecedented way. Each child is bringing
down a new message from God which was not known before."

"If the parents feel that their children are flowers of God, then
the parents will make the children not only feel this, but also grow
into this. That is the parents' supreme role. It is not enough for
the parents to feed and clothe the children and send them to school.
No, the parents must take responsibility for bringing out their
children's divine qualities."

"The sacred and divine purpose of the family is to help each
individual member to discover his own real reality. If an individual
does not discover the real reality in himself, then he is denying
the promise he made to God. When you are blessed with a child, you
bring into your life a solid portion of divinity from above. At that
time, your soul makes another solemn promise to God: that you will
make your child a perfect instrument of God."

Sri Chinmoy makes a critical distinction between the Western concept
of freedom - the freedom to do as you wish with your life, which is
usually tantamount to self-indulgence and driven by a desire for
self-gratification – and a spiritual notion of freedom – freedom
from ignorance, suffering, limitations, and all in our nature that
prevents our enlightenment/liberation/perfection. This latter
concept of freedom requires discipline and a belief that life has a
higher purpose. Parents aware of these truths will clearly want to
start their child's life journey with the best possible spiritual
education.

[Please use the link above to read Jogyata's full remarks. See also
this compendium of Sri Chinmoy's writings concerning children,
parents, students and teachers:]

#5234 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5234

***********************************

Tribute To Sunil William Davidson, 1947 - 2002

From: Tejaswi
Date: Wed Jul 7, 2004 1:17 pm
Subject: Sunil Tribute
#4942 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4942

As Sunil was a Channel Swimmer, we are offering a tribute to him in
the Channel Swimming section of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team site:

http://www.srichinmoyraces.org/channel/channel_swimmers/sunil/

I have posted three tributes from people who worked at the UN, and
would like to offer more. If you knew Sunil well and would like to
offer a short tribute of your own, please post it to this forum and
I will add it to the site. Also, if anyone has good photos or a
comprehensive biography, anecdotes or anything else of relevance,
please let me know and I will post it.

Thanks
Tejaswi

***********************************

From: Nayak
Date: Mon Jul 12, 2004 10:13 pm
Subject: Re: Q about Sunil?
#5116 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5116

Sunil passed on a few years ago. He was Sri Chinmoy's student from
way back in the early days. Sri Chinmoy said that he had tremendous
poise. Everyone liked him and respected him.

He climbed mountains (big ones!) and also, I believe, swam the
English Channel. He had a little red car.

I was friendly with him over many years, and he was always very warm
toward me (and toward so many others). Some of the people who knew
him over a longer period can come forward and tell many nice stories
about him.

***********************************

From: Kamalakanta
Date: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:17 pm
Subject: Re: Q about Sunil?
#5154 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5154

Dear Nayak, when I came into the Path in 1978, Sunil was my Centre
leader. What I remember about him is that, first of all, he was
always very kind, and he always had a moment for me when I needed
him. This was very important to me, for I knew nobody, and was often
feeling lost about things. I used to buy one of Sri Chinmoy's books
every week, and that helped a lot, but being able to talk to Sunil
when I needed some orientation was crucial. My gratitude to him, for
his oneness-heart.

***********************************

From: Meghabhuti
Date: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:08 pm
Subject: Re: Q about Sunil?
#5161 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5161

I knew him for only a few years. I always found him to be very
gentle and sweet and good-natured. He was in a special singing group
for non-singers, and worked very hard to learn to sing even though
he didn't have the faintest idea of how to proceed at his age
still... And yet he kept trying and trying to learn the songs- what
perseverance he had!!!

***********************************

From: Shardul
Date: Thu Jul 15, 2004 1:54 am
Subject: Re: Q about Sunil?
#5178 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5178
...
I did not know Sunil well by any means, but he was one of Sri
Chinmoy's students that was like a pillar and a rock. He was like
one of the foundation stones of our path from the early days of Sri
Chinmoy's mission and he was, at least for me, one of those guys
that when you saw him upon arriving in New York for celebrations,
you could take a deep breath and feel that all was right in the
world.
...
You don't come across too many like Sunil ... a rare breed of
seeker.

***********************************

From: Adhiratha
Date: Sun Jul 18, 2004 0:23am
Subject: Re: Q about Sunil? -Song, Comments and Photos
#5314 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5314

There is the song music, photos and comments on Sunil at:

http://www.adhiratha.net/www/friends/sunil-related.htm

The words to Sri Chinmoy's song are:

"Our Dear Sunil
Rare, rare, very rare, a perfect gentleman.
Our dear Sunil belongs to God's Proudest Clan.
Rare, rare, very rare, a perfect gentleman.
His heart of sleepless God-love fulfils
God's Cosmic Plan."

=====================================================
From In Memoriam - SUNIL WILLIAM DAVIDSON
16 September 1947 – 10 March 2002
Henry Labouisse Hall, UNICEF House
Tuesday, 9 April 2002, 11:00 a.m., New York, New York

"Sunil's friends in the Meditation Group are deeply grateful to have
the opportunity to share with all of you today our joy in having
known Sunil. I am standing next to Sunil's closest friend, Shraddha.
We all swam together when training for the English Channel a number
of years ago. Once when swimming to celebrate a U.N. anniversary, we
posed for photographs. I remember noting we naturally gravitated to
either side of Sunil. There were jokes at the time about our
different personalities, our different sizes – we invariably put
Sunil in the middle time after time. A perfect gentleman, he was a
bridge even amongst close friends. He was that link between many of
us, a symbolic bridge that brought diverse peoples together.

"He exemplified the essence of a true international server of
humanity. He came to UNICEF to manifest his vision of unity and the
dignity of the human spirit. He was a deeply spiritual man who
applied his spirituality in a practical way; we all have memories of
how poised and calm he was under all circumstances. He strongly
believed in the goals of UNICEF and chose to spend his career here,
striving daily in his interaction with each of us to reach those
goals.

"We often looked to Sunil for inspiration. He listened to his own
inner calling and became a champion athlete. As his brother Gary has
told us, it didn't come naturally. He worked hard for it, overcoming
many obstacles. He ran the NYC marathon in 3 hours, 8 minutes; he
swam the English Channel in 13 hours, 49 minutes. Ever striving for
perfection, for new challenges, in recent years he focused on
mountain climbing. He climbed some of the highest mountains in the
world, including Mt. Aconcagua at 22,000 feet on the border of Chile
and Argentina. He had been planning to climb Mt. Everest, often
considered the ultimate pinnacle for a climber.

"What we see today, by looking around the room, is what a perfect
bridge he still is. We are a diverse group of family, friends and
colleagues. He stood among us and brought us all together. Today he
unites us once more. We believe Sunil would be pleased to see this
room full of those he truly cared for, sharing our common bond: our
mutual affection for a remarkable man.

"His name, Sunil, means a superlative of the colour blue; blue
connotes infinity. He inspired us with his pursuit of his own blue
sky of infinite transcendence, and in his own quiet, serene way,
encouraged each of us to do the same. I cannot think of a finer
tribute than to continue to feel this inspiration as we say farewell
to our dear brother-friend, Sunil. Alas, in the outer world he is no
more. But in the inner world, he is more, ever more in our hearts
with his soul's blue vastness-sky."

On behalf of the Meditation Group

- Adhiratha

***********************************

IN BRIEF

Running

If you'd like to cheer the runners in the Self-Trancendence 3100
Mile Race, please send your messages of support to:
3100(at)srichinmoyraces.org Replace (at) with @

Arpan continues to share with Kamalakanta "his high aspiration, his
tiredness, his indomitable will, his pains, his joys":
#5516 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5516

Mark J. posted a fascinating article about the history of Marathons:
#5413 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5413

Hidde wrote about a 24/48 hour race in Cologne:
#5197 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5197

Thanks to Roger and Simahin for these race results:

Self Transcendence Race #11 (Britain & Ireland)
#5260 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5260

Self Transcendence Race #12 Britain/ Ireland/ FRANCE!
#5468 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5468

2 Mile Results 10 July (NZ/ Aust/ Sth Afr/ Eire)
#5301 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5301

2 Mile Results 17 July (NZ/ Aust/ Sth Afr/ Eire)
#5497 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5497

Prachar's marathon training programme has now reached week 7:
#5309 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5309 "Lite"
#5310 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5310 "Full-Cream"

Alexandr invited everyone to the Siberian International Marathon,
while Stuart expressed his hopes for a personal best in August, and
Behala shared his experience at the Vienna 100 k:

#5354 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5354 (Alexandr)
#5307 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5307 (Stuart)
#5299 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5299 (Behala)


Potpourri

There were so many beautiful spiritual essays and poems this week,
it would take another HIGHLIGHTS edition to hold them all! Please
don't miss out on any of these jewels:

Anami - Keeping the Inner Presence of God
#5277 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5277

Shardul - Parable from "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna"
#5496 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5496

Jogyata - Tales of Enlightenment
#5321 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5321

Franny - Sunrise (a poem for Panorama)
#5322 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5322

Anami - Awake and Dream (a poem for Panorama)
#5295 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5295

And there was still so much more! Nayak offered a tribute to our
esteemed doctor friend, Meghabhuti, and also wrote about the
"Ageless Sri Chinmoy":

#5195 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5195 More Than a Doctor
#5337 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5337 Ageless Sri Chinmoy

Prachar praised Nayak and talked about the value of a smile, while
Helmut from Cologne wrote about kindness, and learning to be happy:

#5398 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5398 Prachar - Value of a Smile
#5399 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5399 Helmut - Kindness
#5271 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5271 Helmut - Learning to Be Happy

The thread on "how to keep aspiration fresh?" continued with these
entries from Prachar, Lucian and Kamalakanta:

#5266 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5266 Prachar
#5281 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5281 Lucian
#5303 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5303 Kamalakanta

Sushmitam started a great new thread called "A song for those
mornings when you don't want to get up!":

#5278 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5278 Sushmitam
#5352 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5352 Kamalakanta
#5379 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5379 Sarada

Bernice and Melissa offered these simple, elegant thoughts about
their studies with Sri Chinmoy, and the breadth of his philosophy:

#5231 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5231 Bernice
#5326 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5326 Melissa

There were still more postings about workshops, joy days, concerts,
enterprises, and everyday experiences:

#5272 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5272 Sumangali - Wales Workshop
#5401 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5401 Erik - Chicago Joy Day 2
#5332 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5332 Nurari - Joy Weekend/Devotion
#5483 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5483 Roger - Cardiff/London Concerts
#5380 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5380 Stuart - Best Enterprises
#5426 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5426 Martanda - Seeing The Supreme

Prashphutita discussed "Sri Chinmoy's Pipe Organ Music," with
Abhisar and Shardul joining in. Kedar tells us that Sri Chinmoy's
keyboard performances (and many other videos) are now available on
Sri Chinmoy TV:

#5180 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5180 Prashphutita
#5254 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5254 Abhisar
#5289 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5289 Shardul
#5464 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5464 Kedar

And in the freestyle category, Jogyata delighted us with "Horse
Stories" from he and Subarata's younger days:
#5393 http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5393

Kamalakanta's recent uploads to Radio Sri Chinmoy include:

Paree's Group - Bengali Songs - Sitar Anniversary - July 17, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/5pekx

Ramamoorthy Sings Sri Chinmoy's Songs - July 14, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/5sk83

Alap's CD, titled "The Golden River"
http://tinyurl.com/6eeq4

Adesh's CD, titled "The Family Music"
http://tinyurl.com/5t4h9

Boiragi - "Voice of the Beyond" - Poetry, Flute and Esraj
http://tinyurl.com/5z2u9

"Ogo Paramesh" CD by Utsava
http://tinyurl.com/6w8uk

Kanala's Sitar Performance - June 8, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/5xx2p

Latest Arpan Diaries from the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race
http://tinyurl.com/27mgw (folder)

If any of the shortcut URLs don't work, please visit:

http://www.radiosrichinmoy.org/

and browse the directories. There's always some new treat!

***********************************

Thanks to all the posters this week.

yours,

Richard

***********************************

Links to Previous Highlights

http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/3049 (no.1) - March 19, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/3205 (no.2) - March 23, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/3430 (no.3) - March 30, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/3565 (no.4) - April 06, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/3655 (no.5) - April 12, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/3718 (no.6) - April 19, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/3847 (no.7) - April 27, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/3970 (no.8) - May 04, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4061 (no.9) - May 12, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4129 (no.10) - May 19, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4183 (no.11) - May 27, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4327 (no.12) - June 13, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4370 (no.13) - June 17, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4449 (no.14) - June 22, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/4823 (no.15) - July 5, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5097 (no.16) - July 13, 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2z72h/5531 (no.17) - July 25, 2004