Short video: Joining Sri Chinmoy’s path
The video was taken in New York. It’s just a short bit about becoming a disciple of Sri Chinmoy back in 1999, when I was a student at Oxford University.
I’ve written about it in more detail here: Becoming a disciple of Sri Chinmoy
Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team video
This is a video filmed and produced by Adam Thornton back in March 2015. It was after an early season hilly time trial promoted by Hemel Hempstead CC. Sorry for eating muesli bar during interview. It is the cyclists panic, eat protein after hard race. I talk a little about racing, the Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team and the approach to a race.
Luz Ardiden photo 2015
Luz Ardiden.
Lourdes and the Pyrenees
Many years ago I watched a film ‘The Song of Bernadette’ – it was a captivating story, which made me research a little more. Reading first hand accounts, and the words of Bernadette Soubirous herself gave a much deeper insight into the events that took place over 150 years ago.The film was somewhat liberal with the truth, and (in my view) overly sentimental. Still it was interesting to see a spiritual story told in a certain way, but later realise there is a greater spiritual depth to be discovered. …
Garden May 2015 – Wildlife and more
Some photos of back garden.
Trying to combine competitive cycling and gardening is difficult. You never want to over-tax your muscles after a long five hour cycle ride, so I tend to favour the cultivated meadow look.
I would call it – a contemporary combination of avant-garde style companion planting, innovate use of native wildflowers, informal approach to weeding and – a dash of sitting around admiring your handiwork with your feet up.
A garden is a place to be enjoyed, not just to work in.
Good for wildlife is important. I love to see the bees. …
Col du Tourmalet with Peace Run
A few weeks ago I was in the south of France for a weekend with the British and French Sri Chinmoy Centres. We were also joined by members of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run.
I’ve always wanted to cycle in the Pyranees, so I took my bike. A good combination of circumstances allowed me to climb the Col du Tourmalet and reach the top, just as runners from the Peace Run also made it. The weather was variable and the road was closed first thing in the morning (because of snow). But, as we neared the top, the police re-opened the world the road
Photos
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O Kanaiya – by Ranjit and Unmesh
A wonderful soulful song. O Kanaiya – composed by Sri Chinmoy 1996. Ranjit and Unmesh perform in Indian style.
Ore tora ke kotai
Ore tora ke kotai is a very haunting melody. I believe that Sri Ramakrishna used to sing this song when he wanted those disciples who were meant for him to come.
This is an excellent performance by Agnikana’s group, from Czech Sri Chinmoy Centres. They capture the haunting, soulful nature of the performance.
Sri Ramakrishna had many great disciples such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Brahmananda and many more. An excellent book for spiritual seekers is “God Lived With Them” and “They Lived With God.” – which tells a short life story about some of Ramakrishna’s direct disciples. Whenever I read books about Sri Ramakrishna and his disciples, I feel such devotion.
There was a time when Sri Ramakrishna was impatient for his destined disciples to come and he would sing this song to Mother Kali.
I have heard (and I can’t remember where) that there was a supposed to be a third great liberated soul (like Vivekananda and Brahmananda) but this soul never made it – such is the ignorance of the world – if a liberated soul can’t make it to the spiritual life – it just shows the difficulties for others! But, when we hear music like this – it lifts us far from the mundane world and transports us somewhere else – at least temporarily.