“Right now fear, doubt, anxiety, tension and disharmony are reigning supreme.But there shall come a time when this world of ours will be flooded with peace.Who is going to bring about this radical change?It will be you: you and your sisters and brothers.You and your oneness-heart will spread peace throughout the length and breadth of the world.”

Indian spiritual leader, author, artist, poet and musician

Sri Chinmoy, born Chinmoy Kumar Ghose, was an Indian spiritual leader, writer, artist, poet, and musician active in the United States from 1964. He became known for teaching meditation in New York and for building a large following around his message of inner peace and spiritual discipline. He opened his first meditation center in Queens and later taught thousands of students in many countries. Chinmoy also staged public concerts and meditations, and he promoted prayer, meditation, and athletic practice as parts of the spiritual life. His interests included distance running, swimming, and weightlifting, which he pursued himself and also encouraged through marathons and other races.