America the Beautiful, Reflections on Her Past, Present and Future
By Sri Chinmoy
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About this ebook
America the Beautiful is a meditation on the moral and spiritual roots of our nation. Written in approachable but inspired language, this book evokes the spirit of the Founding Fathers and the great luminaries who have graced the soil of our nation, and presents their views clearly and simply in both poetry and prose. It is sure inspire, illumine and enlighten readers of all ages.
Sri Chinmoy
Sri Chinmoy was born in the small village of Shakpura in East Bengal, India (now Bangladesh) in 1931. He was the youngest of seven children in a devout family. In 1944, after the passing of both of his parents, he joined his brothers and sisters at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community near Pondicherry in South India. He prayed and meditated for several hours a day, having many deep inner experiences. It was here that he first began writing poetry to convey his widening mystical vision. He also took an active part in Ashram life and was an athletic champion for many years. Heeding an inner command, Sri Chinmoy came to the United States in 1964 to be of service to spiritual aspirants in the Western world. During the 43 years that he lived in the West, he opened more than 100 meditation Centres worldwide and served as spiritual guide to thousands of students. Sri Chinmoy’s boundless creativity found expression not only in poetry and other forms of literature, but also in musical composition and performance, art and sport. In each sphere he sought to convey the diverse experiences that comprise the spiritual journey: the search for truth and beauty, the struggle to transcend limitations, and the supremely fulfilling communion of the human soul with the Divine. As a self-described student of peace who combined Eastern spirituality and Western dynamism in a remarkable way, Sri Chinmoy garnered international renown. In 1970, at the request of U Thant, third Secretary-General of the United Nations, he began the twice-weekly peace meditations for delegates and staff members at UN headquarters that continue to this day. He offered hundreds of peace concerts, always free of charge, in the U.S. and many other countries. He founded the World Harmony Run, a biennial Olympic-style relay in which runners pass a flaming peace torch from hand to hand as they travel around the globe bearing the message of universal oneness. And he established the Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles humanitarian organization, which serves the less fortunate members of the world family by supplying food, medical and educational equipment and other urgent support. On 11 October 2007, Sri Chinmoy passed behind the curtain of Eternity. His creative, peace-loving and humanitarian endeavours are carried on worldwide by his students, who practise meditation and strive to serve the world in accordance with his timeless teachings.
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Book preview
America the Beautiful, Reflections on Her Past, Present and Future - Sri Chinmoy
first illumine press edition July, 2010
Copyright (c) 2010 Sri Chinmoy Centre
All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Illumine Press, a division of Illumine Group, LLC, New York.
The Illumine colophon is a registered trademark of Illumine Group, LLC.
Bird drawing by Sri Chinmoy. Back cover photo by Adarini Inkei. Edited by Sanjay Rawal.
ISBN 978-0-9824284-6-7
Smashwords edition 978-0-9824284-7-4
Library of Congress Control Number: 2010925400
Illumine Press
307 7th Ave. Suite 1201
New York, New York 10001
www.illumine.com/press
Designed in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
SRI CHINMOY
America the Beautiful
Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007) was a poet, author, philosopher, playwright, athlete and musician who dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace and goodwill. The recipient of numerous prizes, awards and honorary doctorates, he has been recognized globally for the simplicity and power of his work. He was born in India and made his home in New York City from April, 1964 until his passing in October, 2007. This is the first paperback of Sri Chinmoy’s writing published by Illumine Press and is being released in honor of the 46th anniversary of his arrival in the West.
America the Beautiful
Reflections on Her Past,
Present and Future
Compiled from the writings of
SRI CHINMOY
foreword by
Dr. James G. Basker
Richard Gilder Professor of Literary History,
Barnard College, Columbia University
President, Gilder Lehrman Institute of
American History
edited by
Sanjay Rawal
Illumine Press
A Division of Illumine Group, LLC
New York
Praise for the Author
Sri Chinmoy’s many contributions to American life and culture have been expressed through teaching, athletics, art, music, poetry and literature. He combines the contemplative traditions of his native India with the dynamism of his adopted America to serve humanity . . . He has dedicated his life to inspiring and serving all those trying to make the world a better place, whether ordinary citizens or those entrusted with the stewardship of a nation.
– Congressman Gary L. Ackerman,
Congressional Record, July 27, 2006
As an accomplished poet, author, artist, musician, athlete and spiritual leader, you have lived your life to the fullest and your achievements are innumerable. Whether it be your service to the UN, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run [now the World Harmony Run], the Peace-Blossoms, or your numerous university and literary awards, you have not only been tremendously successful, but inspirational. Your tireless efforts to promote peace around the world is not only exemplary but testimony to the indomitable spirit. May you continue to change the world with your simple message of peace and love.
– Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan,
April 29, 1999
I congratulate you on the momentous occasion – the 25th anniversary of your coming to the United States of America. I applaud your efforts to achieve world peace. Your activities have touched people in all walks of life in many continents and I wish you continued success.
– Senator Edward M. Kennedy,
June 30, 1989
Your varied activities on behalf of world peace are well known. My prayer is that all citizens of this country and the world will join in quiet, selfless acts of living a life of peace. It will be from this base that lasting peace will spring.
– Senator Claiborne Pell,
November 25, 1992
It was an honor knowing and working with
Sri Chinmoy over his many years of dedication by this wonderful philosopher and advocate of world peace. Sri Chinmoy’s contribution to the world has enriched all of our lives with his living spirituality and with his dedication to world peace.
– former Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman,
October 9, 2009
Sri Chinmoy has brought forth gifts of beauty and redemption in numerous genres and fields of artistic endeavour. Like Gandhi, like Mother Teresa, like Martin Luther King, Jr., Sri Chinmoy’s presence and work among us has enriched all of our lives.
– Professor Charles Johnson,