Sri Chinmoy was a true visionary. His vast insight flowed from his spiritual achievement called "realisation" or "illumination." Clearly, he saw the big picture. He understood not only the macro-structure of the Universe, but also its micro-details -- including the intricacies of human personality -- what limits us and what helps us achieve our potential and a life of satisfaction. In his profound vision, he travelled the world and became one with the tears and smiles of aspiring humanity that he dearly loved and selflessly served. Sri Chinmoy's forty-three year offering inspired thousands. Sumadhur, a Harvard graduate, was fortunate to witness the Master's vision unfold over a period of three decades. So he presents Sri Chinmoy and his philosophy from the perspective of close, direct experience. His scholarly and well-referenced book is brimming with inspiring revelations. He shows Sri Chinmoy as an exceptional role model, living his philosophy of love, oneness and peace. The Master's message and example stand as an inspiring encouragement in today's troubled world. "Peace means the presence of Harmony, love, satisfaction and oneness. Peace means a flood of love in the world family." Sri Chinmoy's vision for peace, as well as his insight into numerous other yet-to-be discovered realities is unique -- not only in substance, but also in the way he was able to access the secrets of life. Specifically, he had mastered the power of identification using his spiritual heart. By simply identifying himself with anyone, anything or any situation he instantly knew the full reality. Consequently, he was not bound by borrowed thoughts, theories and opinions. He spoke and wrote with absolute confidence -- from a position of knowing. Other fully realised Masters are also privileged with this level of informed insight. They clearly see the veracity and significance of what they say and write. This prompted Sri Chinmoy to offer his perception that "all souls eventually follow them." Even so, the choice to consider their wisdom is entirely yours. Sri Chinmoy's respect for our right to choose was reflected in his humility. He simply and quietly offered us the truths that he was privileged to see -- knowing that our learning process includes some preconditions. "Nobody wants to learn anything by outer force. Everybody has to be taught through inner persuasion and outer example." In the case of his students and followers, Sri Chinmoy led by his own inspiring example. He did not preach or coerce. Rather, he inwardly taught them how to meditate and to be open to the inner persuasion that comes from the soul. If the time is right for you, Sri Chinmoy's insights will invite examination. Even taken as theories to be tested and verified, his revelations can be a distinct advantage to those hoping for a breakthrough in their fields of research. The following abbreviated list suggests some of the possible schools of interest. Education Peace and Conflict Studies Philosophy Epistemology Ethics, Moral Philosophy Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Sociology
, Social Anthropology Theology If you are investigating Sri Chinmoy's insights from one of the above perspectives -- or related ones, or simply a personal perspective -- you may want to start with this book. It offers a contextual summary of the Master's philosophy and many of his unique insights. Also, it includes over 4000 references linking topics to the Master's prolific writings that were published in almost 1,600 books. They are a lot to read. This 600 page book may serve as an introduction and also help you focus your investigation. (The quotations above are by Sri Chinmoy.)
About the Author: Sumadhur became a student of Sri Chinmoy in Canada in 1973. At that time he was known as Don R. Page. He had just graduated with a master's degree from Harvard University and was employed as a Landscape Architect and Planner with the Canadian federal government in Ottawa. Shortly after joining Sri Chinmoy's path, the Master gave him the spiritual name "Sumadhur," which means "very sweet." The Master was seeing that sweetness is the motivating essence in Sumadhur's inherent nature. While this name is foreign to Western ears, it resonates with Sumadhur's soul. He was inspired by this insightful gift; and he has used it gratefully for over forty years. Right from his early days on the path, he was building things at the request of his Master. In 1984, Sri Chinmoy invited him to live in New York, so he moved there and served his Guru directly for over twenty-two years. He regularly conversed face-to-face with Sri Chinmoy and followed his specific requests to help him in technical ways. Accordingly, he designed, built and maintained numerous exercise machines, musical instruments, furnishings and various gadgets. The Master used them in his personal training and in the public presentation of his running, tennis, weightlifting and music. Also Guru instructed him to supervise various construction projects involving multiple volunteer workers. In 1999, Guru put him in charge of his musical instrument collection and told him to come to his home every morning. There, his multiple duties included: tuning instruments, assisting Guru with his exercise and weight-training regime, and solving technical problems. He also travelled with the Master to over sixty countries and oversaw the stage setup for over 200 Peace Concerts worldwide. In recognition of his service, Guru named Sumadhur his "honorary guard." In the course of his duties, Sumadhur had considerable access to the Master and witnessed many events of his daily life. Perhaps because of this close involvement, Guru was keen that he write about his experience of his Master and his philosophy. Just weeks before he left the body, Sri Chinmoy specifically reminded him that he must do it.