About Our Teacher

Sri Chinmoy

"Peace begins when expectation ends." –Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007) was a modern spiritual master born in Bengal, India in 1931. He spent 20 years of his life, from 12 to 32, in a spiritual community in southern India, studying and living the ideals and philosophy he would later share with others.

In 1964 he moved to New York City to share his spiritual realization with spiritual seekers. He taught meditation at no charge, worked individually with disciples, and offered weekly meditations for delegates and staff at the United Nations.

"Our philosophy is the acceptance of life for the transformation of life." –Sri Chinmoy

During his over 43 years of teaching, Sri Chinmoy traveled the world, opening spiritual centers in Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and the United States. At the time of his passing, he had 7000 students worldwide, all dedicated to living a life of creativity, meditation, and healthy living, including a vegetarian diet. Since his passing, Sri Chinmoy Centres worldwide continue to offer free meditation classes, host athletic events, and offer inspired seekers a community for spiritual study.

In 1987, he established the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, a global torch relay that promotes friendship and understanding. Each year the Peace Run reaches millions of people.

"Unless and until we have peace deep within us, we can never hope to have peace in the outer world." –Sri Chinmoy

Always an advocate for peace, Sri Chinmoy met with political leaders and cultural luminaries wherever he went. He was a dear friend and confidant to many, including Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Michael Gorbachev, Mother Teresa, and Princess Diane.

"Your works of peace are works of love." –Mother Teresa, Nobel Peace Laureate

Sri Chinmoy encouraged his students to live a creative, spiritual life. He was always seeking new avenues to express his spiritual insights. He painted over 140,000 paintings, offered free meditation-peace concerts worldwide, played tennis, ran, and lifted weights. He wrote over 1500 books covering every aspect of the spiritual life.

Sri Chinmoy passed away in 2007 at the age of 76. His mission continues under the care of his disciples, who endeavor to offer the example he set in their professional and private lives.

Here in San Diego, his legacy of service to the community continues through Jyoti Bihanga, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in San Diego, and Noble Learning, a gift shop and learning center. Both are located on Adams Avenue in the heart of Normal Heights. The local Sri Chinmoy Centre offers a weekly free 2-mile fun run and free meditation classes. Inspired seekers are invited to join the Sri Chinmoy Centre for weekly meditations, the study of Sri Chinmoy's philosophy, and other inspiring activities.

To find out more about our activities, we invite you to visit our Events page.