Meditation at UN – 1992 02 – Apr, May, Jun Bulletin - Historical Repository for Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations

Meditation at UN – 1992 02 – Apr, May, Jun Bulletin

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction..

Global Peace Run Ends ……… . …. … … 1
Songs for Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6
Meditation for India Day …………. .. …. 7
Best Wishes from Ambassador Guruge of Sri Lanka .. 8
60th Birthday Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. 11
Peace Walk and Prayer Breakfast for the International Day of Peace .. 18
Peace Tree Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22
Meeting with Nepalese Diplomats . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
U Thant Peace Award . ………….. . . . .. 24

Presentation to H.E. Mr. Lakhan Mehrotra … . . 24
Presentation to Pro! Guido de Marco …….. 29

Meeting with the General Director of the Tokyo Symphony …………. . .. . 33
Flowers and a Peace Walk Celebrate United Nations Day 1991 .. 34
Festival of Divali Celebrated . . . . . . . . . . .. .. 35
Greetings from the British Prime Minister . .. .. 36
Royal Guests from Sweden .. . .. .. .. .. … … 37
Book Release by Dr. P. Jayaraman ….. … …. 38
Meeting with Maestro Kurt Masur . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39
Meeting with the President of Malta … … . …. 41
Thanksgiving Programme and Reception . . . . . . . .. 45
Peace Concert …………… .. .. .. . .. . 48
Questions and Answers ………. . .. . . . … 49

Editor’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Expanded Content List

(with some descriptive narrative) – Section to be added

(some introductions and /or links to longer individual articles)

INTRODUCTION

“The United Nations is a cry, a movement, a forward march, a forward adventure,” says Sri Chinmoy. “The United Nations is crying for peace, and this very act of
crying is its real capacity.”

Although keeping in touch with an inner cry for peace through twice-weekly silent meditation sessions is fundamental to the members of the Peace Meditation at the United Nations, the Group also participates in the “adventure” of the United Nations through other activities as well.

With the January-March issue of Meditation at the United Nations, the Editors were happy to resume publication of the Group’s news bulletin, which details some of these activities, and which originally appeared monthly from 1973 through 1982.

In addition to news, each issue of Meditation at the United Nations will include some of Sri Chinmoy’s answers to questions from UN staff members asked during the Group’s meetings at headquarters.

This issue covers activities in the second part of 1991.

Global Peace Run Ends ……… . …. … … 1

Several United Nations Ambassadors joined in the closing ceremony for the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run on 7 August 1991 at Dag HammarskjOld Plaza.
The global run, inspired by Sri Chinmoy, is a biennial event of national and international relays intended to dynamically express humanity’s continuing self-transcendence in the pursuit of peace. The 1991 event took place in some 70
countries on six continents and was the largest and longest running event in history.

During its first three and a half months, nearly a half million participants-running anything from a few yards to a few miles-passed flaming “peace torches” from hand to
hand, creating a symbolic arc of light that circled the globe.

Major cross-country runs were held in the USA, Mexico and Japan. There were 13 international runs in Western Europe, all converging in Vienna, and several Eastern
European runs joining together in Budapest. One of the highlights of the run in the Middle East was a torch-passing ceremony at the Raffa border crossing between Egypt and Israel.

Celebrities participating in the run included world-class runners Grete Waitz, who ran with the torch in Seattle, and Rod Dixon, who ran in Auckland, New Zealand.

The torch was also briefly carried by the Prime Ministers of Luxembourg and Sweden in their respective countries.

Pope John Paul 11 held the torch in Poland in a symbolic gesture of support. Another supporter was Prince Charles of Great Britain.

Messages of encouragement came from many heads of state, including the Presidents of France, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Israel, Uruguay, Yugoslavia, Ireland and
Cyprus.

Poland’s President, Lech Walesa, for example, said: “I like this idea of running shoulder to shoulder …. The goal of your Run in its form and rhythm, is very dear to my heart. “
Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney declared: “The Run is an expression of hope and serves as an inspiration to us all.”

There was also strong support in America, with several states and dozens of cities issuing Peace Run proclamations.

Sen. George J. Mitchell of Maine declared: “Those who have carried the torch across the nation have truly been the bearers of peace and good will. “

Link (to be added) for the prayer for peace offered by Sri Chinmoy and excerpts

Songs for Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6

United Nations staff members attending an introductory class in meditation were treated to an a cappella performance of Sri Chinmoy’s Bengali and English songs by the Peace Meditation choir. The concert, held on 8 August 1991
in the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium, followed a short talk n music for meditation.

Meditation for India Day …………. .. …. 7

Sri Chinmoy offers a meditation for world peace at a ceremony following the India Day Parade on 18 August 1991.

Best Wishes from Ambassador Guruge of Sri Lanka .. 8

On 7 September 1991, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to France and UNESCO, H.E. Mr. Ananda Guruge, and his family extended their best wishes to Sri Chinmoy for his 60th birthday during a luncheon at Annam Brahma Restaurant.

The Ambassador timed his visit to the United States to coincide with the festivities scheduled by Sri Chinmoy’s students for the birthday in August.

Because of his concern for his dear friend and champion of peace President Gorbachev, however, Sri Chinmoy had cancelled the celebration. He instead joined together with his one thousand students visiting from around the world to pray and meditate for world peace and for President Gorbachev’s safety.

Ambassador Guruge was very moved by Sri Chinmoy’s concern. Link to his comments: (to Add)

60th Birthday Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. 11

On 11 September 1991 , members of the United Nations community joined other friends of Sri Chinmoy in extending their best wishes for his 60th birthday at a dinner held in the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom. Link to excerpts from remarks made by some of the speakers at the dinner. (to be added)

Mr. Aleksandr Razvin, Deputy Permanent Representative of the USSR to the United Nations: …”Mr. Gorbachev asked us to convey to Sri Chinmoy his personal greetings and his personal gratitude for the book which Sri Chinmoy presented to him in London. And he asked us to convey his wishes to Sri Chinmoy for his success in his humanitarian and peace activities for the benefit and well-being of mankind.” (link to more – to be added)
Dr. P. Jayaraman, Executive Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (USA): The Bhavan India recognises the greatness of saints, scholars, artists, philosophers and nation builders by bestowing upon them its honorary membership, which is considered to be the greatest gift of the Bhavan. Today the Bhavan feels proud and honoured while it is honouring the Twentieth Century’s First Global Man and the Ambassador of Peace, Mahayogi Sri Chinmoy. {link to more including Sri Chinmoy’s response – to be added)
Professor Guido de Marco, President of the forty-fifth session of the United Nations General Assembly: (link to more – to be added)
Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the UN: (link to more – to be added)
Mr. Ivan K. Sotirov, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN (link to more – to be added)
Ms. Robin E. G. Mauala, Permanent Mission of the Independent State of Western Samoa to the UN: (link to more – to be added)
Mr. Sudhahota Carl Lewis, six-time Olympic gold-medallist in track and field: (link to more – to be added)

Peace Walk and Prayer Breakfast for the International Day of Peace.. 18

A Peace Walk for the International Day of Peace through the streets of Manhattan, beginning and ending at United Nations headquarters, was organised by the Peace Meditation in cooperation with a number of Permanent Representatives on 17 September 1991.

The Peace Walk was in conjunction with similar Peace Walks organised that day around the world by non-governmental organisations and other groups supportive of the UN.

H.E. Mr. Andr~ Erdos, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations, hosted an inter-faith prayer breakfast following the Peace Walk. Traditional prayers were offered by representatives of the major religions.

Mme. Nana Boakyewa Yiadou, First Envoy Overseas of the Chief of Chiefs of the Akwapea (Eastern Ghana) and Ohima (Queen Mother) in the Women’s Councilsand President, Pan-African Human Rights Organization, representing African traditional religion;
The Venerable Dr. Karunegoda Piyatissa, Thera,Abbot, New York Buddhist Vihara and Director, America-Sri Lanka Buddhist Association, representing Buddhism;
Sister Eileen Storey, S.C. , Director, Aletheia School of Prayer; Chaplain, Marymount Manhattan College; Department of Theology, St. John’s University, representing Christianity;
Imam Talib ‘Abdur-Rashid, Imam, Mosque of the Islamic Brotherhood, and Islamic Chaplain, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, representing Islam; and
Mr. Judd Levingston, Graduate Student for the Rabbinate, Jewish Theological Seminary, representing Judaism.

The leaders in prayer were introduced by Dr. Kusumita P. Pedersen, Joint Secretary of the Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders on Human Survival.

The Ambassador’s welcoming remarks and those of H.E. Mr. Aleksandr Razvin, Deputy Permanent Representative of the USSR to the United Nations, follow. (link to more – to be added)

Peace Tree Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22

Members of the Peace Meditation group join faculty and students of Marymount Manhattan College for the dedication of a “Sri Chinmoy Peace Tree” on the campus on 25 September 1991.

Marymount officials present included Dr. Gurcharam Singh, Director of International Studies, who was instrumental in arranging the dedication, College President Regina Peruggi and Chaplain Sister Eileen Storey.

Meeting with Nepalese Diplomats . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23

During his visit to New York to speak before the forty-sixth session of the United Nations General Assembly, Nepal’s Minister of Education, Culture and Tourism, H.E. Mr. Ram Hari Joshi (left), meets with Sri Chinmoy to discuss spirituality and world peace on 27 September 1991. Joining them was the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Jayaraj Acharya

U Thant Peace Award . ………….. . . . .. 24

The U Thant Peace Award is a periodic presentation by the Peace Meditation Group to acknowledge and encourage work for peace. The late United Nations Secretary-General
U Thant, a life-long practitioner of meditation, encouraged the early efforts of Sri Chinmoy and the Peace Meditation Group to bring forward the spiritual ideals upon which the United Nations was founded. The U Thant Peace Award is given in honour of this contemplative world leader’s exemplary devotion to peace, in both his personal and political life.

Presentation to H.E. Mr. Lakhan Mehrotra … . . 24

On 22 September 1991, the U Thant Peace Award was presented to Mr. Lakhan L. Mehrotra, Secretary of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, for his life-long consecration to the noblest spiritual values to lead to a genuine peace among the peoples of the world. Following are excerpts from the award ceremony, including remarks by Sri Chinmoy and Mr. Mehrotra, who were colleagues at the Indian Consulate in New York in the mid-1960s. (link to more – to be added)

Presentation to Pro! Guido de Marco …….. 29

On 28 September 1991, the U Thant Peace Award was presented to the Honourable Professor Guido de Marco,President of the forty-fifth session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Justice of Malta. (link to be added) excerpts from this presentation, made for Professor de Marco’s exemplary dedication to the complementary goals of peace and human rights as well as his determined effort to revitalise the United Nations General Assembly.

Meeting with the General Director of the Tokyo Symphony . . 33

On 21 October 1991, before the United Nations Day Concert at New York headquarters, the General Director of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Shigeto Kanayama, spoke with Sri Chinmoy about his orchestra’s work and the role of music in creating peace in the world.

“You have been working toward world peace through meditation,” Mr. Kanayama told Sri Chinmoy. “We respect your activities very much. We also tour around the world as
missionaries for peace, so we have the same purpose, the same goal as you do. “

Sri Chinmoy replied, “I am so happy that we are all in the same boat. We are all brothers and sisters, belonging to the same family. I have been to your country quite a few times, and I have such love and admiration for Japan. “

Flowers and a Peace Walk Celebrate United Nations Day 1991 .. . ………. . .. 34

The morning of United Nations Day (24 October), staff were greeted with flowers and best wishes on their way into the Secretariat building by members of the Peace Meditation Group.

At noon the same day, nationals of different countries walked in meditative silence through the United Nations garden to commemorate United Nations Day. The Peace Walk was sponsored by the Peace Meditation in cooperation with a number of Permanent Representatives of Member States.

Festival of Divali Celebrated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35

Members of the United Nations community celebrated the Indian festival of Divali on 6 November 1991 with a concert by the Sri Chinmoy Bhajan Singers followed by an Indian style buffet luncheon.

Greetings from the British Prime Minister . . . . . . .. 36

British Prime Minister John Major greets Sri Chinmoy at London’s India House on 14 NovemlJer 1991 at the celebration of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s 102nd birth anniversary.

Dr. L. M. Singhvi, Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (centre), made the introductions.

Royal Guests from Sweden .. . .. .. .. .. … … 37

Sri Chinmoy and Prince Sigvard Bernodette of Sweden discussed their mutual interest in art, while Princess Marianne spoke about her work helping visually impaired children at a dinner with members of the Peace Meditation on 18 November 1991. The Prince and Princess were in New York for a one-man exhibition of the Prince’s artwork.

Book Release by Dr. P. Jayaraman ….. … …. 38

On 19 November 1991 , the UNSRC Society of Writers invited United Nations delegates and staff to a poetry reading by Dr. P. Jayaraman, Indian scholar and Executive Director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (USA).

The event marked the release of the publication by the Bhavan of the book Poems of Sri Chinmoy, with parallel texts in English and Hindi as translated into Hindi by Dr. Jayaraman.

The book has a foreword by Mr. S. Ramakrishnan, Executive Secretary and Director-General of the Bhavan, as well as an introduction by the former Vice-Chancellor of Magadh University, Dr. Kunvar Chandra Prakash Singh.

Meeting with Maestro Kurt Masur . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39

Sri Chinmoy and members of the Peace Meditation choir enjoyed a warm and cordial meeting with the Conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Kurt Masur, and his wife, in the maestro’s private chambers at Lincoln Center on 19 November 1991.

Deeply moved by the meeting and by the songs Sri Chinmoy had composed in his honour, Mr. Masur invited
his guests to that evening’s Philharmonic performance.

Afterwards, the conductor and his wife joined Sri Chinmoy and the choir for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
(Link to be added to A brief excerpt from the meeting):

Meeting with the President of Malta … … . …. 41

The President of Malta, Dr. Censu Tabone, met with Sri Chinmoy on 20 November 1991 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. The two discussed spirituality and world peace, as well as Sri Chinmoy’s upcoming visit to Malta over the Christmas holidays. (Link to brief excerpt from the meeting -to be added.)

Thanksgiving Programme and Reception . . . . . . . .. 45

A programme and reception for Thanksgiving, entitled “Moments of Peace,” honoured members of the United Nations community on 26 November 1991 at Buchman Hall in Manhattan.

Several delegates addressed the gathering, including H.E. Dr. Stanley Kalpage, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, and H.E. Prof. Perezi Karukubiro Kamunanwire, Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations, (Link to brief excerpt of remarks from the meeting -to be added.)

Peace Concert …………… .. .. .. . .. . 48

To usher in a peaceful holiday season, Sri Chinmoy performed his own haunting melodies on the flute and a
powerful improvisation on the piano during a concert in the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium on 6 December 1991 .

He also accompanied himself on the synthesizer while singing songs dedicated to the United Nations.
A buffet luncheon was served following the concert.

Questions and Answers ………. . .. . . . … 49

Question: What should a spiritual seeker do when he observes dishonesty or corruption among his colleagues?

Question: What is the main challenge facing the United Nations today?

About the Bulletin, Motto, Meditation Group at UN and Sri Chinmoy.

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