Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy, the inspiration behind the Smile of the Beyond

Sri Chinmoy, the noted spiritual leader, philosopher and fitness advocate, gave the name and the inspiration for this restaurant when it was opened in 1972.The restaurant is independently owned and operated by his students, who aim to create a happy and peaceful atmosphere where customers can truly enjoy their breakfast or lunch.

Sri Chinmoy and his life

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. The ashram is a spiritual community near Pondicherry in South India. He prayed and meditated for hours a day and had many deep inner experiences. It was here that he first began writing poetry to convey his mystical vision. He took an active part in ashram life. He was an athletic champion for many years.

Heeding an inner command, Sri Chinmoy came to the United States in 1964. He wanted 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. He served as a spiritual guide to thousands of students. Sri Chinmoy’s boundless creativity found expression in poetry and other forms of literature. He also created musical compositions and performances and art. He was an avid sportsman. 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 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 Peace Run, a biennial Olympic-style relay. On the Run, 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.Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles 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. They practise meditation and strive to serve the world in accordance with his timeless teachings.

The luminaries on the international stage who enjoyed a special friendship with Sri Chinmoy include President Mikhail Gorbachev, Mother Teresa, President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

For more information about Sri Chinmoy, please visit www.srichinmoy.org.