How I became a student of Sri Chinmoy

I was brought up in Yorkshire and moved down to Oxford when I came to study PPE at Lady Margaret Hall. I had a good time at University and got involved in many different activities but didn’t pursue anything particularly seriously. However in my final year I became a bit bored with my usual activities but became very interested in spirituality and meditation.

I read many books by great spiritual seekers such as Paramhansa Yogananda and this inspired me to try and meditate. It was quite tough meditating on my own and in my last year at university I was very ill so had to take a year out. I had a pretty rough time physically and mentally but with the support of my parents I got fully better and was able to return to Oxford.

On returning to Oxford I looked out for the meditation courses offered by the Sri Chinmoy centre. I was very eager to meditate and follow a spiritual life.  I felt that Sri Chinmoy was a real spiritual Master and so I decided to become his student.

I joined the centre a few months before my final University exams, meditation seemed to help, as I did quite well without too much stress. I was a little concerned what my parents would think of my decision. As to them the idea of spiritual teacher seemed a little unusual and they knew very little about meditation. But my parents could see I was genuinely happy and so have always been  supportive. Recently my mother came with me to see a concert by Sri Chinmoy at the Royal Albert Hall.

 Sri Chinmoy

The path wasn’t quite what I expected. My image of spirituality was one of meditating in a Himalayan cave and very much withdrawing from the world. However Sri Chinmoy’s path is more modern and more appropriate for the 21st Century. It is an integral path encompassing many both meditation and different aspects such as sport, spiritual music and selfless service. I like music but recently have spent alot of time riding my bike and racing for the  Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team

On leaving University I wasn’t sure what job to do. There was a lot of jobs I didn’t want to do, but that wasn’t much help! Therefore I ended up working as a gardener at my own college. I love gardening and growing plants but in the winter it got quite cold working outside so I decided to get a teaching job as well. I have now been teaching Economics, at an Oxford tutorial college for 6 years and generally I find it a good job.

Within the Oxford Sri Chinmoy centre I help to organise and give meditation classes 3 times a year. Teaching meditation is a lot more difficult than teaching Economics, butmeditation is  more worthwhile!   I also organise running races in Cutteslowe park - for more details of our races see Sri Chinmoy Races    I have got to know quite a few of the regular runners who come and race.

- Richard