The US Peace Run began this morning in Queens, New York at the location that Sri Chinmoy, the Founder, traditionally lit the torches that would travel around the world. The team started by passing a lit torch and then sang the Peace Run song and the World Harmony Run song.
Just before the run started, a runner from Ukraine and a runner from Russian shared a moment holding the torch together.
The Run then began its journey, with its first destination of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team’s annual 6-day race in Flushing Meadow Park. At the start of the race, a runner ran with the Peace Torch.
The Run then traveled to the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara in Princeton. Veeta Nepal has received the run in previous years, and he led the team around the large serene Buddha statue.
Asia TV reporter Pankaj had covered the Run in years past and also reported on Sri Chinmoy’s activities in New Jersey.
Further down the road we arrived in the Islamic Society of Central Jersey where we were greeted by Imam Chebli who led us into the mosque. We were present for the 5:00pm daily prayer and Salil Wilson, the Executive Director of the Peace Run was invited to speak briefly.
Continuing our journey to the welcoming religious houses, we finished the day at the Durga Mandir in Princeton. We were received by Bikki Jaggi and Dr. Brij Sharma who provided us with a wonderful Indian dinner. They then led us through the temple, explaining the significance of the beautiful deities. We were invited to join in Monday night prayers and mantras for Shiva and finished with prayers and songs for Matadurga.
