Chinmoy Kumar Ghose

Chinmoy Kumar Ghose, better known as Sri Chinmoy was an Indian spiritual leader who taught meditation in the West after moving to New York City in 1964. Chinmoy established his first meditation center in Queens, New York, and eventually had 7,000 students in 60 countries.

A prolific author, artist, poet, and musician, he also held public events such as concerts and meditations on the theme of inner peace. Chinmoy advocated a spiritual path to God through prayer and meditation. He advocated athleticism including distance running, swimming, and weightlifting.

He organized marathons and other races, and was an active runner and, following a knee injury, weightlifter. Chinmoy died from a heart attack while at his home in Jamaica, Queens, New York on 11 October 2007.