When it comes to breaking world records he has no equal. Ashrita Furman has been in almost constant pursuit of new and difficult challenges for 30 years, and by all indications he is unlikely to slow down any time soon. Even now at the age of 54 his record breaking pace seems to be increasing. The Guinness record book is writ large with his many and diverse contributions but recently he set a new record at New York’s city hall that required the help of a large group of fellow students of Sri Chinmoy the inspiration for all his records.

The record involved reciting one of Sri Chinmoy’s poems translated into 111 languages. More than 100 of Sri Chinmoy’s students took turn reciting the poem entitled Precious.

Precious beyond measure is God’s Will,
None can undo its Power.
Precious beyond measure are man’s tears,
They alone can hug God’s Hour.
Precious beyond measure is man’s love,
Unveiling his golden face.
Precious beyond measure is God’s Gift:
His all-fulfilling Grace.
– Excerpt from “My Flute” by Sri Chinmoy.

It is easy to mistakenly imagine that harmony amongst all the world’s cultures is an impossible task. Yet over the course of the hour-plus recitation, the voices of the world came together in such harmony and sweetness it showed that in diversity there can be real oneness as well.

For Ashrita it was a groundbreaking record for with this one he now holds 100 current Guinness records. He said at the conclusion of the record, that there would be no pause, instead he was aiming for his next 100 records.

More clips about Ashrita on Sri Chinmoy TV
Visit Ashrita.com for more information and news on Ashrita’s World Records

Edit & Camera: Padyatra Komak
Producer: Utpal Marshall
Copyright: © 2009 Sri Chinmoy