In August 1979, students of Sri Chinmoy participated in a 700-mile non-stop relay walk through New York State entitled Aspiration-Plants and Gratitude-Leaves of New York.
The inspiration for the idea was for those participating to offer their gratitude to New York State, where Sri Chinmoy, a prolific author, composer and artist and internationally recognised spiritual leader, made his home since 1964.
The 700-mile walk included many people who took it in turns to walk across the state. At various points, the participants met local dignitaries and mayors.
Anahata Nada gives this account
Students of Sri Chinmoy embarked Aug. 3 on a 700-mile nonstop relay walk through scenic and historic sites in New York as an expression of gratitude to the state which has been their spiritual teacher's home since 1964.
A series of three-member teams walked day and night along a course that meandered through the Hudson Valley up to Lake George and Ticonderoga, and then back down through the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains. The route began and ended at the Sri Chinmoy Church in Bayside, Queens.
Local officials came out to greet walkers at more than 40 towns and historic sites, and several offered official letters of appreciation.
In connection with the walk, Sri Chinmoy wrote eight spiritual walking songs, which were sung at various locations, and gave a concert Aug. 5 in Albany.
Throughout the walk, which Sri Chinmoy named "Aspiration-Plants and Gratitude-Leaves of New York," the participants attempted to maintain a meditative consciousness, and at each mile marker they paused to meditate and leave a flower of gratitude. By the time the walkers returned home 10 days later, a "necklace" of gratitude-light had been traced around the Empire State.
Sri Chinmoy also offered a concert of music for meditation in Palace Theater in Albany, NY, USA.
Song - I Am Walking
I am walking, I am walking, I am walking
Seven hundred miles,
Loving, serving.
Sri Chinmoy, I love your
Silence-blossoming soul.
New York, I love your
Sound-offering goal.
(more information to come)