Ashrita's 100th Guinness world record

Ashrita Furman

NEW YORK: Ashrita Furman, a follower of the late spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, set a new Guinness World Record April 14, and became the first person to ever hold 100 current records.

Over one hundred people gathered to help him recite one single poem, in 111 languages.  The poem, "Precious", was written by Sri Chinmoy, a prolific author, poet, athlete and artist.  April also happens to be National Poetry Month.

An official with the Guinness World Book of Records presented Ashrita a citation for the record as well as a second certificate for achieving an unprecedented 100 concurrent Guinness World Records, the most ever in history.

Dedicating the record to the late world harmony leader Sri Chinmoy, Ashrita commented, "Sri Chinmoy felt that we are all brothers and sisters and that we are all part of a world family. This record will celebrate that vision.

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.
From the book "My Flute", 1972 by Sri Chinmoy