Visions of the New Millennium
by Sri Chinmoy

In the 20th Century
We have not succeeded
In conquering the godless spirit
Of our age.
But in the 21st Century
We shall undoubtedly succeed.

The fulfilment of the mind
Has been the hope
Of the past few centuries.
Now the fulfilment of the heart
Will be the hope
Of the next generation
And of all generations to come.
Indeed, this will be a unique contribution
Of the 21st Century to humanity.

In the 21st Century
Faith will unmistakably see
Not only things
That are totally out of sight,
But even things invisible.
Faith will see
The beauty and power of Light
Everywhere,
Even in the farthest corners of the globe.

In the New Millennium
We shall learn something unprecedented:
How to accomplish invaluable things
Without hurting a single human being.

The 20th Century has shown its capacity
By proving to the world
That the power of destruction
Is unlimited.
But the 21st Century shall prove
That the power of world-loving,
World-illumining
And world-transforming creation
Is unlimited.

I clearly envision
That the doubting mind will be compelled
To take a back seat to the aspiring heart
In the next century.

In the 20th Century
Power and helplessness
Are in action.

In the 21st Century
Love and Light
Will be in action.

Tomorrow’s world
Shall be founded upon
Enthusiasm-breath.

In the 21st Century
Humanity will become
What humanity should be:
World-peace-grower.

Each century has
Something special to offer.
The special offering
Of the 20th Century’s success
Mostly depends on
Money-power-exploitation.

The 21st Century’s progress
Shall solely depend on
Heart-power-expansion.

“Find and become
The all-devouring greed.”
This is precisely what I have learned
From the 20th Century.

“Become and feed
The all-transcending need.”
This is what I shall blessingfully learn
From the 21st Century.