For the 10 runners taking part in the Self Transcendence race each new day now, and each additional lap is starting to blend and blur into the immense vision of what they are attempting to do here. It is such a massive effort and an undertaking of such proportions that the enormity of it, in its entirety, is really incomprehensible. Only the present moment can remain distinct, and briefly held. Yesterday is gone just as what happened an hour ago. Tomorrow will come of course but all they really have is the precious now.
The creator of the race, the late Sri Chinmoy saw clearly what this race represented. Not just the challenge it presented to the runners but also how it could, in its own unique way, inspire the world, should they dare to examine it. The legacy of his life is still richly visible in all that he created, accomplished, and offered to the world. How he was able to inspire people from within takes some closer examination. How he continues to fuel the fires burning in the hearts of these 10 runners however is clearly visible. It is evident in not just the fact that they have come to challenge the impossible but also in each of their unblinking attitudes to what lies in front of them, and perhaps less understood, their consciousness. When faced with incredible adversity they still are able to shine so, so, bright.
In America today is Father’s day and many are paying tribute to their late teacher here in NY and elsewhere. He never asked to assume such an intimate relationship with his students but instead it was one in which they themselves established and humbly offered back to him. His students felt and experienced such an intimate connection and closeness that for many no other relationship, other than father and child would quite do. There are quite a few here today to celebrate and honor him, who they feel he did so much for, and who they believe continues to provide for in ways not so clearly understood but are profoundly aware of just the same.
A marathon is being held today just across the street from the 3100. Inspiration will flow, back and forth across the road for many hours. Then after 5 hours the last of the marathoners will leave and the street will return to its weekend stillness, just as it does every Sunday. It will once again become the singular world of those who have chosen to run here every day. The future ahead blurred beyond recognition. The past 7 days gone forever. But the inspiration within remains as fire bright and as precious as anything that man can treasure. A higher reality attainable, an inner promise fulfilled, the road ahead now as open and as inviting as a full bright sky.
Yesterday Ashprihanal showed some of the sparkle and dazzle that he is renowned for. He ran more miles than anyone else, 70.25. Surasa provided her own fireworks yesterday and with 433 miles after 7 days, is 30 miles ahead of last years pace.
Start
Day 8
“Even though I have started twice before, I didn’t imagine the first week would be so tough.” Purna Samarpan represents for me, the ‘Never Give Up,” attitude more profoundly than any of the other runners here. This is his 3rd attempt at running the 3100. 2 years ago injuries waylaid him, and he was forced to drop out. Last year, on the 52nd and last day of the race, he managed to complete 2700 miles. Agonizingly close, but still 400 miles short of the goal.
He, to the best of my knowledge has remained cheerful and positive throughout all the time he has spent here over the years. He never shows any frustration or doubt that he will succeed. It is an attitude that many would love to emulate. With his positive outlook he clearly demonstrates that the ultimate goal for the runners is certainly not just about completing the distance. That what happens here is occurring on many different levels all the time.
“This year I wake up in all awkward positions.” He describes that every night he has gone to bed with such pain that he has never been able to get quite comfortable in the brief time he is allowed off the course. “It has never happened to me before, but usually it seems quite common to most of the runners. I had this pain in the right hip. It was so painful that I didn’t know what to do.” He says that it doesn’t bother him so much when he runs and hopes that some adjustment he received from Eklanta will help him.
Last night he describe an exercise in which he visualized breathing in and out through every cell of the body. “I tried to flood the body with love. There is so much work the body has to do. It is a meditation exercise given by Sri Chinmoy.”
I ask him if he in someway unconsciously forgets how painful and difficult it is here at the race so as not to discourage himself from returning. He describes a particularly painful time last year and then adds, “it goes away also. It is not the pain of an injury. It is just the immensity of the miles and the body getting used to it. “Soon as it gets too much you have to stop or start walking, or do some stretching.”
When asked if he had any hesitation about returning, he says, “well, there were some doubts, I have to say.” As we are running the marathon runners across the street are clearly visible. He states the obvious in that there is no comparison between what he and other 9 have to endure. “It is quite a commitment. Inwardly there were no doubts. I am happy I am back and also quite confident, that it will be a good race this year. Now I think I am 5 or 6 miles behind schedule to finish. The first 2 weeks are just transition. I try everything I can.”
“On the other hand you can just do what you can do. It is not so easy, you are really on the edge, especially in the beginning.” He admits being a little disappointed after 4 days but than took heart that he still had 7 weeks in front of him, and how everything can change. He says the second half of his race here last year he definitely was able to put in moe miles. “I already feel it now. My legs are getting better, stronger. They recover faster.”
He tells me that he has already run 8,000km in the past few years on the course. “This definitely helps. In a way you know how it works, in a small sense.” He says how all the other veteran runners have gotten stronger and faster over the years.
He is enjoying all the energy, enthusiasm and support, that the recent visitors to Queens have brought to him and the other runners. “You do feel that it is a special day.”
I ask him what things in particular he has enjoyed in the past week here. “I think the best moments are like now, for a couple of hours, when I do get my speed back.” He describes that for periods now he feels as though he can run effortlessly. “At a nice speed. I am hoping that it is coming more and more. This is a very nice feeling.” He describes as well how last year at a certain point he felt as though a switch had turned inside, and his body was at last able to relax. “You feel as though you have arrived.”
click to play interview
[audio:http://perfectionjourney.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/purna-samarpan1.mp3|titles=purna samarpan]
Start
Fathers
Day
Marathon
The Fathers Day marathon has its own special history. For many years it has taken place, attracting a small but dedicated group of runners. There are of course a few new faces here this year, particularly Pushkar, who spent the same time last year running the race across the street. One quite a bit longer.
Many here though have run the 26 miles year after year. Palash, who has great talent as a comedic actress, also over many years has been a consistent and committed runner. Like her spiritual teacher, she continues to train and run hard and not be hampered by any notions about age. Recently she suffered the loss of a family member and yet she found the courage and strength to run again this year. I don’t believe she has ever missed running this race.
I ran a lap with her and she tells me, “I am doing pretty well considering the past few weeks and that I am not really trained. I am really grateful for every step here.”
“This is the best marathon that you can do, because no matter what is happening these are the real heroes.” (points across street) There are many ways to think about it. You can’t complain, because you can say, heh, I am going home in 5 hours. Those guys are going home in a couple of months. What ever they are going through, I cannot imagine. You have this opportunity to be in awe of the race going on across the street.”
“It doesn’t make what people do over here any less. You know for me this is a big deal. It just increases my appreciation of what those people are doing over there. What they are manifesting and bringing into the world. So it is always a joy to run the Fathers Day marathon. Marathons mean a lot to me. They are a real opportunity. They are like giving yourself a big time out, to just be and experience, and for me they can put a lot of things into place. They give me a nice chunk of time to focus on Sri Chinmoy.”
She mentions some of the unique challenges of the course at precisely the moment we are tackling the hill by the Margaret Tietz center. “This hill just whips you into shape, and on this hill, so many times I happened to see Sri Chinmoy. I just love this hill now.” A moment later Pushkar charges by as he heads towards the finish line, on the other side of the school. “I think, how awesome is it that he comes out here to do the marathon and cheer on his brothers and sisters across the street. Many of his 3100 comrades. We are happy to have him on this side of the street this year.”
“It is a great day to run. I am just grateful to be out here, not getting any younger, and getting a bit slower. But I am grateful that I am still out here. You get so much doing these marathons, its benefits last weeks. It is a beautiful experience to be out here. Everybody is out here for the same reason.”
Click to play interview
[audio:http://perfectionjourney.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/palash.mp3|titles=palash]
Vinaya playing his harmonica
click to play
[audio:http://perfectionjourney.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/vinaya1.mp3|titles=vinaya]
Poem of the day read by Pradeep
Click to play
[audio:http://perfectionjourney.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/pradeep.mp3|titles=pradeep]
Enthusiasm Awakeners
click to play
[audio:http://perfectionjourney.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/parvati5.mp3|titles=parvati]
I AM GRATEFUL
My Lord, I am grateful to Your Perfection-Eye,
For it knew me
Long before I knew myself.
My Lord, I am grateful to Your Compassion -Feet,
For they will continue to know me
Long after I have totally forgotten myself.
Sri Chinmoy, The Golden Boat, Part 20, Agni Press, 1974.
“On the lawn in front of the high school this baby Mocking bird is learning just how difficult it is to fly. He spreads his wings wide from time to time, and then briefly give several vigorous flaps but just can’t quite get lift off.
The bird is at the stage when he just doesn’t quite get it. He appears healthy and Mom and Dad worriedly fly here and there around him. He is far from abandoned.
He is there however at a time of the day when the influx of the large and rambunctious Sunday crowd could pose a threat to him.
To the rescue comes officer Wasque who is School safety Police man at Thomas Edison high school. Not surprisingly he is a careful and attentive Dad himself. He takes the little bird and puts him in a safer place until he gets airborne at last.*
this was exactly on Fathers-Day last year, the rescue of this bird.
“There is only one Father. His name is Supreme, Supreme, Supreme, Supreme, Supreme, Supreme, Supreme. I am his heart’s dream. He is my life’s dream.”
Song composed by Sri Chinmoy