I have spent the better part of a day trying to find an adequate and meaningful way to describe Vajra. When in a discussion with others about him there is almost always a universal nod of the head. A thoughtful acknowledgement and understanding, that he is recognized to be as selfless, soulful, and dedicated as it just may be possible to package within a single human body.
Just to account for his absolute devotion to cleaning up litter around the 3100 mile course would set him apart. But then he goes on to do an endless assortment of other jobs to help others, in the little and sometimes huge ways that make a difference.
He has counseled and adjusted hundreds of worried runners over the years, who felt their races were slipping away and then miraculously got them going again. He has a saying that goes something like, the course may hurt you but it also will heal you and make you strong.
“I remember this one particular time that Sri Chinmoy had a race and he had called all his students who were there at the time. This was over on Wards Island and I had happened to have just run over there and got there in the nick of time to be there for that meditation.”
Vajra, who was living in Manhattan at the time found that from then on he would come on a regular basis. “I had found my space, to be in medical.” He remembers an occasion when he was working in the medical tent and Sri Chinmoy had come in and observed him at work. There was no conversation but he felt there was an inner understanding that this was a path he should take. “From that day on my duties were pretty much nailed. I knew what I had to do.”
When it comes to taking time off or cutting back on his duties, “No, I don’t think any of those days have ever happened.” Vajra says that when he is serving as he does, it is for him constant enjoyment. “I feel that I am not only fulfilling myself while also fulfilling something divine at the same time.”
“This has not only implications for me but also throughout the wider universe. If I can go that far?”
The Board at the Start of Day 22
Camp early
Clock
Ashprihanal arrives
Medur pouring drinks
Harita arrives
Ushika locks his bike
Annupam and Jadranka
Harita
Ushika is ready
Databir has brought costumes
Start Day 22
Mostly overcast in the morning
Sahishnu’s week #3 Wrap Up
Ashprihanal has 1394 miles
He ran 68 miles yesterday
He made 1400 miles this morning
Ashprihanal gets a new MP3 player so that he can listen to podcasts
He leads Nirbhasa by 28 miles
Flower
The daily poem has arrived
Nirbhasa has 1366 miles
He ran 66 miles yesterday
He leads Vasu by 35 miles
Flower
Mario
Vasu has 1331 miles
He ran 60 miles yesterday
He leads Smarana by 12 miles
Niccolai helps
Flower
Patricia the gardener at work on the next phase
Smarana has 1319 miles
He ran 54 miles. He leads Ananda-Lahari by 8 miles
The magic number is 1252
Flower
Relaxing
Ananda-Lahari has 1311 miles
He ran 58 miles yesterday
Oil for his legs
He has a cushion of 59 miles
Flower
Having fun
Harita has 1268 miles
She ran 62 miles yesterday
With Anita
She has a cushion of 16 miles
Friends come by
Flower
Sahishnu
Todor has 1254 miles
He ran 54 miles yesterday
With Todor
He has a cushion of 2 miles
Day 22
Flower
Niccolai
Ushika has 1127 miles
He ran 49 miles yesterday
Doing his best
A bit of green
“So I pay a guy, big money to pave over my backyard to get rid of the weeds. So what do I get in return……weeds”
Samunnati visited yesterday
Poem of the Day held by Anupam
I
Wish to have
A new name:
God-dedication-heart-beat.
Sri Chinmoy
July 7th, 2006
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Don’t blame the world; better it.
How?
By bettering yourself at every moment.
Vajra… love his Work!!!
Hi Utpal, what a beautiful tribute to Vajra. He is indeed a real selfless-service-saint. Thank you for all your inspiring videocasts and blogs, they keep us so closely connected to the race.
Yes, our Vajra’s selfless dedicated soulful service, specially to the race, is extraordinary and beyond!! A million gratitude to both of you, Utpal and Vajra!
Thanks Utpal for interviewing Vajra. Selfless service, dedication, humility, joyful disposition and the list can go on….. Anytime I see Vajra, he’s usually moving – either on his way to doing a kind act or on his way back. When he is seated, he’s usually minding something. Always doing and doing… Super inspiring human being!
In the 1970’s, when we were new disciples, Vajra was big brother to us, the few girl runners. I remember he ran with us along the streets of Jamaica, Queens. He was our guide and protector on these runs. And he has never stopped loving and serving his little brothers and sisters.
Since years I admire and love Vajra’s work and dedication. Good to see him still active and happy.
Vajra, such a great and inspiring soul! He is always trying to remember everybody’s name, and is very successful in that. And then he greets you with a huge smile. It means so much, especially if you are new and coming for the first time. It meant so much to me. Thank you Vajra.
Vajra is a living saint – I think he must be one of the most devotional and selfless disciples of Guru.
I ran with him on the US World Harmony Run in 2010 and he was such a joy to be around and a great roommate too – we had so many laughs together
Your reports on the 3100 are reaching ever greater and newer heights and it gives me so much joy to read and the videos are awesome.
May I reecho Kamaneeya´s comment. Even if he, Vajra, doesn´t remember my name correctly, I feel still be honored. He is also a great storyteller! Stories he tells about having served others, especially people in great need, which are still inspiring me to do more good things.
-Patricia (Doris!)
So inspiring to see Vajra and people who are often behind the scenes, but their presence and service are incrediable!
Thank you, Utpal!