Day 27… Wisdom Knows (July 12)

It is unlikely that no more than a handful out of the thousands of cars that pass by the course every day have any idea that something special is happening right there beside them on the sidewalk.

Some miracles take place in broad bold strokes and yet, even though the dimensions of the 3100 mile race are colossal. It’s visual imprint on passing eyes is subtle and not exactly spectacular.

The drivers of those speeding cars might be surprised at just how much of their hurtling trajectory is actually perceived by the shuffling band of 8. Ushika told me this morning, “At one point we had a car accident at the highway bridge. ”

“So the police came, the fire department, and luckily no ambulance was needed. But the people who were involved they had to wait there for hours, and hours in the blazing sun.”

“So when you identify with them, they were waiting and suffering. It looked like the situation would never end. The people had to wait and wait. But on the other hand in just a few hours they were gone. While we the runners are still turning and turning, and continuing to move.”

“Things come and go and vanish here. But we ever move on.”

Yesterday, despite heavy evening showers Ushika had his best day in 2 weeks. He ran 55 miles. “When I had to exercise patience last year, this year I have to exercise super patience. It is so strong this quality. I feel that I have to develop even more and more.”

“I am trying to devote myself to the race. I cry and try to do more. To devote myself more. Not to back up, to go forward with more intensity.”

Ushika then goes on to describe a battle formation once described in the Mahabharata in which the members formed an impenetrable shield. He sees that the 8 runners here by circling around and around are also forming a kind of cosmic energy field. “We are turning and turning without any stopping.”

“Things are happening around here with the camp and the school kids. Ever more people are exercising on the sport field. We have so many events going on which are so present and in the moment.