Exactly one year and one day ago Pushkar Mullauer was forced to retire from the 3100 mile race. After running for over 47 days he had covered an extraordinary number of miles, 2289. He had come however to that painful point in which it was clear that it was just going to be impossible for him to reach his goal. He said at the time, “I feel inwardly I did my best. I did everything I knew. I am happy. I will come back.” Today his long journey will at last be over. In less than 3 hours he will complete the final 16 miles and become the 7th finisher in this year’s race.
He is also wearing a red shirt today that is a replica of those of worn by the Swiss National soccer team who played so well in the World Cup in 2006. He has never put this shirt on before and today he is wearing it in honour of his beloved country. He says, “I am actually not a fan who buys a shirt of a football team, but that year was kind of special. It was unbelievable oneness. Everyone fought for the others. No ego thing. At that time I was living with a friend and he inspired me to print something on the back. For me it was sure that I don’t write my name. Then somehow I got the inspiration for Joy Guru and 27.” It was in this way Pushkar felt that one day he would be able to honour both his late spiritual teacher and Switzerland at the same time.
picture courtesy of mahoney22
So he placed it in a special place waiting patiently for the exact right appropriate moment in which to wear it. He says of last year, “unfortunately it stood untouched. It also gave me encouragement just to see it. Today it is not my victory. For me it symbolizes oneness and victory. The divine victory.”
On the list of great Swiss sports stars Pushkar probably does not even rank. The whole world knows of the victories of Roger Federer who is said to be the greatest tennis player of all time. Today Pushkar will set a mark for the 3100 mile race that none from his country has ever done before. The Swiss media will probably never even hear what he has done here in New York, but his friends back home in Zurich will surely celebrate his achievement. And even though he is no longer physically present, the one whose name is upon the shirt, would surely be divinely proud of Pushkar as well.
The mind
Loves
The trophy.
The heart
Loves
The race.
Excerpt from Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Part 22 by Sri Chinmoy