Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race - latest news
This blog contains the latest news from the 3100.ws blog, which contains latest updates from race directors Sahishnu Szecisul and Rupantar LaRusso and their support staff. In addition, the blog contains the latest entries from Utpal Marshall's 3100 Mile race diary at perfectionjourney.org
Video of 3100 Mile Race WSJ
A short video of the 3100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race from the Wall Street Journal.
‘A Distance so Long it takes 52 days’
See other: Articles on 3100 Mile Race
How the 3100 Mile Race has become an annual feature of Jamaica Hills, New York
Day 51: It’s Over
Post by Sahishnu:
Dharbhasana, 3100 Miles - Photo by Arpan
On the final day of running, Dharbhasana Lynn, a first-timer from Auckland, New Zealand, became the first Kiwi to join the ranks of finishers in the world’s longest certified race with a stunning finish in 51 days+13:17:32. He averaged 60.13 miles (96.77 km) per day as he was the sixth and last finisher of this fourteenth edition.
Among the other runners who came up short, Ananda-Lahari Zuscin ran 2857.05 miles; Baladev Pavol Saraz reached 2799.97 miles; Surasa Mairer reached 2760.46 miles and Purna-Samarpan Querhammer stopped at 2700.09 miles. The super hot summer in New York was a main factor in the slower times and diminished returns but the runners deserve our gratitude for staying the course and showing supreme courage and conviction throughout. We hope to be back next year. Thanks for your interest.
Sahishnu
I Was Just The Willingness
There are now but 5 champions left upon the great stage of the 3100 mile race. 6 others have already completed the grand mission that was set out for them here to do. Now they, like us, are but spectators to this magnificent impossibility adventure, swiftly drawing down to a close on this the final day.
Today these runners will perform their final acts. They will take all the steps and turns that they can and that they must do in order to achieve their absolute best. Something that they have not neglected over other days but now upon this the very last, each and every moment here is so sweet and and yet so fleeting. It will lead them, either to a glorious finish line, or they will simply tread on until the unyielding hands of time simply forbid that they step forward any further.
All here will perform what they can and what they must before the curtain falls at midnight and sweeps to a close this the 14th running of the Self-Transcendence 3100 mile race.
Today Dharbhasana will defy both his skeptics and his own self doubt. He will prove that as powerful as pain and injury are the heart is infinitely stronger. The sweet inspiration that whispered softly to him to come and challenge impossibility will now roar in delight that he has found victory by simply letting victory itself carry him there.
Surasa last night reached a goal on an unyielding day that reluctantly gave her 2700 miles. For many days she knew already that the grander vision would not be realized. At least not here and now. She will run on today simply because their is time left and she came here but to run. As long and as hard as she possibly could.
Both Baladev and Ananda-Lahari have seen their journey end here before they could reach the ultimate finish line. Today grace has not favored them with this honor for reasons we will never know. But they have been blessed in other ways that are secret and sacred only to them. Divinity does not neglect those like them who ran so hard for so long. We may not see how they were blessed. We are only able to be aware of their indomitable courage to go on and on. That if we ever forget what it is, “to never give up,” than we only have to look at the sacrifice and courage that they continually offered up here for 52 days.
Purna-Samarpan has found his satisfaction in a different goal. He starts the final day with just 25 miles more to go in order to reach 2700 miles. It is not the goal that he first set out to reach but it is what has been offered to him. In about 6 hours later he will accept it with grace and with gratitude. picture by Alakananda
“
Here it is, the last day.” For a story of adventure drama none has been written here at the race quite like Dharbhasana’s. As surprising as it is to those who have watched, it is no less surprising to all the various members of the extended Lynn family as well. They have all found a joyous oneness in his journey. But with pause and introspection it is clear that within this victory was already accomplished, he just had to find the faith and courage to accomplish it.
10 days ago he admits with his hamstring injury the goal seemed unreachable. It required something like an unbelievable effort of 66 miles a day to be able to do it. “I knew I had the capacity to knock out that kind of mileage in a day. I just didn’t know how many days I could hold it for. The strength definitely has to start coming from within more and more rather than from the physical sense. So if I had to limp around any longer I don’t know how possible it might have been. I had to make my move when I made it.”
“Yeah, I am kind of amazed that I chopped it down from 66.7(miles a day), 65, 64, 63, 63, till here we are 50.”
He is clear as to where the credit has to go. “When I look at it that way it is not my achievement. I really got that sense yesterday. You know every day seemed so long and so much effort, you have to invoke every spiritual quality at your disposal. From cheerfulness, enthusiasm, eagerness, to determination, will power, gratitude, joy, surrender, humility, simplicity, sincerity, all these qualities you really have to engage and grow into. Try and become those qualities and all the different life experiences that present themselves to you.”
“So from the perspective of the spiritual nature, yesterday I really came to the conclusion, that all those days that had gone by I hadn’t lived them. It wasn’t me myself and I. It is not my achievement. I am all gratitude. It is all grace, all grace, all grace. And that 1% of personal effort of living out those spiritual qualities, who am I to claim possession of them as well. They are not mine.”
“I feel that on the starting line I was just the willingness and eagerness to take the first steps and make the journey. The rest was done for me.”
I ask what it is like having his family with him as well all this time. “For me because I am a family man it has been an absolute huge role. There is no way I could do anything I have done without their support. I completely had the easy path. I just had to circle the block, and try and remain cheerful and happy. Nandana has had the Supreme self sacrifice job of being the greatest handler and server and constantly taking care of all my food. She is up the same time I am, at 5 o’clock preparing all the food. Although I am skinny I am eating a lot of food out here.” He adds also taking care of their daughter Shakti.
“The encouragement and support, you know when you are out here running you offer so much inspiration to others. And it is there inspiration that turns around and feeds you to keep going. It is a reciprocal thing, and having the support and encouragement coming back at you from family and friends, and everybody around the world. It picks you up and takes you to another level.”
One of the things he did to inspire himself to reach deeper in order to make his goal was to picture that he was running in a 6 day race near the end. He completed a remarkable 405 miles in that time.
“At this point I feel like the entire soul of New Zealand will be pleased. It is the achievement of New Zealand. I am so deeply grateful to everyone in the Sri Chinmoy center back home in New Zealand all their support love and encouragement. It is just huge. It definitely doesn’t feel like it has been just mine, Nandana’s and Shakti’s efforts to finish this race. It is the collective consciousness of everybody. It is a beautiful thing.”
“It is only on the result of my inner experience. The inner achievement of my prayer and meditation life encouraged by Sri Chinmoy that any of this is possible. Certainly I am completely 100% inspired by everything that Sri Chinmoy represents, and there is no way I would even have got to the starting line. Everything that I have, Everything that I am, everything that this race is all goes back to Sri Chinmoy, and for that I am deeply grateful. I wouldn’t be a runner if it wasn’t for Sri Chinmoy.”
Complete Dharbhasana interview
“I am really happy that I stayed until the end. It is like a victory for me this year.” He starts the day with 2800 miles and will run until midnight. He hopes to come back again next year.
“It is the duty of every runner to stay until the end. Not to give up. For me it was a really good year. It was tough. But I am sure I feel more love and more devotion.”
The Enthusiasm Awakeners salute Baladev
Yesterday Surasa ran more miles in one day than she had in weeks. By completing 57 miles she made her goal with a day to spare. She was able to do it because she simply found the energy. “If you have the motivation the energy is there.”
Earlier Galya had inspired her by saying, “you can do it today.” There was no big celebration, and when she was finished it was nearly midnight so she left.
As for today she says, “I want to run until the last second.” She continues on because she says the race does not end until then. To feel satisfied with what you have and what you are you must give your very best.
She will pass the Enthusiasm Awakeners one more time. As she does, she scatters rose petals at their feet in gratitude.
To her helpers who have supported her so long, she is all gratitude and more.
Alas, Every day I do
so many things deliberately wrong.
It is hard to believe
that God still loves me
and needs me.
Poem of the day by Sri Chinmoy
Aug. 3rd, 2007
In just a few hours more Purna-Samarpan will finish 2700 miles. His parents are here to see their son celebrate a remarkable achievement. “I am very very grateful really. It is all God’s grace I have to say. It is unbelievable. It is so far, and for the past month this was my goal, to run 2700.”
“I knew if I could stick with my miles, and do a little bit more I would be able to reach it. It was a great second half of the race. I am totally happy and totally grateful. I am also happy that I only have 41 laps to go.”
He says his folks are only familiar with the metric system and so he had to convert his mileage into kilometers. “I told my Dad it was 3,430 kilometers.” He described that this mileage would be several trips up and down the length of Germany. He says his folks have really like the atmosphere at the race. “They are very happy and they are very proud.”
As for if he is coming back to try again he says, “If it goes all right it should be possible. But that is totally up to the Supreme.”
Poem of the Day and Purna-Samarpan
“Finishing 6th and becoming the 1st New Zealander in history to run 3100 miles. Finishing in a time of 51 days, 13 hours, 17 minutes, and 32 seconds. Which is 60.134 miles per day, or 96.77 kilometers a day. He is now ranked 24th on the list of all time list of 27 finishers. And this is the 101st performance of 3100 miles. Congratulations.”
Sahishnu
World Harmony Run
comes from the
World Peace Family.
World Harmony Run
earth’s self-transcendence jubilee.
Song of the Day composed by Sri Chinmoy
Performed by Enthusiasm Awakeners
It is so easy to make God happy.
Just show your willingness-mind
And eagerness-heart.
Excerpt from Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Part 8 by Sri Chinmoy
Day 51 – Pushkar Finishes
Post by Sahishnu:
Pushkar Finishes - Photo by Utpal
On a moderately warm summer afternoon, Pushkar C. Mullauer from Switzerland reached his goal of 3100 miles for the second time in as many years with a fine effort of 50 days+09:34:24. He averaged 61.51 miles per day (98.99 km). Dharbhasana Lynn ran 60.9168 miles to get into position to finish his first 3100 mile race on Tuesday early evening. Surasa Mairer reached 2700 miles for the first time in her long running career.
Every Step Brings Me Closer
Ever since humanity was able to recognize a divine existence within themselves they have been trying to seek it out, and bring it forth from within. It is never easy to establish a constant inner oneness with this divinity, as so much of our outer nature tries to deny and negate even the very existence of this part of us that lies within. The very nature of our bodies and minds is to only to accept physical lethargy and try and ride the mental merry go round that really leads us nowhere.
Sometimes most powerfully, the inner in us breaks through and shows us the way for our entire being to be transformed and made one. In practically all religions the call to pilgrimage is part and parcel of this transformation process. The journey will take you to a sacred spot in which a spark of consciousness can be lit and we will feel our connection to our soul’s reality on all planes.
Pushkar one day during the race had a powerful experience in which he no longer saw himself running around and around a block but instead on a sacred pilgrimage in with he was always moving forward. “Something entered into me. It was much easier to accept. Every step I do brings me closer. On that day I did my best. I could not do more.” Today that journey will come to a close, at least for this year.
“I am able to complete this unimaginable distance only because of God’s boundless compassion, affection, and concern.” He is wearing a special shirt that he has only worn once before. The only other time he wore it was when he finished the race last year. The previous year when he did not complete the race he did not wear it. On the back it says, “Joy Guru…27)
He will be slower by more than a day from last year but he is not disappointed by this at all. He does not believe that the heat bothered him as much as some of the others but suspects that it may have indirectly affected his digestive problems. As a whole he has learned a lot from being here the 2 previous summers and feels more disciplined and independent.
He spoke recently about how happy he was to be able to continue to run after Asprihanal finished 2 days ago. He felt that his own finish would likely be a mixture of sadness and joy. “A smiling eye will definitely come forward.” He confesses that already this morning the crying eye was present when he was filled with overwhelming gratitude that he was able to be here and complete the journey.
“I would love to go for ever and ever but this is just a part of it. Another part says, “let us reach the finish line and take a little rest,” and he laughs. I suggest that if he wants to run for ever and ever he just needs to come back every year and run. “If the outer circumstances allow it, I will definitely be here. It is the most beautiful thing I can do on earth. What ever you do is the right thing here. If you come you move, move, move. Everything you do is in God’s own way done.”
This morning Baladev sits next to Pushkar who is going to finish the race late this afternoon. He starts the day with 2714 miles and he plans to run right up until midnight on Tuesday. For days now, because of a sore Achilles he has only been able to walk. He remains cheerful but it still has to be hard. Hard to see your cherished goal remain 300 miles beyond your reach. Instead, focus only on what you have attained inside. The poise and courage that was able to sustain you for 52 days.
Pushkar is meticulous in the way he prepares his feet every morning. There is only 40 miles more to go but he takes his time and does it carefully.
Ananda-Lahari also will not complete 3100 miles. He starts the day as well with 2757 and plans to run until midnight tomorrow. The 52 day cut off is not a something unexpected. Everyone knew it from the start so it is no surprise to anyone. Yet somehow 52 days can go so quickly and the miles do not come fast enough.
Start Day 51
The body is the patient.
The heart is the sufferer.
The soul is the sympathizer.
God is the ultimate curer.
Poem of the Day
written by Sri Chinmoy
Aug. 2nd, 2007
Nisanga recites the poem this morning and is one who has spent countless hours here in the morning helping.
He is a perfect example of the many selfless and dedicated people who have helped keep the runners going for 52 days.
Purna-Samarpan and Dharbhasana are running together this morning and I ask them to recall a pivotal conversation that had taken place between the 2 of them about a month earlier. They of course had no recollection. “What were we talking about?”
The gist of their conversation was that they were both going to have to run harder in order to have any chance of finishing. Purna-Samarpan remembers and adds, “well somebody picked up the pace I would have to say,” referring to Dharbhasana who is almost certain of finishing before the cut off. Laughter by all.
“I guess you know what you have to do, to get to where you have to get.” Dharbhasana
“Whatever that goal is you stick with it. Or attempt to. I remember several attempt to get going and get knocked back again. I think we are both extremely happy with the turn out.”
“I did some calculating actually the day before yesterday when I was walking.”Purna-Samarpan
“I discovered that I could increase my mileage from last year to this year by 12% or something, so I was quite happy. Even though I wont be able to reach 3100, I decided I would be very happy with my performance.” He mentions that he takes less than 4 hours to run a marathon. Yet he admires like anything those who run it and stay out there on the course for 6 and 7 hours. “It is even more exhausting in my perspective.”
Dharbhasana adds that they appreciate those who have stayed on in the race and taken as many as 60 days to complete the distance. “For them they are real warriors. Because for them they are doing the same thing that Asprihanal does finishing early. But they are here every single day after, going on and on and on.”
“I am really happy that I am stopping at 2700, it is a nice number. It is a lot of progress in comparison to last year. And you know, it is a good feeling for the future. It is still quite far I would say. I am very happy that the time is not extended. Otherwise I would be out here for another week or something.”
“It is also very exhausting not only for us but for the cooks, for the counters, and the organizers. It is just getting really exhausting for every body. It is a nice feeling to be on the 2nd last day. Whatever the mileage is it is quite an achievement, and I am quite happy that Dharbhasana is making it to the finish line. It was so nice because he put in so much determination and effort. It was just great to see that it was possible.”
Purna-Samarpan and Dharbhasana Interview
Surasa starts the day with just 58 more miles of running to reach 2700. She plans of simply going on until there is no time left to run.
Today Atmavir sits for the first morning in 50 days. He listens to the Enthusiasm Awakeners, who he has appreciated so much. This morning they turn and offer their appreciation of him.
Pushkar finished his journey today in a time of 50 days, 9 hours, 34 minutes, and 24 seconds.
Photo by Jowan
How can I reach my Goal?
O how can I?
My life is still tinged
with the desire-hunger-dye.
composed by Sri Chinmoy August 2, 2007
To love God Unconditionally
is to be
on the right track.
composed by Sri Chinmoy August 2,2006
EVERY STEP
O every step along the progress-road
Quickly lightens my heavy bondage-load.
Excerpt from Sail My Heartbeat Sail, Part 2 by Sri Chinmoy
Day 50: A Four-Time Finisher
Post by Sahishnu:
Atmavir and His Ball - Photo by Jowan
With hazy, sunny skies above, Atmavir Petr Spacil became a four-time finisher of the 3100 mile race in 49 days+05:31:34. He averaged 62.97 miles per day (101.345 km). Mr Spacil is ranked fifth all-time at this distance, but found out his physical aversion to very hot weather. He had big problems running during the heat of the day, so that his mileage suffered greatly and his body was continuously revolting from the heat onslaught. Yet he found the fortitude to stay the course and finish the race.
Pushkar Mullauer ran a fine 64.2 mile day to be in position to finish 3100 miles on Monday afternoon. Dharbhasana Lynn ran 65.85 miles to gain precious ground towards finishing on Tuesday evening.
The World’s Longest Race Winds Down
Post by Sahishnu:
Dharbhasana - Photo by Alakananda
With a strong 64.7 mile day, Atmavir P. Spacil is only 23.5 miles away from his fourth 3100 mile finish. Pushkar C. Mullauer ran 62.56 miles to be in position to finish Monday afternoon. But the day leader award goes to Dharbhasana Lynn. The effervescent Kiwi ran 70.24 miles to continue his remarkable comeback towards a Tuesday evening finish. Stay tuned as the world’s longest race winds down.
It Is Our Destiny
“It is like a piece of cake.” Atmavir starts his last day on the course with just 24 miles left to run. He tells me that he learned the piece of cake expression from the great Austrian runner Smarana. But there is precious little about this year’s race that is either sweet, tasty, or delicious for Atmavir. It seems to have been a hard fought battle for him almost from start to finish.
“It is very good weather today and I will enjoy it until the end. But it is not like it was on other days. Outwardly the result was not very good. I will be 4 days behind my last years result. Inwardly I feel quite good. I feel I made some little steps towards my goal. From that point I am really happy and satisfied.”
He tells me that he was expecting that the race was going to be difficult for him even before he arrived. “And it happened.” He says he knew that conditions at the 6 and 10 day race were extremely challenging earlier in the year and somehow felt that the challenges would simply appear in another form here. In this case a summer of relentless heat and humidity.
“I was wondering why I was suffering so much this year, while some people were really quite smooth. On those really hot days. My feeling is that every body has a different role in this race, and we have to accept these roles.” He explains that it is also in the task of cheerfully accepting the different results, no matter whether it is success or failure, that is perhaps one of the key accomplishments for those who run here. That you must work extremely hard to do your best and than as well be grateful for whatever the outcome might be.
“Definitely I am quite happy that it will be over. It was my toughest year here. It was my hardest race ever. On the other hand the inner progress that we are doing here. If you are putting yourself through more pressure maybe something deeper will appear.”
“Also I really like the poems this year, written by Sri Chinmoy.(2007) Those were special for the race. I realize those poems were really like diamonds for us. Those poems are really powerful. Those poems are kind of the secret of the race for me. Like, why we are here. It is our destiny. It is our goal.”
A heart of faith
is a life of tremendous happiness.
Poem of the Day
written by Sri Chinmoy
August 1st, 2007
Start of Day 50
Their names aren’t on the board but Dharbhasana’s wife and daughter are a crucial element, in not just his doing so well here this summer, but also in his ability just to be able to come here all the way from their home in New Zealand. Nandana and Shakti are the extra legs that have given a tremendous boost to Dharbhasana’s stunning performance here this summer.
A good helper is one of the greatest assets a runner can have in order to perform well. Nandana has proven to be one of the greats. She has not only supplied her husband with an endless supply of nutritious and tasty raw food , but she has also been an ardent and committed supporter of his race. Even in the darkest days which seemed to be a lifetime ago but in fact were just last week. While all the while juggling the needs of a 7 year old daughter. Who required, it should be mentioned, both attention and ice cream during our talk.
“
Every single morning I make him a green smoothy. That gives him all his calcium and protein, and stuff like that. Then I make him a super food smoothy. We have been into the raw food thing for the last year. In the last year we have been learning more what raw foods do and what properties they carry.” She mentions that in the 6 day race they had a test run with the diet which was mainly raw. “He had the best 6 day race that he has ever had. He didn’t get injured and he was full of power. He made it to the end and it was totally great. So we thought that we would do this race the same way. He didn’t want any dairy or gluten. He didn’t want to have anything processed. It all had to be fresh and healthy. It started to go well at the beginning. Than slowly he wanted to have more heavier foods. This race has been more 80% raw it hasn’t been 100% raw.”
As we are talking I point out Pranjal who seemed to exist on snickers bars and coca cola. “Everyone seems to have a different constitution. At one point Dharbhasana was able to eat like that. I think when you start to become aware, and start putting more good things into your body. I think it eventually starts rejecting the bad stuff. It doesn’t work the same like it used to. Pranjal is fine on it.”
She starts talking about the consequences of trying some dairy earlier in the race and she says digestively it just didn’t work. Ironically as a musical back drop to this, an ice cream truck arrives with its music blaring in the background. She also confesses to accidentally feeding him a bad mushroom, which made him sick for a short while.
The family has worked as a team in other races but Nandana suggests that the experience here at the 3100 is completely different. “The 6 and 10 day race is short and sweet. This keeps going. There have been ups and downs.” She also takes the opportunity to compliment her daughter who has done extremely well here for the past 52 days.
When asked what she has like most she says, “I like every bit of it. I feel very much oneness here. I don’t know what I am going to do with myself when it is over. I like it all. I like seeing what the runners go through. It has made me appreciate what they do a lot more.” Dharbhasana had wanted to do the race for a number of years. He had spent time following the race on the internet but for her the race was simply an abstraction until she arrived and had to become fully engaged in it. “I appreciated it because he appreciated it. Now that I have been here and seen what they go through. They all have to work together. It is a oneness thing. I appreciate that now.”
“I came in with absolutely no expectation because I had no idea what it meant. I am really ‘wowed’ that Dharbhasana is going to finish in his first year. I had no idea that it was a possibility that he wouldn’t finish. When I see everyone’s capacity and where they are at. To see how absolutely hard the journey is. So for him to finish in the first year, I really appreciate that now, and what he has gone through.”
I ask her about the dark days that seemed to spell the end of Dharbhasana’s chances of finishing the race. “That was an amazing experience. I am still surprised by that one. Because he got the hamstring injury. He tried to get through it. He had a good attitude but after 5 days of walking, he got hit by doubt and frustration. He made up his mind that he wasn’t going to finish. It was kind of a hard thing. Then something just happened. A snap of the fingers. His parents arrived. A few people gave him some words of encouragement. A snap of the fingers and it was gone, absolutely gone. Grace, that is real grace.”
I ask Nandana if anything as dramatic, as his recent running resurrection had ever happened before in their lives. She mentions that just being able to come to New York for the family was really challenging. Their financial situation was so dire that it looked like coming here was just not going to happen. His business 
financial advisers were strongly suggesting that leaving New Zealand at that time was not recommended. “It wasn’t going to be feasible for his business. He was on the brink of deciding not to do it. Every one was just doubting him. Then he went a way and had a moment to himself.”
He had the experience where he recalled the old legend of Babaji. It is a simple story of faith in what one holds to be true, and how far one will go in order to prove and demonstrate their own faith in their beliefs. The experience was so strong for Dharbhasana, “that he knew that this is what he was meant to be doing. It is a similar experience. He felt he needed to have that faith, to jump, and just do it. From that moment on when he made that decision, everything just smoothed out. Now I have complete faith, and belief in grace, because it works, when you believe.”
It is an especially happy time for Atmavir as he completes the final laps of his journey. As hard as it has been for him he knows that others too have had to endure a struggle as well. He can be grateful that he has at least completed the race. And while he runs he stops for just a moment to thank the Enthusiasam Awakeners.
At noon Pushkar and Purna-Samarpan take their breaks. There is still a lot of running left to do for them. Nikhad hands out the daily race prayer and it is his voice that recites it earlier at the top of the page.
“
Ladies and gentlemen, finishing in 4th place, in his 4th consecutive 3100 miler. In a time of 49 days, 5 hours, 31 minutes, and 34 seconds. Although it is not his best finish, he is still ranked 5th fastest all time in the world. But I must say for this kind of runner and his particular unique physique. He can’t handle the heat very well. He is very thin. He doesn’t have the cooling apparatus of his body.
If it is cold he is in danger of winning the race. Because Asprihanal had a slightly off year. Asprihanal 10 finishes, 2nd fastest all time, all kinds of records. But this man was right on his heels, and then the heat wave came.
Heat wave number 1 it set him back. Heat wave number 2 almost wiped him out completely. And heat wave number 3 just let me get through it. All kinds of obstacles and yet he finished.
He thought about quitting. He would go home at night and be so hot from the heat of the day. He couldn’t cool off. He would take cold showers, and still couldn’t cool off.
It is a real testament to his inner and outer fortitude to finish this race, and to do very well, considering the heat. 49 days is no joke. So our congratulations to Atmavir. It is a fantastic achievement to do this race. To do it so well with class, and with dignity.” Sahishnu
Atmavir then thanks all those who have helped. He mentions everyone. “I am very grateful that you supported us in many ways.” Than he points to the board behind him. His name now has 3100 beside it but he speaks of those who have arrived already at the close of this year’s epic journey. “Those older brothers on the board. They inspired me to work harder for next year. So I am really inspired to do better next year.”
Earlier in the morning the Enthusiasm Awakeners sang a song that was very special and significant to Sri Chinmoy. He had composed it 3 years ago on this day and in the evening he had asked the group to sing it again at an evening function. He asked his students to try and sing this song 3 times a day. He said that if they did, he would be very, very, very, very -a million times-proud of you. “This will definitely help you in your life of aspiration.”
Last night I had a very, very
very significant dream.
I saw my Lord,
clasped His Eye
and
Kissed His Feet Supreme.
Song composed by Sri Chinmoy
Performed by Enthusiasm Awakeners
Last night I had a very, very, very, Significant Dream
“Either from within we come without, or from without we dive deep within. We can start our journey either from the soul’s capacity or from the body’s capacity. Ultimately these two capacities have to be united. Needless to say, the soul’s capacity is infinitely greater than the body’s capacity. But the little capacity that the body has, has to be united with the soul’s capacity. The body’s greatest capacity is the acceptance of the soul’s leadership. If the soul is accepted as the supreme leader, if the soul gets the opportunity to guide, mould and shape our destiny, then we get what we do not have right now: the sweet, pure, breathless, intense inner cry and the sure, measureless outer smile.”
Excerpt from Everest Aspiration Part 1 by Sri Chinmoy
I Would Love to Run for Eternity
Little by little
I must change my life only
in God’s own Way.
Poem of the Day
Written by Sri Chinmoy
July 31st,2007
With but a few exceptions, none of the runners here is running so quickly that most people, even in pretty average condition, could not keep up with them for the length of at least one city block. There are times of the day when they might pick it up, but for the most part every body here runs pretty slow. When dealing with time nothing moves quickly. Though as the final days slip away into oblivion our perception of time can be skewed. The striking enormity of the distance they are running and the super human effort to accomplish it however never changes.
What is miraculous is how much that can be accomplished and transformed in ourselves simply by being diligent and persevering. Harnessing ourselves to a, never give up attitude, and trying to eliminate the distractions in our lives that serve no genuine purpose. Instead, imagine how better we would feel and be if we just started focusing on the tasks that will give us inner satisfaction and fulfillment.
Over the summer I have heard lots of stories from others who have found inspiration from what the 11 runners have done here this summer. For some it is simply reevaluating their priorities. Get more exercise, eat less and better, and maybe just trying to reexamine their goals, both outwardly and within. Finding out what taking little steps can do to improve our own lives.
“Yeah, step by step.” Purna-Samarpan. “Don’t overstretch.” Pushkar. I had asked Pushkar and Purna-Samarpan to recite the above poem and before you know it they offered some commentary on it. “Yeah, one step at a time, and also accept whatever is given to you. Be patient.”
When I mention that there are very few days left, Purna-Samarpan jokes. “Yeah, we paid for 52 days so we are staying until the end.” He adds more seriously that while Pushkar will finish likely in 2 days, he himself has almost 200 more miles to go in order to reach 2700. “It sounds little in comparison to what we have run already but still, it won’t come easy. It is coming to an end and it is a good feeling.”
Pushkar jokes, that now they will need to become really spiritual in the last few days. “No joking and kidding any more,” and laughs hilariously. “I have a crying eye and a smiling eye. Crying eye, is that it will be over, and no more running. No more divine progress running. Smiling eye, is that you have reached the finish line and you can get a little rest. You are so happy delighted.”
Purna-Samarpan describes that for him as soon as the race is over, that life afterward takes some adjustment getting used to it again. “In the beginning it is a little bit plain, also a little bit dull or something. It changes obviously. It is not so easy to readjust. It takes some time to get back into your rhythm.”
“Here you run because you run.”
“Tonight we will finish 7 weeks of running.”
Pushkar, “just after Asprihanal finished, I got a very happy feeling, that I am still not finished. That I can still continue running. I got such joy that I can continue to run. I got the feeling, that I would love to run for eternity. Up to the moon and back, whatever. This was quite special. Running for eternity, eternity, and eternity.
Pushkar and Purna-Samarpan Interview
Galya puts in his first early morning appearance at the race since he finished. He had mentioned how much he wanted to be able to listen to an entire performance by the Enthusiasm Awakeners. He got that and then some this morning. At the end of their singing program the girls turned and sang the 3100 song just for him.
For the other 2 guys who also just finished, they have still got a little bit more racing left in them. Both Asprihanal and Pranjal ran in the 2 mile race. Asprihanal was actually 2nd in 13:06.
We can’t say for sure where the next generation of distance runners will come from. This little guy (Chameli’s grand son) was running in the 2 miler and didn’t seem as though he wanted to stop. While some folks are not in a hurry whatsoever.
In the category of little things meaning a lot. Atmavir found his MP3 player which had slipped under the motor home.
And if you ever need a good fruit smoothy come early and come often.
The flowers around the course are still looking pretty good.
The score boards are starting to have their own special charm and offer up a different kind of beauty.
Start Day 49
“This is like the 5th year I think.” Swami Parameshanandaji (Monk of Bhavat Sevashram Sangha) has been putting in many appearances in his his bright ochre colored running clothes on the course in the early mornings. Almost as often as the sun has dawned bright and hot in the sky. “Every year it is getting better.”
“It is something to look forward to when the disciples are here, and not only that. Before and after they are here I utilize the same strength that I get. The memories of them being here running. I see how they are fully into it. That memory, that feeling, that power that comes from this whole atmosphere. I utilize it for the whole year.”
We talk a bit about how involved the runners here are in the complete running experience, both outwardly and inwardly. “I can’t get the full experience say like Asprihanal is getting finishing. Even taking one day off. And then the struggle that he went through. That struggle that he went through is what is helping him towards his liberation. Because when we are running on this course. After a while the mind has no place, in our existence. Because how much can you think about the same thing. Then the power of the Guru takes you out of the painfulness of mind, mind, mind. After a while you beat the mind. The mind is ripped.”
“The mind is something that is non existent, when you go deeper in the spiritual life. So we come to that non existent state of mind and all that happens is the purity of consciousness, starts gradually to take its hold. And the further you go that consciousness, is the bliss of the whole exercise. So that is why I choose to be here. I make a point that purposefully during this time I am not away too long. Because I will miss it.”
“This morning here the sun is coming up and I am here to greet it. To greet God in the form of sun. I do my prayers, and then I look up into the sky and there is the moon. This is a reminder of all nature. This is a reminder of all God creation, and when you are conscious of God in all of his creation. Then you are moving towards your liberation, self realization.”
“This is a beautiful opportunity. You don’t have to go to far for a pilgrimage. This is like a pilgrimage for me. To be here. To be with like minded spiritual people. Even with the people who are serving. You can see how they are serving with dedication and devotion. So thanks to Sri Chinmoy he has created an atmosphere.”
“Even the children who are attending Thomas Edison High school, by us running around their school, we are vibrating high positive energy. That even they unconsciously are being benefited by the peace. In this way they can do studies better. They don’t know this.” He describes how the consciousness is being transmitted from this location as clearly as how voice is transmitted over cellphones. How it can carry from one ear to the next on the far side of the world. “That is why the whole neighborhood is so peaceful.”
“We have to let people know about this and let people know the benefit of it. Many people say, what is the need of running 3100 miles? In the hot sun, and taking all this pain. But it is not just running. These are people who just see life on the base level, on the mundane level. But for all great souls, they have to go through some kind of austerity, before the purification can come. So we have to let people know.”
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Even disciples of Sri Chinmoy we have to let them know the benefit of this kind of a run. The greatest task that is accomplished is within the runners, and the people who are serving them. So I am very very happy. I am very pleased and very inspired, and I am benefiting so tremendously to be here with them. To see the joy of Asprihanal finishing yesterday. And year after year all the runners doing the same thing. Coming and finishing or whether they finish or not, but it is the effort. I look forward to it. I will be here every year that it is here. The beauty of it, whether it is hot or cold. I will be here.”
Swami Parameshanandaji complete interview
To be very close to God,
to be very close,
each God-lover needs
a heart-beauty rose.
Song of the Day composed by Sri Chinmoy
July 31st 2007
When we take the golden opportunity
To run the fastest,
We see that spirituality
Is for Eternity.
Excerpt from Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Part 19 by Sri Chinmoy
The Nearly Impossible
Post by Sahishnu:
Pranjal Milovnik - Photo by Alakananda
Pranjal Milovnik did the nearly impossible – he finished a day faster than his previous best for 3100 miles – during the hottest July in 100 years here in New York – and finished third in 47 days+04:19:49. He moves from 14th place on the all-time rankings to 10th with his brilliant run. He averaged 65.68 miles/105.70 km for the duration.
Dharbhasana Lynn garnered day honors again with a sparkling 65.85 mile run to edge closer to being on a realistic pace to finish. Atmavir Spacil ran 63.66 miles and is on pace to be the next finisher at around noon on Sunday. Pushkar Mullauer is eyeing a Monday afternoon finish as well.
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