Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race

A view of the 17th Annual Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race

imaginary thing that calls out to him — Running and Smiling it is one he has constantly been aware of for the past 30 days. Vasu will undoubt- By Utpal As someone who has run mara- edly arrive there successfully, not by http://perfectionjourney.org thons and longer events, I personally being lost in his body’s struggles nor 16 July 2013 (morning) know something about struggling and deterred by the mental suffering of his suffering to reach a finish line. I have felt mind — he is experienced enough to This is a shortened version of the article, please the satisfaction of a number of hours realize that he will only transcend him- visit the website for the full version of hard effort and then the immedi- self only by surrendering to the divine “They are very surprised that we are run- ate relief of crossing a finishline — and, within himself. then, it is all over. In this Race, there is ning and smiling.” Vasu is telling me this I once asked him Vasu what his also a finishline but it is one so remote morning about a newspaper, from his strategy was here at the 3,100 Mile Race. and so distant it is almost inconceivable. home near St. Petersburg that is regu- He replied, “I have no plan. My soul has larly printing pictures and stories about For Vasu, who has crossed this line a plan.” the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race once before (in 2012) and now it is “just” Run, run, in the inner world run, run! taking place here in New York. He tells 1,000 miles away. It is not an invisible or me that the readers are also encour- God’s Lightning-Smiles have already aged to check out a Russian language begun. version of this blog. Which, they are — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from “My God- told, “if you read it you will be inspired.” Hunger-Cry Part 1” (Agni Press, 2009) Vasu says that the paper is calling * * * the 3100 Mile Race a sporting event — but they admit to their readers that they can’t even begin to understand how Day 31 the runners are able to do it. Indeed, Heat’s On for everyone it is nearly impossible to comprehend what is happening here By Sahishnu, 16 July 2013 (evening) by simply looking at the daily result www.3100.ws/blog sheets. And no matter how you view or On a sweltering, sticky day with little cloud calculate all the statistics and numbers cover and temps in the mid-nineties, five they really can’t tell you much about what is going on here. runners made it past sixty miles, the low- est total of the race this year. With at least When you look at Vasu’s picture three more hot ones to come, the group is (see next page) you cannot help but being thoroughly tested. Atmavir Spacil take note that he is clearly a man at peace with himself — and, yes, he has a seemed to have solved the heat puzzle for smile too. But then mentally try and add at least today by leading with 66.4 miles. to this radiant face of his the additional Next best was Vasu Duzhiy with 63.6 and knowledge that in about six hours time Nidhruvi Zimmerman with 62.0 miles. Two Photo by Kedar he will pass the 2,000 mile mark. With more men made it past 2,000 miles…. this simple fact, our ability to under- Vasu Duzhiy: stand who he really is and what he is 2,000 miles = 30 days+08:51:16 accomplishing here on this block in Sarvagata Ukrainskyi: Queens evaporates into thin air. Sri Chinmoy at a track event in Puerto Rico 2,000 miles= 30 days+15:42:55 < 73 > Pranjal goes by the mileage board mid-morning of Day 31 The runners will try anything to beat the heat

A special headband? Vasu: smiling and running Daulot (in orange) visits from Seattle for his birthday and receives quality he learned and good cheer from friends Vajra and Jagadhata Vasu tells me about a unique worked upon last year method the runners are exploring to was “patience”. He adds, to not have it like this — to run it in the try and deal with the extreme weather, “And this time, I hope, is happiness.” Spring or in the Autumn, but there again there could be problems. It could get “Yesterday was a little bit hot. Dr. Kumar He is also very interested in hear- cold. But this race is so long the weather [an Aryuvedic doctor] told us to take ing about the personal experiences that is changing all the time.” Despite the onions. You just take it in your hand or others have had with Sri Chinmoy. Vasu intense heat Pranjal maintains amazing put in your pocket and run.” says he feels tremendously inspired consistency in the laps he runs every and identifies closely with the stories. Vasu continues and says Dr. Kumar day. also suggested a different method of He heard one story from someone who treating blisters, he suggested putting quite frequently drove one of the buses * * * that the group used to have. The man some grass along with rosewater into Question: How can our outer smile help the bottom of the socks of those having told Vasu that sometimes Sri Chinmoy our running? foot problems. Vasu says with delight, used to sit in the seat directly behind the Sri Chinmoy: Your outer smile can help “I was so happy. My skin became bet- driver. Vasu asked this person if it was okay to feel oneness with this person’s your running considerably. When you ter. After five or ten laps of using [this smile, you disarm your opponent. Take experience of driving the bus with Sri method] my skin became better, much, running, for the time being, as your Chinmoy in it. Vasu says, “For the next much better.” Vasu tells me he isn’t using opponent. While you are fighting or this right now and that he will use it only few days I was not running. I was just a struggling with your enemy, which is when it gets really hot. bus driver. I felt so much happiness and running, if you give a smile, naturally your joy inside of me.” enemy will lose some of its strength. So Yesterday Ashprihanal teased Vasu * * * play a trick on your enemy by smiling. This about the “special power band” that Vasu may sound absurd, but I assure you it is wears from time to time. Vasu laughs Pranjal says, “Yesterday we had a true. Just think of the running world as an and jokes that it is special because “it tough day because of the weather. In enemy and weaken the strength of this makes my mind silent.” the morning it was very hot and also enemy by giving a smile. Yesterday Vasu completed 118 laps very humid. But this is just part of the — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from here. He is now 140 miles ahead of his race. You cannot do anything with this, “The Outer Running And pace from last year. He says the main it belongs to the race. It would be nice The Inner Running” (Agni Press, 1974) < 74 > A view of the 17th Annual Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race God’s Job

By Utpal is approaching the 2,000 http://perfectionjourney.org mile mark. 17 July 2013 (morning) The tone of his

This is a shortened version of the article, please answer was no surprise. visit the website for the full version During the nine years that Pranjal has run the “It is so far that you can’t even think Self-Transcendence 3,100 about it — it is, like, three weeks. If you Mile Race, I’ve never been start to think about it now, it will kill surprised by his words you. I am only thinking about today.” — what he does with I had just asked Pranjal if he is able to his feet is another mat- think about the finishline now that he ter. His relentless drive and determination never Day 32 ceases to astonish me. Sri Chinmoy at the start of a race in 1981. He makes jokes about all On It Goes kinds of things but when Of course, we assume we could you watch him closely, you see some- By Sahishnu, 17 July 2013 (evening) surpass the Supreme’s decisions on a thing else. You realize just how much he www.3100.ws/blog few, very specific, matters. We think puts into his unrelenting effort here each Day four of Heat Wave II produced high that maybe, this time, the Cosmic Plan day, each lap and each step. It expresses temps, intense sun, few breezes and a lit- is actually a mistake. That, on this occa- much more than he could possibly say. tle cloud covering late. The field paid the sion perhaps, the Lord of the Universe price for just being out on the course, but Later this afternoon, in the very is being distracted by wars or other stalwarts they are. Six of the twelve made pit of another hot dank New York after- events in far-off lands. The folly of this is it to sixty miles, led again by Sarvagata noon, Pranjal will indeed cross the 2/3- that — should any of us actually acquire Ukrainskyi and his 68.05. Atmavir Spacil mark and, without stopping, continue this power and we altered what is hap- has climbed to within 18 miles of first on with what he has been doing every pening here — we would be making place, after being down by 52 just three day for the past 31. the worst possible mistake. The fact is, days ago. That is how this race can turn the subtle transformations that happen With 21 days of running time left — a couple bad days and the other run- to each runner here is most certainly in this edition of the 3,100 Mile Race, it ners make up big ground. But with 850 beyond our grasp and understanding. becomes much easier to calculate which more miles to go and the end of the heat runners will complete the total mileage And any of us trying to analyze how wave in sight, anything can happen. And while a few others will simply run out of this Cosmic Plan will play out is a fool’s probably will. Meanwhile the Austrian time in trying to make it to the finish line. errand. And asking for God’s job even ladies are smashing out the miles, oblivi- more so. As Pranjal correctly said — all ous to heat so far and making all the right For those who love this Race we we have is today. choices. They both touched 62.01 miles might indulge in the thought of taking with smiles on their faces and miles in over God’s job here (as if He, for some Do not plan your life in advance. the bank. With twenty more days to go the reason, would relinquish it for the next It is not fair to take away God’s job. few weeks). We indulge in the thoughts race is picking up momentum. Stay tuned, — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from of altering the weather; vanishing inju- as there seems to be some fireworks com- “To-Morrow’s Dawn” ries and pain; and all tiredness and ing when the weather changes. Today the (Agni Press, 1982) temps hit 96ºF, with more to come. fatigue would be a thing of the past. < 75 > Sarvagata

Ananda-Lahari, followed by Yuri, Vasu and Sarvagata

Atmavir

Pranjal Sarah Ashprihanal This morning is clearly a strug- and then, in the end, to one break. gle for Ashprihanal. Not to see Because I was just too slow.” him flying around the Course as he usually does is difficult for Every night, Pranjal records a everyone to witness. video-blog and he talks about all the runners who share the track Yesterday he developed a with him. I ask him what he thinks problem with his knee. It is still about those who are not going too early to know just how seri- to finish. “In this Race, I think, it ous it is. Dr. Kumar is coming doesn’t matter that you finish it. today and Ashprihanal is anx- The thing is that you are here and ious to hear what he has to say you are doing your best. It doesn’t about it. The Daily Prayer Nidhruvi matter if it is 50 miles or 70 miles. * * * Sometimes you have a bad year * * * and you can’t make it. It doesn’t Ananda-Lahari is always cheerful and matter as long as you do your best. That seems to find meaning in each step he Pranjal was telling me earlier in the Race is what counts.” takes here. He says, “I have the feeling I that he was happy that his shoes were should start running but, still, it doesn’t lasting six days. “But now that I have work. I am not able to really describe a blister I have changed my style and You want to change the world. what is going on. I have energy but it somehow my shoes now only last four Do you not realise seems to me that everything goes to the days.” That you are taking away God’s job? ground. But today Dr. Kumar is coming What has He done Pranjal takes only one 15-minute and I think today he will be the instru- To deserve this kind of punishment “sleeping” break a day at 3pm. He jokes, ment that will help me to start running.” from you? “I am too slow to take more breaks. I am He says, “I feel much better than one of the slowest on the track, actually.” — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from yesterday.” He laughs and adds, “I already He adds, “In my first race, I started with “Ten Thousand Flower-Flames, Part 34” ran 3 meters. There is still hope.” three breaks. Then I had to cut it to two (Agni Press, 1982) < 76 > A view of the 17th Annual Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race

In My Heart Already Day 33

By Utpal simply cannot be comprehended. Tightening Up http://perfectionjourney.org Certainly for even an average marathon By Sahishnu, 18 July 2013 (evening) 18 July 2013 (morning) runner there is no way of putting his www.3100.ws/blog accomplishment into perspective. This is a shortened version of the article, please The fifth straight day of heat Wave II raged visit the website for the full version Out of curiosity I wondered if Yuri on with 98ºF in much of the location occu- had set off from his home in Vinnitsa, pied by the 3100 mile race. Only three When Yuri ran up to the mileage board 32 days ago, instead of running around made it past 60+ miles, and we were his eyes were bright with gratitude. He the block here, just how far would he fortunate to have many doctors, nurses had actually hoped to have completed have been able to travel. I am not sure and specialists keep close watch on the his last four laps the previous night but if he speaks too many foreign languages runners 12. Sarvagata Ukrainskyi contin- the weather conditions yesterday were but he would have needed quite a few ued his assault on the field with a 66.4 horrific (and, unfortunately, will con- before he completed the full 2,000 miles mile day. Nidhruvi Zimmerman and Surasa tinue on this way for several days to west of his home in the Ukraine. Because Mairer also nicked the 60 mile plateau come). if he ran in that direction he would have with 60.9. Caution has been the keyword He says, “It is a very serious number.” just about made it to Madrid, Spain (see here,since dehydration and heat stroke The number Yuri Trostenyuk is referring image, next page). Google Maps say that are formidable foes and serious issues to is 2,000 miles. He has been aiming by car, that journey should take about the runners face when the Mercury nears towards this number now for the past 34 hours (they don’t say how many days 100ºF. We all pray for everyone to get 16 days since he reached 1,000 miles. If it would realistically take to drive that through this weather tunnel. Stay healthy all goes well he will be able to rack up many hours). my friends. another 1,000 miles in an additional 16 Anything that I want to find days. Then all that will remain in front of Is already there * * * him will be that last little bump of 100 In the depths of my heart. Yesterday a large box of goodies arrived miles. — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from “Seventy- at the Race. Sarah says, “Somebody from Unless you are the most experi- Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Part 39” Iceland kindly donated some vitamins enced of ultra-runners these distances (Agni Press, 2004) and supplements.” [Pranava is the most likely bestower of this generos- ity.] “It was so much appreciated by me because I have no idea what I am supposed to be taking.” Sarah laughs as she says this. “It was really nice. It was such a hot day and everyone was feeling so low. Then sud- denly we got this big box of presents. You know these things happen quite regularly. It helps to give you a little lift.” * * * “I have had a problem the The sky this morning Sri Chinmoy in cooler times (1981) last few days. It is heat related.” < 77 > 2,000 miles from Yuri’s home going west

Yuri bows to a number that is “very serious”

Sopan is looking pretty good today. Like go any faster. everyone he suffered with the weather This is why many the last few days. He says, “I could not people are just push myself harder for some reason, doing the neces- which is not normal for me. I lose energy sary.” He asks peo- and cannot eat well. My energy crashed ple to keep their completely.” Dr. Kumar came by and rec- fingers crossed. ommended that Sopan and a few oth- But the forecast ers drink a simple concoction of water, says the weather At the start Rupantar asks everyone to be extra cautious today lemon, salt, and sugar. “He said drink it won’t break until every 15 minutes all day long. I can feel it Sunday. immediately when I drink it. It definitely * * * got my energy up.” Someone points Before I leave for the morning out that today is Sopan is clearly more energetic. Last Nelson Mandela year on day 18 after 1,000 miles his inju- International Day ries forced him to leave the Race. Now as (as well as his 95th he starts day 33 he has over 1,800 miles birthday) and people beside his name. He says that he hasn’t around the world felt this good since when he ran here Sri Chinmoy with Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel (Mandela’s wife) are encouraged to in 2006. “It is good to be back. I haven’t provide 67 minutes Sri Chinmoy also composed several been here in a long time.” of community service in honour of songs in Nelson Mandela’s honour, two I SHALL NEVER BE DISTRESSED Mandela’s 67 years of public service. The of which: overarching objective of Mandela Day I have already instilled peace in my heart; A PERFECT JUSTICE-VOICE is to inspire individuals to take action Therefore Nelson Mandela, torture-sufferer supreme, to help change the world for the better, I shall never be distressed. High Heaven’s Smile and in doing so build a global move- To You I have already offered and earth’s solace-dream. ment for good. Ultimately, it seeks to Your heart has won the The flower of my heart’s expression. empower communities everywhere. world’s admiration-choice. — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Within, without, a perfect justice-voice. “Transcendence-Perfection” Every Day a Mandela Day.” LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (Agni Press, 1975) Sri Chinmoy met with President Long walk to freedom, * * * Mandela on a number of occasions and long walk to freedom To be a child of oneness-kingdom. said of him: Pranjal says, “It is very hard on the Long walk to freedom, long, long, long: body when you have so many days of “South Africa sleeplessly needs the Our proudest victory’s sweetest song. over 30° (86°F). It takes too much energy. fragrance of your heart for its liberation — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from and peace, and the whole world soulfully Many people are just in survival mode. “Sri Chinmoy With Four African Peace- needs the garden of your life for its inspi- You can’t push because it is too hard to Immortals” (Agni Press, 1996) ration and bliss.” < 78 > A view of the 17th Annual Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race

and then the struggle continues. A strug- All Souls Struggle gle for which there is no end in sight for the runners of the Self-Transcendence By Utpal The Guru is so powerful because he 3,100 Mile Race for at least 18 more days. manifests himself from consciousness. http://perfectionjourney.org All souls He meets you halfway. Because his body 19 July 2013 (morning) Struggle and struggle and struggle is really a manifestation of conscious- Inside the body-cage, This is a shortened version of the article, please ness. So if you are able to connect to his visit the website for the full version But eventually they bring victory body that automatically puts you into a To their Lord Supreme. Swami Paramesha Ananda ran 14 laps higher consciousness.” — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from “My this morning with the runners and is * * * now ready to carry on with the rest of his Christmas-New Year-Vacation Aspiration- day. He says, “If you rely on the mind and It gets hotter and hotter with each Prayers, Part 57” (Agni Press, passing hour this morning as the dawn the physical you will start getting weak. * * * You have to go to the higher conscious breaks and the immense brilliance of the level.” sun spills across the city. The relentless The past few days have been tough on weight of the humidity presses down on Ashprihanal — perhaps tougher than His advice is correct in every way. everyone. It has been like this every day he has ever seen during any of the pre- For all spiritual seekers the goal is to now for a week and any kind of relief in vious years he has run in the 3,100 Mile always find the highest path when con- the weather is still days away. Race. fronted by either joy or adversity. But on a practical level no one here is God- A splash of water or realized — at least not yet. a bag of ice are little rem- edies that work for just a The Swami says, “I do the Guru moment: a flash of relief mantra [a traditional Sanskrit mantra].

Day 34 How Long Can This Go On?

By Sahishnu, 19 July 2013 (evening) www.3100.ws/blog The Heat wave stood its ground for the sixth straight day, daring the runners of courage to step over its boundaries and face debilitation. With temps approaching 100ºF and nary a breeze, nature forced everyone to back off or hurt real bad. Surprisingly, Nidhruvi Zimmerman topped the list with 60.9 miles and was followed closely by Surasa Photo by Bhashwar Mairer, who reached 60.3 miles. The closest any man could come was 57.07 miles by Atmavir Spacil, who edged into first overall. The runners will gain some respite late Saturday as thunderstorms are expected to change things for the next two weeks to clear and cooler. The damage has been done, but eight are still on pace to finish within 52 days. The ever-changing face of the race from the outside only reflects the inner conflicts that runners endure to finish this thing. But run they must, and run they shall. Keep cool if you can. Sri Chinmoy at the “Sports Day” track and field events in 1982 < 79 > Jagadhata blows a conch at the start every day Rupantar arrives with ice at 5:50 a.m.— the supply Kausal is a doctor who arrived at the Race yesterday. He will have to be replenished often through the day speaks with Yuri and will keep close watch on everyone There is a bandage on Ashprihanal’s left wrist indicating he recently received an I.V. to get his fluid levels back up. He is weak, but fine and is not in any physical danger. He will keep walking today, just as he did yesterday. He continues, at least in part, because he is searching — as everyone here is — for peace, joy, and satisfaction. Transcendence is not Surasa tries a new hat bestowed upon those who have not Surasa ran 111 laps yester- given their all. It is painful for those of day and seems superbly us who have seen Ashprihanal “flying” The Swami running along the Race Course adapted to the horrible hot around the Course here over the many weather. “In the morning I weren’t that long ago but years to have this level of struggle. And am very good. Until 11 a.m. now seem ancient to her. For he has still 1,000 miles more to go. I run good miles, and also a brief while, when she was * * * in the evening. During the really suffering, she thought day the mileage is okay — everything was lost. But that Swamiji says that it is not easy run- but not quite as good.” was many days ago (and in ning on days like this. “But once you start this environment days feel and get into the rhythm, you might slow Nidhruvi She is wearing a broad like lifetimes). She did 111 down or you might move faster, but it brimmed hat. “I will try it laps yesterday. is a rhythm. A mental rhythm. Then the today and see if it works. I got it yester- mental rhythm changes over to a higher day in the evening and I thought it would * * * conscious rhythm. It is that higher con- be very good. It is very light. But you can Sarvagata says that he is doing some scious that will combat the heat.” He says see that there are holes in it and the sun new things this year. “I am wearing a hat that when you allow yourself to be in the can come through, so I think that maybe and also using sandalwood powder on higher conscious, “it negates all physical it does not give me enough protection.” my skin and also some peppermint oil.” suffering, and mental anguish. Then you * * * He seems to be able to adapt to the heat are able to proceed and to continue and like no other runner here. He ran a phe- continue.” Yuri’s heat-related condition became nomenal 121 laps. He says, “It seems like very serious yesterday. He was checked He continues saying, “You go I am getting stronger. I am overcoming out by a nurse last night and given an I.V. to your source of strength which is some problems in my body and in my patience, fortitude, and endurance. He wants to keep running but mind.” He laughs and adds, “Now I am Our greatest asset is self-confidence, Rupantar, the race director, has asked ready to face the next ones. Interesting. I self-reliance, and self-respect. Then our him to only walk easily today until his am enjoying it all.” greatest friends, are energy, enthusiasm, condition improves. This is a totally new and perseverance. So when you bring experience for Yuri, but he takes this I am struggling and struggling these elements into it. These are divine request cheerfully and seriously. To free my life inspirational words. When you bring From my mind-entanglements, * * * these into the picture, then you are And I am sure my victory is certain. above the mundane existence. This Race I talk with Nidhruvi about the troubles — Sri Chinmoy, excerpt from is above that.” that some are having here now and she “Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, reminds me of her own difficulties that * * * Part 2” (Agni Press, 1998) < 80 >