Video by Utpal Marshall
Sri Chinmoy loved running. In his early years in India, he was an excellent sprinter; and in his mid-forties, he took up long distance running, completing 22 marathons and several ultra-marathons, with a best marathon of 3:55:07 in Toledo, Ohio in 1979. He continued practising sprinting up to his mid sixties.
He believed that running could also be an integral part of a spiritual life, and that the inner life and running were complementary. Here are some excerpts from his considerable writings on running:
“Running helps us considerably. Running is continuous motion. Because of our running, we feel that there is a goal — not only an outer goal but also an inner goal.” (1)
“In the morning if we can energise ourselves with physical activities, then we can accomplish so many things during the rest of the day. That is why I say sports and physical fitness are of supreme importance. If we neglect the physical and let the body become weak, then the mind also becomes weak.” (2)
“Runners deal with freshness, freshness of the mind. While they are running, nature is helping them. Every day, early in the morning or in the evening, runners go out to practise in the street or at a track. When you run, it is just you and Mother Nature. From the sky, light is flowing. Here, there, you get so much inspiration. Everything helps you to achieve your goal.” (3)
Articles on Sri Chinmoy's Running
Sri Chinmoy – Beyond Limits
by Animesh Harrington
One group of runners that not only competes in races but also organises them for other runners of all standards is the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. Though Sri Chinmoy races are known widely throughout Australia as some of the best organised and friendliest runs around, not much is generally known of the man who is the inspiration behind these events. Read more...
Statistics on Sri Chinmoy's running from 25-metre races to the 47-mile ultramarathon, Sri Chinmoy competed in almost 500 events during his athletic career in the West. Read more…