Going beyond yourself

Self-transcendence is a cornerstone in Sri Chinmoy's philosophy. This quality is very inspiring, deep and has a childlike simplicity at the same time.

I thoroughly enjoy sport and have a real passion for running which started when I was young. I competed in various cross country races and a 24 hour relay run when I was 12 years old. Then I took up sprinting and athletics during my high school years.

Practising meditation has really given me the confidence to take my sport to deeper level and I have completed many long distances, which I never imagined I would do, or even comprehend I could do.

When I was asked by a friend if I wanted to run 45km in honour of a dear friend Subarata's life, a very inspiring individual who founded the Sri Chinmoy Centre in Auckland, New Zealand with Jogyata in 1984, I was very suprised at the question of such a feat. But after reading many of books written by Sri Chinmoy on his philosophy about self-transcendence, yoga, self discovery, meditation and numerous other inspiring topics. I thought, well I could give it a try!

During the run I felt a deep sense of joy and satisfaction unlike I had never experienced before.  I sincerely felt that this was one of the best days of my life.

My inner being was very pleased and thrilled to have taken up the challenge.

To this day, I have completed four 12 hour walks,  three half marathons and five full marathons.  Last year I completed the Self-Transcendence Marathon in New York city and ran a personal best of 4 hours, 37minutes - half an hour better than the previous year's race. This was a very encouraging experience of self-transcendence .When I have achieved these longer distances, I have felt a great sense of protection and grace from a higher source, helping me and inspiring me to go on, go on.

This is a poem I recently wrote :