Spirituality means speed

patanga-cycling-santostriathlon.jpg

Spirituality means speed: speed in the inner world, speed in the outer world. In the inner world, speed is founded mostly upon aspiration. In the outer world, speed is founded mostly upon inspiration.

Sri Chinmoy 1

 
It is rather interesting how I got to write this page. I had been thinking about how to increase my own speed in the spiritual life. This article accounts for a small experience I had. What happened is that recently I have been doing too much technical work, on a computer screen, and I felt it was affecting me, making me feel tired and useless. So I felt the need to sharpen or 'speed up' my consciousness (or natural awareness).
 
But why is speed necessary? Can we not go at a slow, steady pace? Slow and steady wins the race, as the saying goes, reminding us of the famous story about the race between a turtle and a hare. But I think the answer to my own question is more like riding a bicycle – the faster you go:
 
  • the more balance you have;
  • the easier it becomes to surmont occasional obstacles such as hills;
  • the more difficult it is for outer interferences to stop you
  • the more you discover capacity in yourself and
  • the more joy you get from your speed! :D
 
We know that vehicles can easily skip over small holes on the road if they go fast enough – so all the same we might be above the daily pits and falls of life if we can get to this turning point of speed.
 
1978-sri-chinmoy-cyclea.jpg
 

I bicycle with my heavenly friend: speed!
Earthly cries before me die,
Heavenly smiles within me fly.
Supreme God-Joy our only need.

Sri Chinmoy 2
 
But how can I increase my own speed? I think for different people at different times, there will be different manners to achieve more speed. For me, it usually means focusing more on the inner aspects meditation, music, devotional practices – with the outer aspects following naturally afterwards, like a wave and its tow.  Also it happens sometimes that, when the outer aspect is doing well, it becomes easier for the inner dimension to grow. Like, when I do some voluntary work or write about my experiences, I usually feel quite good inwardly, inspired and aware. So that is how I got into writing this small article not just for you, but also for me. 
 
Even though I am extremely far from the great spiritual figure Swami Vivekananda’s 'speed' or awareness, I would like to quote him in the vein of this page’s theme:
 
“Our duty is to encourage every one in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth.” 
 
 
Cross-posted from patanga.srichinmoycentre.org

About the author

Patanga Cordeiro

São Paulo, Brazil

Sometime after starting to practise meditation regularly, Patanga became inspired to share this gift, and now he gives meditation classes in many cities in Brazil.

    Other stories by Patanga »
    Learning to love songs ever more
    Spiritual moments with my grandmother
    Patanga: my spiritual name
    Visit Patanga's homepage »

    Meditation experiences

    More stories from Sri Chinmoy's students.

    The day I saw my Guru's Third Eye

    Vidura Groulx Montreal, Canada

    The spiritual life is normal to me

    Shankara Smith London, United Kingdom

    Seeing the God inside my son

    Utsahi St-Armand Ottawa, Canada

    'You two have been friends for many hundreds of years'

    Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand

    “Where there is heart, always there is a way.”

    Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand

    In the Right Place, At the Right Time

    Eshana Gadjanski Novi Sad, Serbia

    My first Guru

    Adarini Inkei Geneva, Switzerland

    All I needed was the Supreme, and I would always win

    Pragati Pascale New York, United States

    You only have to keep your eyes and ears open

    Gannika Wiesenberger Linz, Austria

    In the Whirlwind of Life

    Pradeep Hoogakker The Hague, Netherlands

    My 5 a.m. strategic meditations

    Sanchita Fleming Ottawa, Canada

    Regaining My Inner Joy

    Sujata Muto Kyoto, Japan

    Sri Chinmoy's opening meditation at the Parliament of World Religions

    Pradhan Balter Chicago, United States

    Suggested videos

    interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students

    Spirituality - the most fascinating subject on earth

    Laila Faerman New York, United States

    Finding your spiritual Master

    Gannika Wiesenberger Linz, Austria

    My well-scheduled day

    Jayasalini Abramovskikh Moscow, Russia

    The greatest adventure that you can embark on

    Mahatapa Palit New York, United States

    Humorous moments with Sri Chinmoy

    Toshala Elliott Auckland, New Zealand

    Progress-Pilgrimage: A 1200km run from Vienna to Paris

    Shamita Achenbach-König Vienna, Austria

    The value of meditation in a stressful job

    Garga Chamberlain Bristol, United Kingdom

    Europe

    Americas

    Oceania