Video #301: Running as a spiritual practice | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Episode 19

In this conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the spiritual dimensions of running, particularly in the context of ultramarathons. They discuss the inherent suffering in life and how running serves as a metaphor for overcoming challenges. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of discipline over motivation, the concept of the future self, and the need to find meaning in the act of running itself. Both share personal experiences from races, highlighting the lessons learned through commitment and presence, ultimately advocating for a deeper understanding of the journey rather than just the outcomes. Vajin and Abhinabha further explore the profound lessons learned through endurance events, particularly running and mountaineering. They discuss the importance of facing real decisions, the value of perseverance, and the concept of Gaman, which emphasizes enduring hardship with dignity. The dialogue delves into self-transcendence, the journey of becoming through running, and the artistry involved in mountaineering. They also highlight the role of competition in personal growth, the significance of embodying character in challenging situations, and the transformative power of acceptance and gratitude in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes finding peace amidst life’s inevitable ups and downs.

Takeaways:

  • Running is a spiritual practice that teaches resilience.
  • Suffering is an inherent part of life, and understanding it is crucial.
  • Discipline is more important than motivation in endurance sports.
  • The future self concept encourages long-term thinking and sacrifice.
  • Finding meaning in running enhances the experience beyond competition.
  • Ultramarathons have gained popularity as a way to challenge oneself.
  • Endurance sports develop qualities like patience and perseverance.
  • Societal expectations can distort personal motivations in sports.
  • New meanings in running can reignite passion for the sport.
  • The journey and experiences in running are more valuable than the outcomes.
  • Endurance events present real decisions and consequences.
  • Perseverance reflects how life will turn out in the long run.
  • Gaman teaches us to endure suffering with dignity.
  • Self-transcendence reveals deeper aspects of our being.
  • Running is a journey of becoming and self-discovery.
  • Artistry in sports transcends mere competition.
  • Competition can bring out the best in us.
  • Embodying character in challenges enhances personal growth.
  • Acceptance transforms suffering into a more bearable experience.
  • Gratitude can shift our perspective during hardships.

For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #49:  Sri Chinmoy Trail Series 5 – “Gungahlin Gallop” – Canberra, July 20, 2025

Canberra’s trail-running community faced one of its toughest challenges yet with the Gungahlin Gallop, rounding out the Sri Chinmoy Trail Series on Sunday. The demanding 31 km course – including two steep climbs of One Tree Hill – proved to be a true test of endurance and skill, and both the men’s and women’s race records were shattered dramatically.

On the men’s side, debut runner Benjamin Butler blazed through the trail to claim the overall course record of 2:07:14, while Brittany Harriden, driven by consistency throughout the series, set a new women’s mark at 2:31:54 – and secured a stunning third place overall in a highly competitive field  . Ageless endurance shone brightly too, as Clare Wall smashed her own F70+ record in 4:23:21.

On the 10 km course, Sarah King maintained her flawless record with another win, 48:15, while newcomer Patrick Clark narrowly missed the men’s course best with a fast 38:34 . The 2.2 km sprint races saw Felix Botticchio (Boys U13) and Daniela Wilsener (Female 17+) squeeze in record-breaking times of 9:32 and 12:04, respectively.

This finish marked a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Canberra Trail Series, where grit, stamina, and spirit truly shone.

Check out the full results and race-day gallery:

Congratulations to all the runners, especially those pushing limits on this scenic yet grueling course!

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #48: Sri Chinmoy Half‑Marathon (21.1 k), Quarter‑Marathon (10.55 k), 4.5 k & Kid’s 1.5 k – Auckland Domain, NZ – July 13, 2025

A chilly but mostly fine winter’s morning set the scene for Race 5 of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series 2025, held on Sunday, July 13 at the picturesque Auckland Domain.

In the Half-Marathon (21.1 km), Zebedee Stone (1:16:45) took a close win, just edging out his friend Michael Whittaker (1:16:46), with Thomas Milliken (1:35:33) coming in third. On the women’s side, Ketina Chivasa claimed victory in 1:35:08, followed by Tilly Arasaratnam (1:35:56) and Jaime Stevenson (1:51:37).

The Quarter-Marathon (10.55 km) saw a strong performance from Finn Campbell (42:15) to take the men’s title, with Neil Cheetham (44:20) and Donovan Taylor (48:33) completing the podium. Maia Cavanagh led the women’s race in 44:02, ahead of Kayla Hurcum (52:31) and Sandhya Fernandez (1:00:16).

In the 4.5 km Race, Ollie Cheetham won in 17:21, followed by Zachary Swain (18:59) and Raf Porto Carrero (23:29). Winnie Lau topped the women’s field in 24:12, with Larissa Wildsmith (26:30) and Lisa Brown (30:59) in second and third.

The 1.5 km Children’s Race was won by Wolfgang Brunt in a fast 5:44, with Jack Swain taking second in 7:54.

Explore More:

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #47: Sri Chinmoy 5K, Half‑Marathon & Relay – Flushing Meadows, Queens, NY – July 12, 2025

On a cool, breezy July morning at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, the event brought together:

  • 127 runners in the 5K
  • 109 individual runners in the half‑marathon
  • 8 relay teams

All participants ran on a USATF‑certified, flat course looping past the Unisphere, Queens Zoo, and Queens Museum

Top Finishers:

  • 5K:
    • 1st: Beltran Garcia – 16:42
    • 2nd: Aurora Velazquez – 19:29
    • 3rd: Matheo Langlais – 19:40 
  • Half‑Marathon (individual):
    • 1st: Daniel Granton – 1:22:04
    • 2nd: Sameer Khan – 1:23:16
  • Half‑Marathon (relay):
    • 1st: RunNYC Reddit – 1:22:23
    • 2nd: From Harbat With Love – 1:32:32

A big thank you to all the runners and volunteers for coming out on this warm July morning—your energy and dedication made it a truly special event!

Explore More:

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #46: Kangaroo Hop 5K  | Sri Chinmoy’s Summer 5K Series – London, June 17, 2025

Under gusty wind and slightly cooler summer temperatures, the Kangaroo Hop 5K in Battersea Park, London, drew over 340 runners to compete on its flat, two-lap course.

Top Finishers:

  • Kurt Wilkinson crossed the finish line first in 14:54, followed closely by Charlie Sandison at 14:56.
  • Molly Smith was the top female finisher with 16:32, just one second ahead of Elizabeth Apsley.

Check out the race highlights:

Huge congratulations to all participants for a spirited and memorable race!

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.