August Celebrations was very good. Amongst the usual program of functions, concerts and annual marathon, there were a few anniversaries, which included the 40th anniversary of:

• Guru’s tennis,
• Everest Aspiration
• Founding of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.

Sri Chinmoy playing tennis

It was good to hear older disciples talk about their experiences and reminiscences from these days. It evoked a feeling of when the Master was in the physical be it playing tennis, giving extemporaneous talks or running the streets of Queens and encouraging others to do the same.

A spiritual Master comes to sow spiritual seeds; seeds which usually take many years, if not centuries to fully germinate and sprout. Perhaps in centuries to come, there will be a widespread reverence for the immortal talks of Everest Aspiration and wonderment a spiritual Master spent so many hours on a tennis court.

But, while some aspects of Guru’s mission may take many years to come to the fore, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has been quick to offer a real contribution to the world of sporting endeavour. In 1977, ultra running was very much in its infancy; who could have predicted 40 years later, we would would see the 20th edition of a 3100 Mile race?

One video I liked was a portrayal of Snatak entitled “The Seeker”. As you may know, Snatak has a form of motor neurone disease. Despite increasing physical challenges, which would confine most people to their house, Snatak has been a glowing and inspiring presence on many events from the Christmas Trip to every celebrations. Snatak is a powerful example of how spiritual faith can overcome the limitations of the physical existence. It is also perhaps a gentle reminder that our excuses for not been able to travel, pale into insignificance when you consider barriers overcome by Snatak and team.

Oneness-Dream, a singing group dedicated to songs of Sri Chinmoy, is the creation of Snatak. This is a slideshow from a recent tour in Tuscany, Italy.

Apart from these notable events and anniversaries, celebrations is a welcome opportunity to revitalise your practice of meditation and catch up with friends old and new. The only difficulty is the contrast of coming back to your everyday world - where the pressures of the world re-appear, but that reminder of a more tangible feeling of spiritual consciousness from celebrations is a welcome boost to keep you going until the next opportunity.

Photo top right: Kedar

Related

• Run and become, become and run.
• Everest Aspiration