Somewhere in the noise is a song. Somewhere in the cacophony is a melody—a sweet sound. The ensemble is our attempt to discover the rhythms, the groanings and the eureka moments of life amongst the noise.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Running for Enlightenment?

So a few of us got together—Johnson in Accounting, Jenkins in Dispatch and a couple of the guys in Sales—and we've devised a little test for you to join our club.

It's going to take you about 7 years but here's what we're thinking: run 40km per day for 100 consecutive days in the each year for 3 years, then up it to 40km per day for 200 consecutive days in years 4 and 5, in the 6th year run 60km per day for 100 consecutive days and cap it off with 84km each day for 100 consecutive days in year 7.

Too easy?

Well, if the thought of 900 marathons over 7 years doesn't fatigue you at all, then perhaps you wouldn't mind doing them in straw sandals, on a light vegetarian diet, while carrying books and reciting a mantra?

Meet the Buddhist Tendai Marathon Monks who seek to attain enlightenment through running, alot. Since 1885, only 46 have completed the 1,000 day spiritual challenge.

Is there anything we can learn from the marathon monks?

4 comments:

Simon Elliott said...

Toughen up?

Anonymous said...

pft way too easy. you would have thought being monks they could have demonstrated some extreme discipline. well maybe next time. im just going to run my 90km run... tad sore from yesterdays 100km but hey thats commitment for you.

garrick field said...

carry water?

Simon Elliott said...

I have to say that the first time I read the story of these guys I thought: Jesus didn't come for that. Sure, for them.

Motive is a tricky thing. Is the physical pain and endurance a means to greater communion and enjoyment of God or about stoicism and denial? The latter is ultimately selfish (no matter how much at hurts and how impressive the feat is). The former is gidiup.

Either way, it's a blimmin' long way to travel by foot.