Spirituality means speed
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.
I bicycle with my heavenly friend: speed!
Sri Chinmoy 2
Earthly cries before me die,
Heavenly smiles within me fly.
Supreme God-Joy our only need.
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.”
- 1. From The oneness of the Eastern heart and the Western mind, part I
- 2. From the song I bicycle at speed high
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.
Meditation experiences
More stories from Sri Chinmoy's students.
The Ever-Transcending Goal
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Time seemed to freeze
Brahmata Michael Ottawa, Canada
A Quest for Happiness
Abhinabha Tangerman Amsterdam, Netherlands
I was just so transported by the atmosphere
Pulak Viscardi New York, United States
Why run 3100 miles?
Smarana Puntigam Vienna, Austria
Just go with it and jump!
Gabriele Settimi San Diego, United States
Seeing the God inside my son
Utsahi St-Armand Ottawa, Canada
A 40-Year Blessing
Sarama Minoli New York, United States
Listen to the inner voice
Vidura Groulx Montreal, Canada
A Divine Phone Call
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
Patanga: my spiritual name
Patanga Cordeiro São Paulo, BrazilSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students
How meditation helped me swim the English Channel
Abhejali Bernardova Zlín, Czech Republic
What is it like on the Peace Run?
Nikolaus Drekonja San Diego, United States
Spirituality - the most fascinating subject on earth
Laila Faerman New York, United States
My first impressions of Sri Chinmoy's philosophy
Lunthita Duthely Hialeah, United States
Running the world's longest race
Jayasalini Abramovskikh Moscow, Russia
Winning the Swiss Alpine Marathon
Vajin Armstrong Auckland, New Zealand
Humorous moments with Sri Chinmoy
Toshala Elliott Auckland, New Zealand
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