| |
| TWO
CHYKS RUN THE LONDON MARATHON 2007 |
| On
22nd April 2007, Dr. Neha Tanna and Dr. Deepak Kansagra (members
of CHYK UK) ran the London Marathon in true seva spirit to offer
their service towards raising funds for Chinmaya Mission UK.
This was the 3rd year in a row that the CHYKs have participated
in the Marathon. This year, Swami Chidatmananda and Brni.Sumatiji
were present to cheer the runners on, together with many Mission
members and well-wishers. Presented here is an interview with
each of the runners: |
|
| INTERVIEW
WITH NEHA TANNA |
 |
1.
Why did you volunteer to take on the mighty challenge
of running the London Marathon?
The Chinmaya Mission, the teachings, the Acharyas, the
people and what it stands for, is such an integral part
of my life that not a day goes by where I am not influenced
by it. All I seemed to be doing was taking… it was
becoming a one way street.
This in itself goes against the one value taught and instilled
in us as spiritual seekers: GIVING! When the opportunity
arose to run for the Mission, I saw it as a way for me
to give back…. although even this is not enough.
|
|
| |
| It
has required great discipline, strength and dedication to train
and allowed me to put into practice some of the qualities that
I have tried to imbibe from attending study classes. Practicing
qualities we learn about is the biggest obstacle on the spiritual
path I have had to overcome. Running has enabled me to overcome
them and continue to practice them in other areas of my daily
life. As Mohandas Gandhi once said 'An ounce of practice is
worth more than tons of preaching'.
As
an added bonus, raising money for the Mission will enable
activities to continue, which we all enjoy and learn so much
from, as well as allowing Gurudev's vision to live on and
inspire more and more people each day.
|
| |
|
2. Did you have any doubts after nominating yourself? |
|
| Doubts
certainly arose in my mind………but I constantly
reminded myself of why I was doing this and with this focus
I overcame them, continued training and went on to complete
the marathon. |
|
|
3. In what way have you seen a personal change in yourself
throughout the training period? |
|
| Not
only have I proved to myself that I can be disciplined and dedicated
to a single cause, but during my long runs it allowed me to
contemplate on the ideas and principles taught to us by the
Chinmaya Mission. While running through tough conditions such
as rain, cold and pain …..my vision began to slowly change….I
began to understand the difference between the Known and the
Knower. Once the initial understanding came I was able to apply
this concept to different activities in my daily life….my
perception changed and I began seeing the true impact of spirituality
in my life….all I have to do now is to try and constantly
remember this….this will be the true test!! |
|
|
4. What would you say to someone who might be considering
taking on the challenge of running the London marathon for Chinmaya
Mission next year? |
|
| Just
do it!!....You will learn and grow beyond your expectations….you
will, like myself, wake up one morning thinking…..what
have I been doing for so many years?...your vision and perception
in life will change…you will know what it means to think
' I can achieve anything I want to do!', and why have I wasted
so much time. Surrender…do your best….and leave the
rest to Gurudev!! |
| |
| INTERVIEW
WITH DEEPAK KANSAGARA |
 |
1.
Why did you volunteer to take on the mighty challenge
of running the London Marathon?
It's hard to give an exact reason, but I knew I wanted
to do the marathon for the right reason, and it was a
challenge despite the fact that I successfully ran it
ten years ago.
I had a knee ligament injury which stopped my long distance
training for 3 weeks during training, but I had faith
that with the right rehabilitation everything would be
fine on the day of the marathon. I also wanted to take
on the challenge as a form of spiritual Sadhana. |
|
| |
| 2.
Did you have any doubts after nominating yourself? |
| |
|
Once I'd committed to the challenge I had no doubts. |
|
| 3.
Why is Chinmaya Mission your chosen charity to raise funds for?
|
| |
CM
was my chosen charity because I feel the Mission gives me and
many others a lot. Through what I've learnt, I now see the possibility
of profound inner transformation; something I have experienced
and witnessed in others. Application of the techniques that
I have learnt has led me to experience a happier world around
me, and I see that in others too. Above all, Chinmaya Mission
has helped me face life's greatest challenges with some equanimity.
Hence the Chinmaya Mission motto ' To give maximum happiness
to the maximum number for the maximum time' holds truth.
Chinmaya Mission is not simply for well-educated city dwellers,
it also has overseas centres that contribute to rural development
amongst many other diverse projects. To me, Chinmaya Mission
is a large family through which I see the world as not just
one family but as one. |
| |
| 4.
In what way have you seen a personal change in yourself throughout
the training period? |
| |
| Apart
from the improvement of my physical fitness, I have been waking
up earlier and I'm able to do some Sadhana (spiritual practice)
in morning. I find that I get upset and frustrated much less
than before. I have also been able to express my emotions better.
I do not watch as much TV as before, and I am able to find time
for reflection and contemplation. I have actively started to
address my weaknesses as I have become more aware of them. |
| |
| 5.
What would you say to someone who might be considering taking
on the challenge of running the London marathon for Chinmaya
Mission next year? |
| |
| I
would tell them to put their name down right now for the marathon
and not wait until November! They should have no fear about
the challenge no matter how young or old, as I would personally
help train them up, just as Neeraj (who ran the marathon 2006)
helped train me up. |
|
| I
would also tell them they have access to a fantastic marathon
running group that trains every Sunday morning throughout the
year and welcomes any person to the extent that the marathon
will no longer feel like a challenge but instead a gloriously
joyful experience. With the blessings of Swami Chidatmanandaji
and Brahmacharini Sumatiji, the support of the entire crowd
and the Mission Sevaks , and the fantastic organisation of the
London Marathon organizers (who provided gallons of water to
drink and four running cold showers on a hot day!) the run was
made so much easier. |
| |
| Interviews
by Vishva Samani |
| |
Click
Here To Return To The Seva Home Page
|
| |
