_Question:_ How can we benefit spiritually from training for and running marathons?

Sri Chinmoy: The marathon is a long journey. Of course, there is also the ultramarathon, but the marathon has its own unique source, and it will always remain unparalleled among long-distance runs. Just as the marathon is a long journey on the outer plane, so is spirituality a long, longer, longest journey on the inner plane. Your own spiritual run is birthless and deathless; it is endless. When you run a marathon, you are trying to accomplish on the physical plane something most difficult and most arduous. When you do this, it gives you joy because it reminds you of what you are trying to accomplish on the inner plane. As you are determined to complete the longest journey on the outer plane, the marathon, so are you determined to reach the Goal in your inner journey. So the one journey should always remind you of the other. The outer journey reminds you of your inner journey toward God-realisation, and the inner journey reminds you of your outer journey toward God-manifestation. If this is your attitude, then you will benefit the most.

From:Sri Chinmoy,AUM — Vol.II-6, No. 6, June 1980, Vishma Press, 1980
Sourced from https://srichinmoylibrary.com/aum_141