The outer running and the inner running

```

The outer running is a powerful struggle

For a great independence.

The inner running is a soulful cry

For a good interdependence.

Independence brings to the fore

What we have unmistakably deep within:

A freedom-smile.

Interdependence makes us conscious

Of what we eternally are:

A oneness-satisfaction.

The outer running is a burning desire

To achieve everything that we see here on earth.

The inner running is a climbing aspiration

To receive from Above a vast Compassion-Sky

And to give from below a tiny gratitude-flame.

The outer running is an extraordinary success

On the mountain-summit.

The inner running is an exemplary progress

Along Eternity’s sunlit Road.

Success is the ready and immediate acceptance

Of the challenges from difficulties untold.

Progress is the soulful and grateful acceptance

Of the blessingful joy from prosperities unfathomed.

The outer runner and the inner runner:

Two aspects of the seeker-runner.

The outer runner does.

Therefore, he succeeds.

The inner runner becomes.

Therefore, he proceeds.

When he succeeds,

The seeker-runner gets a new name:

Glorification.

When he proceeds,

The seeker-runner gets a new name:

Illumination.

The seeker-runner's glorification is a beautiful flower

That charms and inspires his entire life.

The seeker-runner's illumination is a fruitful tree

That shelters and nourishes

His entire earthly existence.

The outer running is a colossal satisfaction,

Although at times it may be quite oblivious

To the existence-reality of a quiet perfection.

The inner running is a perpetual satisfaction

In and through a blossoming perfection.

The seeker-runner has a shadowless dream

Of his full realisation-day

In his outer running.

The seeker-runner has a sleepless vision

Of his God's full manifestation-hour

In his inner running.

The outer runner challenges

The Himalayan pride of impossibility.

The inner runner smilingly arranges a feast

Not only with impossibility

But also with Immortality.

The outer runner runs through the golden gate

And arrives at the sound-kingdom.

The inner runner enters into the unique palace,

Runs up to its highest floor

And places himself at the very Feet

Of the Silence-King.

Finally, the seeker-runner's outer running

Says to his inner running,

“Look, I am giving you what I now have:

My majesty’s crown.”

The seeker-runner’s inner running

Says to his outer running,

“Look, I am giving you what I now am:

My beauty’s throne.” ```

From:Sri Chinmoy,Pioneer-runners of tomorrow’s world-peace-dawn: ultramarathon running and self-transcendence, Agni Press, 1998
Sourced from https://srichinmoylibrary.com/prt