When the fetters of time fall
I have just returned from three weeks in Dominican Republic, a gathering of students of Sri Chinmoy from all over the world. Every year, Sri Chinmoy would leave snow-bound New York and go somewhere where his constant creative output and tireless work for peace would not be impaired by the sub-zero conditions. He would use the occasion to visit like-minded workers for a better world to exchange inspiration, visit his meditation centres in far-flung locations, or simply as a chance for some time with his students. Our teacher is no longer with us, but this trip seemed like a perfect chance to meet together, share experiences and memories and continue the amplified impetus for inner discovery which our teacher’s passing has given us all.
For much of the trip I was not so much concerned with my new outer surroundings so much as my inner landscape - meditating three times a day, and exploring the creative realm by participating in performances of music and spiritual plays. However there were more than enough opportunities to get out and get to know the soul of the country. A few days into the trip, I joined the team from the World Harmony Run, the celebrated initiative to promote friendship through running that Sri Chinmoy gave birth to 20 years ago, and spent the morning visiting schools not very far from where we are staying. Often when we visit schools we give a very nice presentation, all centered on the theme that harmony is something that can be created by each and every individual; sometimes the schools themselves take up the baton and add their own special contribution.
Something very nice happened at the end of one of the meetings. We were all mingled in a sunny courtyard, talking and laughing with the children in the three or four words of Spanish we had, when all of a sudden I saw one of our team members running around, child perched on his shoulder, both having the time of their lives. Next thing I know all of the team were hoisting children on top of their shoulders - it seemed as if half the class were airborne as we ran, twirled, danced and whooped around the place. No-one wanted it to end.
Sometimes there are moments where the fetters of time just seem to drop off, and the hard facts of life recede into the background.
