Chogyam Trungpa - Heart of the Buddha, 1973 Sutrayana Seminary Transcripts,
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche - Misc. Seminary Transcripts, Turning the Mind into and Ally, Meditation and Running Lectures, 2000-2010
Special thanks to Jon Pratt and Tara Cech and their work on the topic
http://anthro.palomar.edu/hominid/australo_2.htm
Walker, Current Anthopology, April, 2008
[3] http://anthro.palomar.edu/hominid/australo_2.htm
[4] http://www.beyondveg.com/billings-t/comp-anat/comp-anat-4a.shtml
[5] Andrews, M. (2004) 'The Seven Sisters', Spinifex Press, North Melbourne
[6] Lawlor, Robert (1991). Voices Of The First Day: Awakening in the Aboriginal dreamtime. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions International, Ltd
[7] Robinet, Isabelle. Taoism: Growth of a Religion (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1997 [original French 1992])
Noakes, Tim-"The Lore of Running"
Ray, Reginald A., Touching Enlightenment
Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind Beginners Mind
A user's guide to long distance running as a meditative discipline, this blog explores how a regular running routine can allow us to see the union of body and mind.
Exerpt
The relatively strenuous and “grounded” quality of running can counter both the physical symptoms of the modern person’s sedentary malaise and his or her tendency to try and “think through” every personal challenge, ergo the accumulation of adrenal biproducts from modern life's speed and complexity.
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Jogging Uber Ales
Very interesting article, basically about slowing down:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/06/moderation-as-the-sweet-spot-for-exercise/?hp
Thoughts on Inspiration and Motivation
In the context of running as a spiritual discipline, our inspiration to run is not based on outcome, but rather intention. Do we want to fully experience our lives? Do we want to further explore our mind and body?
The accomplished masters of meditation encourage us to contemplate our situation as a means of rousing motivation. The following "Four Reminders" , when brought to mind on a regular basis, subvert our habitual tendency to defer or ignore our spiritual practice, be it running or sitting:
1. This human life is completely unique and precious. Unfathomable causes and conditions have brought us this place and time. Countless beings inhabit worlds where the opportunity for spiritual practice is nonexistent, whereas we have this opportunity.
2. All phenomena are impermanent. This human life is finite. Lack of motivation often stems from thinking that we have "plenty of time", or that a better time will come along to apply ourselves. Correcting this misperception in our minds creates the energy to not waste time.
3. The world operates under the laws of cause and effect. Waking up to our true selves does not happen without effort, and not waking up creates confusion and pain for ourselves and others.
4. All our attempts to create lasting happiness by solidifying our ego, or "self", will eventually fail. The happiness we seek by ignoring or putting off spiritual practice will come to naught. Just as the comfort of our couch may "feel good" for a little while, this lack of attention and effort will eventually lead to further loss of energy and health.
The accomplished masters of meditation encourage us to contemplate our situation as a means of rousing motivation. The following "Four Reminders" , when brought to mind on a regular basis, subvert our habitual tendency to defer or ignore our spiritual practice, be it running or sitting:
1. This human life is completely unique and precious. Unfathomable causes and conditions have brought us this place and time. Countless beings inhabit worlds where the opportunity for spiritual practice is nonexistent, whereas we have this opportunity.
2. All phenomena are impermanent. This human life is finite. Lack of motivation often stems from thinking that we have "plenty of time", or that a better time will come along to apply ourselves. Correcting this misperception in our minds creates the energy to not waste time.
3. The world operates under the laws of cause and effect. Waking up to our true selves does not happen without effort, and not waking up creates confusion and pain for ourselves and others.
4. All our attempts to create lasting happiness by solidifying our ego, or "self", will eventually fail. The happiness we seek by ignoring or putting off spiritual practice will come to naught. Just as the comfort of our couch may "feel good" for a little while, this lack of attention and effort will eventually lead to further loss of energy and health.
A note about stretching and yoga
Shinjang is the word in Tibetan for "flexibility". Flexibility in the body and mind are synonymous in the Vedic traditions, including yoga and Buddhism. If you have time to stretch, please do.
However, stretching is not at all necessary. In fact, stretching can cover up imbalances in form or muscular strength. The new fad for barefoot running shoes is not a humbug. The best way to create the right balance of strength and flexibility is to gradually build your mileage and spend some time running barefoot, which has the ability to fix your form, and stretch and strengthen the crucial running connective tissues. Yoga or simply gym-style stretching does not do this as specifically for the runner. In my own experience, Yoga alone is not sufficient to balance my form. Others may not agree, and the point is to find what works best for you.
However, stretching is not at all necessary. In fact, stretching can cover up imbalances in form or muscular strength. The new fad for barefoot running shoes is not a humbug. The best way to create the right balance of strength and flexibility is to gradually build your mileage and spend some time running barefoot, which has the ability to fix your form, and stretch and strengthen the crucial running connective tissues. Yoga or simply gym-style stretching does not do this as specifically for the runner. In my own experience, Yoga alone is not sufficient to balance my form. Others may not agree, and the point is to find what works best for you.