We started our first day of events here in the San Diego area, the southernmost big city on the west coast, by traveling up to the beautiful coastal town of Encinitas. We were welcomed to the Self-Realisation Fellowship Ashram by Brother Naradananda.

As he led our large group of World Harmony Runners through the pristine gardens to a little grove where we had a very peaceful ceremony, we could feel the intensity of the beauty and power of nature all around. Far below us from the coastal cliffs of the Pacific Coastline the vastness and beauty of the mighty Pacific Ocean loomed large.

Surfers abounded as the waves washed powerfully into the seemingly endless shore. It was truly a natural splendour that opened the heart and consciousness into a world of vastness and powerful beauty.

We sat quietly in the small grove as Brother Naradananda offered his blessing prayer. After a short silent meditation trying to assimilate the harmony and beauty all around us, we introduced ourselves. Our group was quite large today, about 25 people representing a dozen countries and various areas of the U.S. as well.

After singing our theme song we walked out to the cliffs that offered sweeping vistas in all directions. This is the location where the great Yogi Swami Yogananda lived over half a century ago, inspiring many seekers to search for Truth and peace in their lives through their faith and spiritual discipline.

Leaving the ashram we were filled with energy and a deep peace as we began our 30 mile relay run from Encinitas to San Diego. We had three teams on the road as we covered some of the most beautiful coastline vistas through La Jolla and northern San Diego.

We all met at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral where we invited to make a presentation at the afternoon service. Greeted by Reverend Mary Moreno-Richardson and the local San Diego Bishop Reverend James Mathis, we followed the procession into the large and ornate church.

After a brief introduction and singing of our song, we stayed for the Sunday Mass service led by Bishop Mathis and Reverend Moreno. Performed solely in Spanish for the Hispanic community, we felt the power of the service without having to understand all the words. It was very touching to have the service in honor of the World Harmony Run and all we stand for.

We mixed with the congregation afterwards as the Monk Party, our members from San Diego, played dynamic arrangements of music by Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the World Harmony Run.

We were also treated to soft drinks and snacks as we were able to meet Bishop Mathis, Reverend Moreno and a good friend of hers, Martha Cardenas, who helped arrange for this wonderful ceremony.

Afterwards, for dinner, we were treated to a wonderful pasta al pesto dinner cooked by our good friend Tyagambar. He is a member of our marathon team here in San Diego and, although he cannot run much anymore due to various injuries, he still is a strong athlete and a great cook. We are grateful to him and all those involved in this very special day in San Diego, especially Manorath Morrison, who has worked very hard for weeks to arrange all these events.

Arpan and the Team, Francesco, Jeromy, Banshidhar

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