The Calm Abiding Of An Ultra Runner

"It almost always never gets worse" is an ultra runners maxim that could have been quoted by the Buddha Himself. And indeed that is goal and outcome of Buddhist meditation - equanimity of mind - and those who succeed in ultra running - especially the longer distances - develop this trait as well. Samatha meditation is a method of cultivating a "calm abiding" in all the passes through the mind. It's a simple method of returning to the breath as the mind wanders - it's a continued effortless effort of concentration. No matter what thoughts occur or how often the mind meanders - we return it to the breath. In time concentration sharpens to the point of absorption and the mediator enters into what is call the Jhana state - a state of joy and uninterrupted happiness. Often ultra runners enter this state through the concentration of steps and terrain and the sheer physical and mental demands placed upon their focus. Perhaps the very best can enter at will. That's the goal of Jhana meditation - to be able to enter the gates of Jhana at will, to know calm abiding through every moment. And it's the goal of ultra runners to recognize their suffering as path of self transcendence - there is no denying pain, or even overcoming it - yet there is a path through it. That's Buddhism. And that's ultra running.