'Chung Tian' means 'middle heaven'. It is a perfect name for an exquisite Buddhist temple, situated in the tree-lined (and now, aptly-named) Brisbane suburb of Priestdale. The Chung Tian Temple began a day of the World Harmony Run which focused as much on the inner harmony of spirituality as on the outer harmony of the relay run itself.

A team of runners visited the Temple in the morning, meeting groups of students, nuns and devotees who truly understand - and indeed, live - the ideals of the World Harmony Run. It is a calm, beautiful venue, where people of different faiths visit to celebrate multicultural diversity, as well as the charity and environmental projects to which the Chung Tian aficionados contribute. The devotees passed the World Harmony Torch to each other, making a wish for harmony. They were so joyous they even applauded the runners' somewhat impromptu version of the World-Harmony-Run song - a sign of true inner poise!

To complete the visit, the runners participated in a special meditation in the main hall, the attractive Bodhisattva Hall. As the Buddhist devotees joined in a powerful chant, the runners entered carrying the World Harmony Torch, and placing burning incense on the shrine. The Torch became the focus of the meditation. It was a haunting experience, whose power and volume belied its abiding feeling of serenity.

Meanwhile, another team headed north for a 10 km run out of Brisbane along Gympie Road. Then on to Beerburrum. The run passed by the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains along a very nice, flat course, before turning west and into the hills. The further into the hills we got, the steeper they became, the quieter and more tranquil became the ambience, until eventually, after much lung- and leg-burning progress, we arrived at the Chenrezig Institute, where our journey was rewarded by the welcoming smiles of the resident nuns, clad in ochre robes.

The Chenrezig Institute is like a spiritual paradise in the proverbial "middle of nowhere:" a focal point for Tibetan Buddhist teaching and meditation. Situated in the forest near the town of Eudlo, with an entrance that looks more like the entryway to a National Park, the Institute offers visitors a spectacular view, lovingly-tended gardens, a vegetarian café and a nuns' community, where more than 20 Australian and international nuns make their home, welcoming visitors with an outgoing nature and good humour that suggests that renouncing earthly desire does not mean renouncing joy and friendship.

It is obvious that these nuns have had some success in attaining their goal of inner harmony.

Though it was tempting to stay within the sweet, secluded environs of Chenrezig for the rest of the day, we needed to move on to the Sunshine Coast, for a very different - but equally enthusiastic - meeting. There, at Bribie Beach, we met with Gary Parsons, marathon and ultra-marathon legend. Gary, now a member of the Caboolture Shire Council, became a friend and admirer of Sri Chinmoy , the founder of the World Harmony Run, through competing in ultra-marathon races in New York. Upon hearing that the Run was in town, Gary had invited some of the runners into his flat - and was surprised (pleasantly, we hope) to find himself playing host to a dozen guests from the team. He proceeded to entertain us with stories of his running career. Competitive distance running, he concedes, is just like politics (which might partially explain why so many sportspeople become politicians).

Sadly, Gary was unable to show off his running prowess - which has led to a 10,000 km world record, a run around Australia and several race victories - due to a number of injuries which have placed him temporarily on crutches, with a foot in plaster. Still, he refused to be seated (despite the insistence of the runners), feeling that, as the host, he should be on his feet - or at least, his good foot.

After visiting two Buddhist temples, the day finished with a visit to St Mary's Catholic Church in the Brisbane suburb of West End.

As the runners formed a "choir," singing some of Sri Chinmoy's songs composed on the Saviour Christ, the parishioners passed the Torch around, making silent prayers - like the Buddhist ceremonies earlier in the day.

Following this many families took the chance to hold the torch, including Joe Kenny, our renowned film director and his parents.

Spirituality is integral to world harmony. Today, the World Harmony Run started and ended on a spiritual note. It was one of the best days of this year's Australian Run.

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