Friday, May 18, 2007

Zen and the Art of Bicycling

Somebody sent this to me the other day and I thought it was pretty cool:

ZEN AND THE ART OF BICYCLE RIDING

A Zen master teacher saw five of his students return from the market, riding their bicycles. When they dismounted, the teacher asked the students, “Why are you riding your bicycles?”
The first student replied, “The bicycle is carrying this sack of potatoes, I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back! The teacher praised the student, saying,”You are a smart boy. When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over as I do.”
The second student replied, “I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path.” The teacher commended the student, “Your eyes are open and you see the world.”
The third student replied, “When I ride my bike I am content to chant, nam myoho renge kyo.” The teacher praised the student, saying, your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel.”
The fourth student answered, ‘Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all beings.” The teacher was pleased and said “You are riding on the golden path of non-harming.”
The fifth student replied, “I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle”
The teacher went and sat at the feet of the fifth student and said,
“I am your disciple”

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Jill,
"Way Cool!"
Recommendation, research or offer a rear dérailleur shield as kids and riders aboard your wares will NOT be riding their bicycle.
Quote - "Aligning rear dérailleur(s) after minimal damage is truly Penguin Dung!"