Monday, March 7, 2011

Zen and the Art of Bicycle Riding

(Taken from the May/June 1989 Utne Reader, which took this from Shawn Gosieski, New Cyclist, Fall 1988.)

A Zen teacher saw five of his students returning from the market, riding their bicycles. When they arrived at the monastery and had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bicycles?"

The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!" The teacher praised the first student, "You are a smart boy! When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over like 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 second student, "Your eyes are open, and you see the world."

The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant nam myoho renge kyo." The teacher gave praise to the third student, "Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel."

The fourth student replied, "Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all sentient beings." The teacher was pleased, and said to the fourth student, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming."

The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle." The teacher sat at the feet of the fifth student and said, "I am your student!" 
Posted by at

14 comments:

  1. DaleJune 19, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    i comment to comment. =)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 21, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    I tautology.

    ReplyDelete
  3. edwardAugust 4, 2014 at 12:28 PM

    Simple but meaningful words, that. More people in Sydney need to learn how to enjoy life and do things just because they want to and stop overthinking! That's going to be my new catch phrase I think!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 20, 2016 at 10:22 PM

    I like the post format as you create user engagement in the complete article. It seems round up of all published posts. Thanks for gauging the informative posts. bikes under

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lucy grayOctober 19, 2017 at 4:17 PM

    Each time I used to always check blog posts within the first hours in the break of day, because I like to get information increasingly more. benistar

    ReplyDelete
  6. Louis FeoncyOctober 28, 2017 at 4:51 AM

    You guys abolish it real straightforward for all the oldsters out there
    crossfitsite.com/do-win-weightlifting-shoes-review/.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Rey JohnsonOctober 28, 2017 at 5:18 AM

    The stuff you are penning blows out my mind www.gympros.com.

    ReplyDelete
  8. JordanNovember 2, 2017 at 5:58 PM

    With the circuit boards being made with high quality aluminum, the lives of the Fish Tank Setups LED bulbs are maximized.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jims lindaDecember 7, 2017 at 7:53 AM

    How much you need to pay relies greatly on the time needed to complete the course and what lessons are covered. bicycle maintenance training

    ReplyDelete
  10. MatiasSeptember 5, 2018 at 11:43 PM

    Should you feel find it difficult to, you undoubtedly is not able to; If you don't intend, to have failing. Things are subject to intellect, reduction of hundreds exercises are hopeless prior to starting. focus mountain bikes for sale

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anneg TorresSeptember 14, 2018 at 4:18 PM

    The superb highly informative blog I’m about to share this with all my contacts.grass fed whey protein

    ReplyDelete
  12. Fiona PetreeOctober 1, 2018 at 3:37 PM

    Cool blog site friend I'm about to suggest this to all my listing contacts.Qualia supplement

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kevin MarshNovember 14, 2018 at 11:34 PM

    A bicycle of good quality should be of the correct size. This makes for an agreeable ride in connection to your physical edge.double bunks

    ReplyDelete
  14. gilbert graceNovember 15, 2018 at 6:00 AM

    I spam to spam ..

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)