The Zen of Cycling
Carlton Reid’s put up a HUGE page of cycling quotes on the quickrelease.tv site. It takes literally ages to read ‘em all. Well, not literally ages, but a long time. Then again though, just think how long it must’ve taken to research them in the first place! This sort of effort deserves some reward, so go and have a look - I guarantee you’ll find at least one to make you smile.
My favourite was:
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 this 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 his 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.”
Zen proverb
Cool!
I’ll never forget when my best friend said “wash the dishes to wash the dishes”. I was like, “HUH?!?!?” I don’t recall the Zen Proverb, or who said it, but it has stuck with me when I find myself doing something I don’t particularly care to do.
And now I can add “ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle”. I like them apples!
Wonderful!