Zen and the Art of Bicycle Riding
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 disciple.”
– Written by Shawn Gosieski, New Cyclist, Fall 1988. We first read it in Issue 1, Volume 1 of the Rivendell Reader.
3 Responses to “Zen and the Art of Bicycle Riding”
Haha this is excellent! Thanks for sharing it. I have a similar zen story I’ll share it when I jump on the computer.
So the other story of the Zen teacher goes..
The teacher tells the student when eating just eat. When cleaning just clean. When walking just walk.
The student takes the teachers lessons onboard but one day sees the teacher reading the paper and eating breakfast. He takes him up on this and the teacher replies: when reading the paper and eating breakfast just read the paper and eat breakfast
[...] – Written by Shawn Gosieski, New Cyclist, Fall 1988. Online at Renaissance Bicycles [...]
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