A Zen Teacher saw five of his
students return from the market, riding their bicycles. When they
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 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 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 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."
Courtesy of Piaw Na, Internet-BOB
