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Cover story |
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Why are you riding your bicycle? |
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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.”
Why is it so difficult for us to celebrate the truth of the moment? Why do we need to justify every act, why can’t we just be? Perhaps authenticity, which was so characteristic of the fifth disciple, is necessary for breakthroughs to be made in life. Without such breakthroughs, will innovators/change agents achieve the simplicity, frugality and wider adaptability of their innovations? It is for us to reflect and ask ourselves, why we cannot immerse ourselves in whatever we do, wholesomely ……
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| Volume No. |
Honey Bee 22(4) & 23(1) 2, 2012 |
