de Shawn Gosieski in New Cyclist, Autumn 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!"
