Zen and the Art of Bicycle Riding

There is an old story about a Zen master and his students regarding bicycle riding. It goes something like this:

Five students of a Zen master rode back from the market on their bicycles. As they dismounted, their master asked : Why are you riding your bicycles ?"

Each of them came up with different answers to their master's query.

The first student said, "It is the bicycle that is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that my back has escaped the pain of bearing the weight"

The master was glad and said, "You are a smart boy. When you become old you will be saved of a hunch back unlike me."

The second student had a different answer. " I love to have my eyes over the trees and the sprawling fields as I go riding," he said.

The teacher commented, "You have your eyes open and you see the world."

The third disciple came up with yet a different answer and said, "When I ride I am content to chant 'nam myoho renge kyo.'"

The master spoke these words  appreciation, "Your mind will roll with ease like a newly trued wheel."

The fourth disciple said, "Riding my bicycle I live in perfect harmony of things."

The pleased master said, "You are actually riding the golden path of non-harming or non-violence."

The fifth student said, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle."

The master walked up to him and sat at his feet and said "I am your disciple!"

 Different people might make various interpretations of this story. To me it implies that you should devote your body, mind, and attention to the task at hand, in this case bicycle riding. You want to be “in the moment”, as they say.

You have a lot to pay attention to when you’re riding down the road. Potential obstacles abound, such as pot holes, rocks, stray dogs, cars, pedestrians, and on and on.  

To me that’s the great thing about getting out on the bike. It occupies the mind and you don’t think about the things that crowd your mind at other times. If your mind is wandering and you’re thinking about Mitt Romney’s income tax return, try to focus your mind on what’s going on in front of you, and behind. This is especially true when riding in a group setting, where your position relative to other riders is crucial. Now get out there and really experience the ride, and leave the head phones at home. The Zen master would approve.