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Holiday Zen Moments

Apologies in advance if this is a bit more personal than technical. There is plenty more tech content coming, have no fear.

I ride because I ride

It’s the holidays WOOOOO! Well, maybe no seven O’s woo, but still, a good time nevertheless. On the Zen moments thing, about 6 years ago, my father told me this story, and designed the sticker you see above.

The story:

Five students of a Zen master was 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.”

The teacher commended: “You have your eyes open and you see the world.”

The third disciple came up with yet a different answer: ”When I ride I am content to chant ‘nam myoho renge kyo’”

The master spoke words of 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!”

Having ridden a bicycle for a number of years, I have used it for various means and in various phases. Weight-loss, transportation, racing, harmony with nature, etc. However, over the last several years through varied events, dramas and the like, I have learned that in cycling: “I ride because I ride”.

During the holidays, one can get caught up in the presents, people, dramas, and the ever present exhaustion of well, the holidays. Over the years, I’ve been in all of the above situations and then some. This year, like in cycling, I am trying to “Holidays because I Holidays”.

Regardless of how, what, or why you get together this season, try to take a moment, sit back and enjoy them as much as you can.

If you also ride because you ride, and would like a sticker, either email me (bunchc at gmail) or ping me on twitter and we can arrange something.