Why Do You Ride?

Five students rode their bicycles from the market to the monastery. Upon their arrival, their teacher asked them, "Why do you ride your bicycle?"

The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying this sack of potatoes. I am glad I do not have to carry them on my back!" The teacher praised the first student, "You are smart! When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over."

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! You see the world."

The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant nam myoho renge kyo." The teacher praised the third student, "Your mind rolls with the ease of a newly trued wheel."

The fourth student replied, "By riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all sentient beings." The teacher was pleased, "You ride 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."

Zen proverb