Re: Ove Interest?

On 2/24/2025 11:37 AM, John B. wrote:

On Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:23:04 -0600, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
 

On 2/24/2025 8:49 AM, Frank Krygowski wrote:

On 2/24/2025 8:09 AM, John B. wrote:

>
I would doubt very much that a large segment of the
readers here would
be familiar with the term  Zen.

>
I suppose you could ask.
>
Speaking for myself, it's been about a week since Zen
Buddhism came up in conversation with a friend, and there
was a brief mention in a conversation with different friends
two days ago.
>
Not that I'm an expert.
>
>

+1 I think most people have at least a passing familiarity.
I read this in 1967 but never achieved enlightenment. Nor
was I able to levitate. Dammit.
>
https://www.alibris.com/Life-and-teaching-of-the-masters-of-the-Far-East-Baird-T-Spalding/book/3929244?matches=181

 Apparently from your posts you had an interest in Asia. But for the
others I find it rather unusual that a Usian would know anything about
a branch of Buddhism that is so little known even where the major
version of the religion is as common as it is here.

I think it's a bit more recognized than you're assuming.
In my youth when I was looking at different religions I spent a bit of time on Buddhism. Let's call it quite a bit more than a passing interest, but I never claimed to actually follow the teachings of the Buddha. I read a number of books on the practice, listened to Kirtans, meditated, and started yoga (as a meditation technique rather than fitness. These days I do my own practice a few times a week and go to classes occasionally with my wife, who teaches at a couple of local studios)
The moniker 'Zencycle' is a reference to the level of mindfulness I can achieve while riding.
*
A Bicycle koan
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."
*
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