Re: Ove Interest?

On 2/24/2025 1:39 PM, Frank Krygowski wrote:

On 2/24/2025 12:13 PM, Zen Cycle wrote:

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."
*

 I remember reading that one before. I don't remember where or when.
 

Grant Peterson's newsletter about 20 years ago.
--
Andrew Muzi
am@yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971