What do you think the VeloDrone meant by Right Intention? asked Pliny, this morning.
I suppose he was referring to Number Two on the Eightfold Path, I replied. No doubt he was letting us know that he knew more about the Eightfold Path than he let on to the Buddha.
Yes, yes, said Pliny impatiently, but what do think he understood by the term Right Intention?
Oh, I imagine it's about having a good and ethical reason to do what he is going to do, I said.
But in the case of asking us, his readers, to pay a visit to the Buddha's new shop in London, what do you think the VeloDrone's intention actually was? pursued Pliny.
To do a favour to the Buddha, I suggested.
But would the Buddha see that as a Right Intention?
Hmm. Probably not. Well that's his problem. By the way, did you enjoy the green frog cake I bought you last Friday?
I did indeed. Thank you. And did the Buddha like the one you gave to him?
I think so. But he didn't look at it, and that is half the pleasure in eating a green frog cake.
It is. I particularly like the way the frog's mouth is split open so that you can see the pink cream inside. And the way the green icing stretches and pulls away from the sticky syrup-soaked sponge cake underneath. And the taste! Sweetness upon sweetness. Perhaps it was too sweet for his Blessedness.
He didn't say so.
He wouldn't.
Showing posts with label Eightfold Path. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eightfold Path. Show all posts
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Buddha on a Bicycle
Hello cycling philosofans! The VeloDrone here. Guess who I bumped into on the road this week? Yes it was the Buddha himself, cycling trancendentally down the Middle Way. I don't know how he manages to get away with it. Must be something more than just good luck, though.
So, I invited him to stop and have a latte, and a little chat. It wasn't long before we got onto the subject of the Middle Way.
I'd like to try it, I said to him, but I've never had the guts.
It is the only way to escape the cycle of endless suffering, my friend, said the Buddha. Let me explain to you the Four Noble Truths. Cycling is suffering. The origin of suffering is attachment to the bicycle. Cessation of suffering is only attainable through detachment from the bicycle.
That's three, I said.
It's four, he replied. I've joined up the last two. Now, the Eightfold Path represents the Middle Way to self improvement.
Interesting , I said, suddenly remembering how these Eastern Philosophies tend to keep on branching off. But I don't really have time to listen to all eight. Just tell me one.
Well, Number Five is one I'm very into at the moment, said the Buddha. It is called Right Livelihood. It means making a living for oneself in a sustainable, eco-friendly and non-competitive way.
That sounds good, I said, but what's its relevance to cycling?
Well obviously, said the Buddha, it's a way of detaching oneself from one's bicycle. I've just opened a little shop in Covent Garden, called Buddha on a Bicycle. I sell stones, incense and knicknacks, and give lessons in meditation in my therapy room.
Oh, I said, and how's that doing?
Pretty well, said the Buddha. But I always need more customers. Perhaps you could give me a little puff in your magazine?
So, fellow Drones, that's exactly what I am doing. Drop by Buddha on a Bicycle next time you're in London. Mention that the VeloDrone sent you. You won't get anything for nothing but at least he'll know I'm practicing Right Intention.
So, I invited him to stop and have a latte, and a little chat. It wasn't long before we got onto the subject of the Middle Way.
I'd like to try it, I said to him, but I've never had the guts.
It is the only way to escape the cycle of endless suffering, my friend, said the Buddha. Let me explain to you the Four Noble Truths. Cycling is suffering. The origin of suffering is attachment to the bicycle. Cessation of suffering is only attainable through detachment from the bicycle.
That's three, I said.
It's four, he replied. I've joined up the last two. Now, the Eightfold Path represents the Middle Way to self improvement.
Interesting , I said, suddenly remembering how these Eastern Philosophies tend to keep on branching off. But I don't really have time to listen to all eight. Just tell me one.
Well, Number Five is one I'm very into at the moment, said the Buddha. It is called Right Livelihood. It means making a living for oneself in a sustainable, eco-friendly and non-competitive way.
That sounds good, I said, but what's its relevance to cycling?
Well obviously, said the Buddha, it's a way of detaching oneself from one's bicycle. I've just opened a little shop in Covent Garden, called Buddha on a Bicycle. I sell stones, incense and knicknacks, and give lessons in meditation in my therapy room.
Oh, I said, and how's that doing?
Pretty well, said the Buddha. But I always need more customers. Perhaps you could give me a little puff in your magazine?
So, fellow Drones, that's exactly what I am doing. Drop by Buddha on a Bicycle next time you're in London. Mention that the VeloDrone sent you. You won't get anything for nothing but at least he'll know I'm practicing Right Intention.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
