08-17-2015, 01:59 AM
I enjoy Tolle's work, and it is very relevant to our practice. I might disagree with the notion that riding is an inherently dangerous activity. 2011 mortality reports indicate that Americans are are almost 5 times more likely to die from eating cheese burgers (chronic illness, diabetes, heart disease, etc) than being killed in a motor vehicle accident or murdered combined.
That said, I have always rode for the mindfulness activity. My motorcycle takes me to other mindful activities. It gives me 20 minutes of present contemplation before I get to work, and twenty more before I come home. It takes me to far off hiking/camping destinations where by extension I am more present with the world, rather than jumping out of an air conditioned tin can with the speakers blaring, cell phone in hand. Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" would be the logic next read for someone interested in this subject. That book is one of the most influential reasons I bought the CB. Just me, a machine, and the inexhaustible present.
"Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you are no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow." Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, explaining to the reader, why we should choose to climb to the tops of mountains (or in his case, ride to the top of mountains).
That said, I have always rode for the mindfulness activity. My motorcycle takes me to other mindful activities. It gives me 20 minutes of present contemplation before I get to work, and twenty more before I come home. It takes me to far off hiking/camping destinations where by extension I am more present with the world, rather than jumping out of an air conditioned tin can with the speakers blaring, cell phone in hand. Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" would be the logic next read for someone interested in this subject. That book is one of the most influential reasons I bought the CB. Just me, a machine, and the inexhaustible present.
"Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you are no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow." Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, explaining to the reader, why we should choose to climb to the tops of mountains (or in his case, ride to the top of mountains).