[Desdichado]

I don't pretend to know the answer to the meaning of life, the universe and everything (and I'm pretty sure it's not 42 either). What I DO know is that the universe is finite, all things are connected, and everything you do matters.

Thuh end.

A Zen teacher saw five of his students returning from the market, riding their motorbikes. When they arrived at the monastery and had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bikes?"

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

The second student replied, "I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I drive down the path!" The teacher commended the second student, "Your eyes are open, and you see the world."

The third student replied, "When I ride my bike, 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 balanced wheel."

The fourth student replied, "Riding my bike, I live in harmony with all sentient beings." The teacher was pleased, and said to the fourth student, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming."

The fifth student replied, "I ride my bike to ride my bike." The teacher sat at the feet of the fifth student and said, "I am your student!"

Author unknown.