What is 'zen' and whats it got to do with motorcycle maintenance?
Answers:
I haven't read the book. Zen is so many things, but as it relates to motorcycling, this is my definition:
Zen is living in the moment. It's releasing all expectations and worries and emptying your mind. It's the pure happiness that comes from those things.
Riding can be very zen. What with all the dangers you face, you can't hold onto your worries. Your mind isn't exactly empty, but it is empty of the usual crap that's in it. You have no idea how liberating that is! And of course it's so enjoyable; the speed, the feeling of a highly-tuned, very intuitive machine between your legs is utter joy.
Well, you could read the book that put those two together, but be forewarned (from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert Pirsig):
"What follows is based on actual occurrences. Although much has been changed for rhetorical purposes, it must be regarded in its essence as fact. However, it should in no way be associated with that great body of factual information relating to orthodox Zen Buddhist practice. It's not very factual on motorcycles, either."
This is one of the most idiotic books ever written. It is by some dork who likes fixing bikes and constructs a rambling zen koan out of his love for 7/16th spanners.
It was written when high on weed, and it shows. All it is is existential masturbation.
I have only read one other book as barmy as this, "The Politics of Ecstacy" by Timothy Leary. Now that IS dumb!
It means in matiance terms that when the bike dosnt work "ZEN" i will get it serviced!
Hi >
I have no idea..
perhaps you need a "zen" in your toolbox
I haven't got one, but never found the need for it.
Unless it it when you have misplaced that crucial allan-key, and you need a zen.
Bob
Zen means "way of life"
Zen and the art of motor cylce maintenance . How you can make the repair of motor cylces a second nature :)
The "Zen" bit refers to Zen Buddhism. It's more an attitude of mind. Just read the book, it's about the journey a guy makes with his son,
I read the book twice. The first time I thought it tosh the second time the most profound thing. I think that if you need to ask the question you cannot know the answer and if you know the answer you cannot explain the question; not much help I know but if you really want to know it'll come.ride safe.
A load of bollocks and bugger all. Read that book, its rubbish.
The answers post by the user, for information only, UKQnA.com does not guarantee the right.