Wheres the Zen?
Posted on November 18, 2009 by Jesse O'Brien in News and Events
This website…
should in no way be associated with that great body of factual information relating to orthodox Zen Buddhist practice.
-Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Working on a car is frustrating business. Bolts round out, parts don’t fit, everything is constantly wearing down, and you’re always fighting a losing battle against nature. Maintaining your own vehicle is even more psychologically challenging. The garage is your battlefield, and walking there is a solemn reminder that you’re going alone. Nobody is there to say ‘thanks’ afterward. You’re doing it for yourself, and sometimes it’s hard to continue on your own.
In this world, you are the engineer, the mechanic, and the driver.
After working on a car for an undefined amount of time, you’ll find yourself ‘in the groove’. It’s a peaceful flowing time when every problem you’re confronted with is just a solution you’re working through. The end result is no longer the goal, simply turning wrenches and disassembling or reassembling whatever carefully constructed parts you’re working with.
My garage is my temple, the vehicle is my kōan, and I meditate there every day. Some days I don’t get anything done, but it is a wholly consuming activity that always leaves me at peace at the end of the day. It’s a little out of the ordinary, but taking care of my car is what keeps me sane on a regular basis.
Recent Comments