Dharmawheels - Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage

Each year as the Bicycle Pilgrimage draws near, I think back on the pilgrimages I saw as a kid growing up in Asia. My parents were nominally Christians - not very devout ones, at that. We did not participate in much religion-based activities. In other words, we didn't go much to church on Sundays. But many of our neighbors, friends and acquaintances were Buddhists and every year they go on pilgrimages. I always envied them, as they seem to be embarking on such great adventures. Preparations were made months ahead of time - setting households and businesses in order, getting new clothes and, typically Chinese, preparing huge amounts of food, brought as dana to the monasteries. I guess the pilgrimages were similar to the lunar new year, in that they were occasions for renewal. The pilgrimages provided the opportunity for a recommitment of vows, for honoring the Buddha and for paying respect to the monks and nuns who have devoted their lives to the practice. They were also social events but differed in that everyone was on 'good behavior.' Not that people were 'bad' at other times, but just that the pilgrimages engendered a heightened state of mindfulness that was difficult to maintain for most lay people living in the work-a-day world.

All joking, aside, I find that the Pilgrimage certainly has improved my practice of Buddhism as well as my cycling. Since my first Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage seven years ago, I have noticed a lot of changes in myself. My ego-driven competitiveness - that obsession to be the first up and fastest down the hill - has diminished considerably, as has my anger at people for showing up late for rides. I don't reflexively beat myself up for 'poor performance' when other objective factors also contribute to a difficult ride. And I actually pay more attention to the needs of other cyclists. I'm still working on my reaction to bad drivers.

Leading and participating in the practice rides are also great opportunities for improving mindfulness. I was particularly moved on our ride to Drake's Beach on the Pt Reyes Peninsula. Plodding through the thick fog, I was suddenly aware of how beautifully the fog had turned the landscape into a dreamscape and felt so grateful that I was there to experience it. I realized how much beauty and happiness is available to us at all times if we don't take a dualistic approach to life. A few years ago, I would have been complaining about the fog... or the wind... or something else. But the best part of the practice rides and the Pilgrimages is the people I've met - riders, volunteers, organizers - have all been inspirational with their positive energy. I've made a lot of new friends through the Pilgrimage.

As I approach another Pilgrimage I look forward, once again, to use cycling as a vehicle for practicing compassion and mindfulness, to meet and join other people of like mind and spirit in this great showing of Right Attitude and Right Effort. I wish everyone a safe, peaceful and uplifting ride.