It’s an old zen saying, that if you meet the Buddha on the road kill him.

What is the meaning of this statement? Like many things zen it is not meant to be taken literally. You are not supposed to kill your idols. But figuratively. You should not hold anyone on a pedestal.

We are all on this path called life. Some of us further along then others. Some on higher roads then others.

Traditional Buddhism didn’t allow for any representations of the Buddha. This was so that no one person, or image would become an idol.

If you want to learn more on this subject I suggest you read the book “if you meet the Buddha on the road kill him!” By Sheldon Kopp