If You Meet the Buddha on the Road Kill Him!

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

Dokkōdō

The Dokkōdō, “The Way of Walking Alone” 

Also translated as “The path of aloneness” was written by Miyamoto Musashi shortly before his death, in 1645.

It consists of 21 precepts that Musashi lived his life by. It is a distilled version of the Book of Five rings.

It has a dedication to Terao Magonjo his star pupil.


The 21 precepts of Dokkodo:
1. Accept everything just the way it is.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.
21. Never stray from the Way.