Hitting The Road With The Buddha

Volume 78. August 1, 2026

Ah, the dog days of summer! The travel season is at its peak.

But with gas prices surging, airfares skyrocketing and the cost of restaurant food causing belly aches, why bother traveling?

American novelist and poet Jack Kerouac (1922-1969) had a great quote on why people should travel:

“In the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”

I have led many groups to Asia. Before a tour, a certain question inevitably pops up: How much should I pack?

My standard advice: “As you’re walking out your front door, stop. Open your suitcase. Toss out half of what you packed. Then open your wallet. Double what’s ever in there. You’ll have a great time!”

In other words, travel lightly, like a Zen master. Bags packed to the gills denote a deep-seated dread of the unknown. Be free. Detach!

You can always discern the true character of a non-attached person from the amount of baggage he carries.

And that brings up a little story.

Once upon a time in medieval China, retired minster Cheng invited Zen Master Bai-yun to his villa for a vacation. When word reached him that the Zen master had crossed into his province, he set out to meet him.

As Cheng got into his carriage, town official Ssu-ma happened by on his horse and asked where he was going.

Cheng said, “I’m going to meet Zen Master Bai-yun. He’s staying with me for a short vacation.”

“Do you mind if I come along?” asked Ssu-ma.

“Not at all.”

Side by side they rode to the post station to await the Zen master’s arrival. Presently, they saw twenty loads of baggage pile up.

Ssu-ma asked, “To whom do those bags belong?”

The porters shouted, “They belong to Zen Master Bai-yun.”

Ssu-ma got on his horse and began to leave.

Cheng blurted out, “But, but, why do you leave now? I thought you wanted to see the Zen master.”

Ssu-ma replied, “I’ve seen enough.”

The End

So what should we pack for a trip?

Consider this verse composed by a true Zen master:

Sedge hat covering my head. Travel pouch at my waist.

At the tip of my staff is the pure breeze and the full moon.

Seriously, what more do you really need?

And what are you waiting for?

Climb that goddamn mountain!