Do Hot Wheels Have Buddha Nature?

For a number of years, I served as a Co-Director of an interfaith organization, and in that role, I joined a lot of email newsletters for local spiritual communities. I’m glad that I remain on these lists because I learn about lovely events and opportunities to connect with people.

I had this occasion over the weekend when the Zen Buddhist Temple held their annual Buddha’s Birthday Celebration. It was a joy to be present to this because the morning service contained deeply reflective moments in collective rituals and moments of great play, particularly with the children who were present.

As one example, we sang song that contained questions about animals:

Does a dog have Buddha nature? Buddha nature? Buddha nature?
Does a dog have Buddha nature….? (Then the kids — and adults too, if they liked — would act like dogs)

Kids were polled about additional animals to insert into the song. We also asked if cats, herons, and lemurs have Buddha nature.

Then the song leader called on a particular child to go next. “How about you, the one wearing the Hot Wheels shirt. What would you choose?”

“Hot wheels.”

Everyone laughed and soon after, there we were, singing,

Do hot wheels have Buddha nature? Buddha nature? Buddha nature?
Does hot wheels have Buddha nature….? (Vroom Vroom, Beep Beep)

The spiritual life can be filled with depth and play alongside moments that are quiet and reflective. It’s very clear that this community enjoys being together and making space for everyone. For all beings, as they say. Hot wheels and all.

— Renee Roederer