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Ten Oxherding Pictures with Verses Images and Verses Are Public Ten Oxherding Pictures with Verses Images and verses are public domain, reproduced from Wikipedia article, TEN BULLS. Verses by Kuòn Shyun; translation by Senzaki Nyogen and Paul Reps; paintings traditionally attributed to Tensh Shbun (1414-1463.) My own comments are in italics. 1. In Search of the Bull In the pasture of the world, I endlessly push aside the tall grasses in search of the Ox. Following unnamed rivers, lost upon the interpenetrating paths of distant mountains, My strength failing and my vitality exhausted, I cannot find the Ox. You are still in confusion, because of karmic bonds. You have heard that there is something marvelous, but have never seen it. You would like to search for it, but do not know how. Where is the path? 2. Discovery of the Footprints Along the riverbank under the trees, I discover footprints. Even under the fragrant grass, I see his prints. Deep in remote mountains they are found. These traces can no more be hidden than one's nose, looking heavenward The path is becoming clear. You anticipate the opening of the path, and the understanding of what has hitherto been mystery. You are eager to find and tread the path! What shall my practice be? 3. Perceiving the Bull I hear the song of the nightingale. The sun is warm, the wind is mild, willows are green along the shore - Here no Ox can hide! What artist can draw that massive head, those majestic horns? Practice brings you fleeting glimpses of “original mind.” You experience nano-seconds of freedom from illusion of self, and the duality it spawns. You do not merely suspect that freedom exists, but you do not have it yet. 4. Catching the Bull I seize him with a terrific struggle. His great will and power are inexhaustible. He charges to the high plateau far above the cloud-mists, Or in an impenetrable ravine he stands. Your karmic bonds – desire, attachment, weak intentions – bring about a terrific struggle as you try to maintain original mind. Will dualism do you in, as you paradoxically try to hold on to letting go? 5. Taming the Bull The whip and rope are necessary, Else he might stray off down some dusty road. Being well-trained, he becomes naturally gentle. Then, unfettered, he obeys his master. Diligence – right effort – has deepened your practice, and now we must remain relaxed but alert, at-ease but awake. Constant diligence is needed now. Dare you take the ox off the tether? 6. Riding the Bull Home Mounting the Ox, slowly I return homeward. The voice of my flute intones through the evening. Measuring with hand-beats the pulsating harmony, I direct the endless rhythm. Whoever hears this melody will join me. Your everyday mind is carried by original mind, not vice versa. Realization is displacing views and intentions. Dualism is not yet gone, but can you walk the talk? 7. The Bull Transcended Astride the Ox, I reach home. I am serene. The Ox too can rest. The dawn has come. In blissful repose, Within my thatched dwelling I have abandoned the whip and ropes. Thich Naht Hanh has said, “I have arrived, I am home, in the here, and the now.” Being fully present, what is the need for the duality of “everyday mind” vs. “original mind?” 8. Both Bull and Self Transcended Whip, rope, person, and Ox - all merge in No Thing. This heaven is so vast, no message can stain it. How may a snowflake exist in a raging fire. Here are the footprints of the Ancestors. Sunyata. In the words of the Heart Sutra... “...all phenomena bear the mark of Emptiness. Whoever can see this their true nature is the nature of no longer needs anything to attain. no Birth no Death, no Being no Non-being, Gate gate paragate parasam gate bodhisvaha no Defilement no Purity, (gone, gone, gone beyond, utterly gone beyond, thus enlightened.) “ no Increasing no Decreasing. (translation by Thich Naht Hanh) ... the Path, insight and attainment, are also not separate self entities. 9. Reaching the Source Too many steps have been taken returning to the root and the source. Better to have been blind and deaf from the beginning! Dwelling in one's true abode, unconcerned with and without - The river flows tranquilly on and the flowers are red. Now, here in the present moment, will you maintain freedom from the duality of original mind and everyday mind? “Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself.” (Basho, Japanes Zen poet.) Bodhisattva! We have become the ox, un-self-consciously taking dharma fruits into the world for all 10. Return to Society beings. Barefooted and naked of breast, (Did you notice that “I use no magic to extend my life” is a reference to Taoist alchemy?) I mingle with the people of the world Remember, though, that according to tradition, Shakyamuni went through innumerable bodhisattva My clothes are ragged and dust-laden, incarnations before becoming a fully enlightened Buddha. A friend of mine, who was a 4th degree black and I am ever blissful. belt in Aikido, once said that in America, people often think, “I now have a black belt. I am an expert I use no magic to extend my life; and can start teaching.” In Japan, he said, the attitude is, “I have a black belt. Now, I can really be a student!” Now, before me, the dead trees become alive. Now that you are a bodhisattva in the marketplace, you can really begin practicing dharma! .
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