The Zen ox herding pictures, also known as the “Ten Ox Herding Pictures,” are a series of illustrations used in Zen Buddhism to describe the stages of a practitioner’s journey towards enlightenment. The pictures are often accompanied by poems or commentary to help clarify the meaning of each stage. Here, we will explore five of these pictures in depth, along with their accompanying poems, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the zen ox herding journey.
1. Searching for the Ox
In the first picture, the practitioner is shown searching for the ox, symbolizing the initial stages of spiritual seeking. The ox represents the true nature or the Buddha-mind, which is inherent in all beings but is often obscured by ignorance and delusion. The search for the ox signifies the practitioner’s desire to understand and connect with their true nature.
The accompanying poem for this stage might read: “I urgently seek the bull, But the bull is not to be found. With a mind like this, How can I find him?”
This stage is about recognizing the discrepancies between our current state and our aspirations, setting the stage for the journey ahead.
2. Finding the Footprints
The second picture depicts the practitioner finding the footprints of the ox. This stage represents the discovery of signs or clues that indicate the presence of the true nature. It’s a moment of hope and excitement, as the practitioner realizes that they are on the right path.
A poem for this stage could be: “I hear the song of the nightingale, The dawn breeze stirs, and I see The footsteps of the bull, And my heart is filled with joy.”
Finding the footprints symbolizes the initial breakthroughs or insights that encourage the practitioner to continue their search.
3. Seeing the Ox
In the third picture, the practitioner catches a glimpse of the ox. This stage is about getting a first, albeit possibly fleeting, glimpse of one’s true nature. It’s a significant moment, as it provides direct experience of what was previously only theoretical or hoped for.
A poem for this stage might say: “I see the bull now, Quiet and docile, without a care. My task is to bring him Back to his home.”
Seeing the ox represents a deeper level of understanding and connection with one’s true nature, marking a turning point in the journey.
4. Catching the Ox
The fourth picture shows the practitioner attempting to catch the ox. This stage symbolizes the effort to stabilize and deepen the insight gained from seeing the true nature. It’s a challenging phase, as the ox (true nature) can be elusive and difficult to grasp.
A poem for this stage could read: “With the energy of my whole being, I seize the bull, And hold him tight, But he breaks free, and I must start anew.”
Catching the ox represents the practitioners’ efforts to integrate their insights into daily life, facing the challenges of maintaining awareness and dealing with the tendency to fall back into old patterns.
5. Riding the Ox Home
In the fifth picture, the practitioner is shown riding the ox home. This stage represents the point where the true nature is not just glimpsed but is fully integrated into one’s being. The practitioner can now effortlessly ride the ox, symbolizing a state of enlightenment or profound understanding where one’s actions are in harmony with their true nature.
A poem for this stage might say: “Mounting the bull, I reach home, Where I rest, with the door closed. The bull and I, no longer two, In the silence, I hear the truth.”
Riding the ox home signifies the culmination of the spiritual journey, where the practitioner has transcended the dualistic distinctions between the self and the true nature, achieving a state of unity and peace.
These five pictures, along with their accompanying poems, offer a profound and nuanced exploration of the spiritual journey in Zen Buddhism. They encapsulate the process of seeking, discovering, and integrating one’s true nature, culminating in a state of enlightenment or profound understanding. Each stage builds upon the previous one, guiding the practitioner through the complexities of the self towards the simplicity of their true nature.
