Showing posts with label Ten Ox-Bull Herding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ten Ox-Bull Herding. Show all posts
Saturday, 7 November 2015
Friday, 10 July 2015
The Ten Bull Herding Pictures, by Martin Goodson
http://www.thezengateway.com/administration-pages/videos
The Ten Bull Herding Pictures, by Martin Goodson
THE BULL AND HIS HERDSMAN The 10 Bull Herding pictures - A video commentary produced by The Zen Gateway
1. SEARCHING FOR THE BULL
The search for what? The bull has never been missing. But without knowing it the herdsman estranged himself from himself and so the bull became lost in the dust. The home mountains recede ever further, and suddenly the herdsman finds himself on entangeld path. Lust for gain and fear of loss flare up like a conflagration, and views of right and wrong oppose each other like spears on a battlefield.
2. FINDING THE TRACES
Reading the Sutras and listening to the teachings, the herdsman had an inkling of their message and meaning. He has discovered the traces. Now he knows that however varied and manifold, yet all things are of the one gold, and that his own nature does not differ from any other. But he cannot yet distinguish between what is genuine and what fake, still less between the true and the false. He can thus not enter the gate, and only provisionally can it be said that he has found the traces.
3. FINDING THE BULL
The herdsman recoils startled at hearing the voice and that instant sees into the origin. The six senses are quieted in peaceful harmony with the origin. Revealed, the bull in his entirety now pervades all activities of the herdsman, present as inseparably as is salt in seawater, or glue in paint. When the herdsman opens his eyes wide and looks, he sees nothing but himself.
4. CATCHING THE BULL
For the first time today he encountered the bull that for so long had been hiding in the wilderness. But his pleasantly familiar wilderness still attracts the bull strongly. He yearns for the sweet-smelling grass and is difficult to hold. Stubborn self-will rages in him and wild animal-nature rules him. If the herdsman wants to make the bull really gentle, he must discipline him with the whip.
5.GENTLING THE BULL
If but one thought arises, then another and another follows in an endless round. Through awakening, everything becomes truth; through delusion, it becomes error. Things do not come into being depending on circumstances but arise from the herdsman's own heart. Hold the rein tight and do not allow any wavering.
6. RETURNING HOME ON THE BACK OF THE BULL
Now the struggle is over! Gain and loss, too, have fallen away. The herdsman sings an old folk song or plays a nursery tune on his flute. Looking up into the blue sky, he rides along on the back of the bull. If someone calls after him, he does not look back; nor will he stop if tugged on the sleeve.
7. BULL FORGOTTEN, MAN REMAINS
There are not two Dharmas. Provisionally only has the bull been set up, somewhat in the nature of a sign-post. He might also be likened to a snare for catching rabbits, or to a fishing net. Now the herdsman feels as when the shining gold has been separated out from the ore, or as when the moon appears from behind a cloud bank. The one cool light has been shining brilliantly since the time before the beginning.
8. BOTH BULL & MAN FORGOTTEN
When all worldly wanting dropped away, holiness, too, lost its meaning. Do not stay at a place where Buddha is, and pass quickly by where he is not. If one remains unattached to either, not even a thousand eyes can spy him out. Holiness to which birds consecrate flowers is shameful.
9. RETURN TO THE ORIGIN, BACK TO THE SOURCE
10 ENTERING THE MARKET-PLACE WITH BLISS-BESTOWING HANDS
The brush-wood gate is firmly shut and neither sage nor Buddha can see him. He has deeply buried his light and permits himself to differ from the well-established ways of the old masters. Carrying a gourd, he enters the market; twirling his staff, he returns home. He frequents wine-shops and fish stalls to make the drunkards open their eyes and awaken to themselves.
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE pt. 1
Welcome to this introduction to Zen Practice also known as 'daily life practice', so called because it is a practice to be cultivated in our ordinary lives on a day-to-day basis.
Having familiarised ourselves with some of the basic Buddhist teachings (the Zen school being a school of Buddhism), we now set out to put into practice what the Buddha taught.
The central practice is simply put - to give myself whole-heartedly into what at this moment is being done anyway.
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE pt. 2
In this second of two talks on starting out in the Zen training, the importance on form is discussed and suggestions as to how to introduce it into daily life practice are given.
1. SEARCHING FOR THE BULLThe search for what? The bull has never been missing. But without knowing it the herdsman estranged himself from himself and so the bull became lost in the dust. The home mountains recede ever further, and suddenly the herdsman finds himself on entangeld path. Lust for gain and fear of loss flare up like a conflagration, and views of right and wrong oppose each other like spears on a battlefield.
2. FINDING THE TRACESReading the Sutras and listening to the teachings, the herdsman had an inkling of their message and meaning. He has discovered the traces. Now he knows that however varied and manifold, yet all things are of the one gold, and that his own nature does not differ from any other. But he cannot yet distinguish between what is genuine and what fake, still less between the true and the false. He can thus not enter the gate, and only provisionally can it be said that he has found the traces.
3. FINDING THE BULLThe herdsman recoils startled at hearing the voice and that instant sees into the origin. The six senses are quieted in peaceful harmony with the origin. Revealed, the bull in his entirety now pervades all activities of the herdsman, present as inseparably as is salt in seawater, or glue in paint. When the herdsman opens his eyes wide and looks, he sees nothing but himself.
4. CATCHING THE BULLFor the first time today he encountered the bull that for so long had been hiding in the wilderness. But his pleasantly familiar wilderness still attracts the bull strongly. He yearns for the sweet-smelling grass and is difficult to hold. Stubborn self-will rages in him and wild animal-nature rules him. If the herdsman wants to make the bull really gentle, he must discipline him with the whip.
5.GENTLING THE BULLIf but one thought arises, then another and another follows in an endless round. Through awakening, everything becomes truth; through delusion, it becomes error. Things do not come into being depending on circumstances but arise from the herdsman's own heart. Hold the rein tight and do not allow any wavering.
6. RETURNING HOME ON THE BACK OF THE BULLNow the struggle is over! Gain and loss, too, have fallen away. The herdsman sings an old folk song or plays a nursery tune on his flute. Looking up into the blue sky, he rides along on the back of the bull. If someone calls after him, he does not look back; nor will he stop if tugged on the sleeve.
7. BULL FORGOTTEN, MAN REMAINSThere are not two Dharmas. Provisionally only has the bull been set up, somewhat in the nature of a sign-post. He might also be likened to a snare for catching rabbits, or to a fishing net. Now the herdsman feels as when the shining gold has been separated out from the ore, or as when the moon appears from behind a cloud bank. The one cool light has been shining brilliantly since the time before the beginning.
8. BOTH BULL & MAN FORGOTTENWhen all worldly wanting dropped away, holiness, too, lost its meaning. Do not stay at a place where Buddha is, and pass quickly by where he is not. If one remains unattached to either, not even a thousand eyes can spy him out. Holiness to which birds consecrate flowers is shameful.
9. RETURN TO THE ORIGIN, BACK TO THE SOURCE
In the origin all is pure and there is no dust. Collected in the peace of non-volitional doing (Wu-Wei) he beholds the coming and going of all things. No longer deluded by shifting phantom pictures, he has nothing further to learn. Blue runs the river, green range the mountains; he sits by himself and beholds the change of all things.
10 ENTERING THE MARKET-PLACE WITH BLISS-BESTOWING HANDSThe brush-wood gate is firmly shut and neither sage nor Buddha can see him. He has deeply buried his light and permits himself to differ from the well-established ways of the old masters. Carrying a gourd, he enters the market; twirling his staff, he returns home. He frequents wine-shops and fish stalls to make the drunkards open their eyes and awaken to themselves.
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE pt. 1Welcome to this introduction to Zen Practice also known as 'daily life practice', so called because it is a practice to be cultivated in our ordinary lives on a day-to-day basis.
Having familiarised ourselves with some of the basic Buddhist teachings (the Zen school being a school of Buddhism), we now set out to put into practice what the Buddha taught.
The central practice is simply put - to give myself whole-heartedly into what at this moment is being done anyway.
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE pt. 2In this second of two talks on starting out in the Zen training, the importance on form is discussed and suggestions as to how to introduce it into daily life practice are given.
Friday, 19 September 2014
Finding the Ox by Barry Briggs
Finding the Ox
by Barry Briggs at oxherding [at] me.com.
also :
Finding the OX
- New Images & Poems
A new series of images and poems by Lynette Monteiro. This link takes you to the first image in the series. - A Modern Version of Images & Poems
Joseph Bengivenni, who writes Somewhere In Dharma, has developed a tremendous version of ox herding. This takes you to the first image in the series. - Modern Version of Images & Poems
Here's a modern version of both images and poems, author/artist unknown. - Talks on the Ox Herding Pictures
Series of talks by Taigu Turlur of Treeleaf Sangha. - Expressive Ox Herding
Modern version by Max Gimblett at the Japan Society. - New Ox Herding Drawings
A new set of drawings (and poems!) by Lynette Monteiro. This link takes you to the first of the ten images. - Cowgirl Ox Herding
A wonderful, country-western version of the traditional images from Maria Kannon Zen Center. - Poems on the Ox Herding Pictures
New poems by Zen Master Daehaeng. This link takes you to the first five poems. The second five poems were published on this site a few days later. - Talk on the Ox Herding Pictures
This is the first of a three-part talk on the Ox Herding Pictures by Shinjin Young. - Ox Herding Pictures
Images from the outer walls of a hall at Songgwangsa Temple in Korea. (PDF file) - Ox Herding Pictures
In Asia, the Ox Herding Pictures are commonly painted on the exterior of temple buildings. This beautiful set is from Mu Sang Sah, a temple in the mountains of Korea. - Ox Herding Pictures by Shubun
A classic version, in the public domain. - Ox Herding Pictures
Traditional version, artist unknown. - Ox Herding Pictures
Traditional version, artist unknown. - Ox Herding Pictures
Photographs of a beautifully-painted version. Artist unknown. - Ox Herding Pictures by James Breslin
Modern, personal version.
Thursday, 10 July 2014
Ten bull herding pictures
http://terebess.hu/english/oxherd4.html
link
Gentling the Bull: The Ten Bull Pictures: A Spiritual Journey by Myokyo-ni (Irmgard Schloegl), Zen Centre, London, 1988. (facsimile): Tuttle Publishing, 1996. Kindle Edition: http://www.amazon.com/kindle/dp/B005R18D38
Myokyo-ni (born Irmgard Schloegl; January 29, 1921 - March 29, 2007) was a Rinzai Zen Buddhist nun, who directed the Zen center Shobo-an in London. The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures, also known as the Ten Bull Pictures, are believed to have been drawn by Kakuan, a twelfth century Chinese Zen master, but became widely used as a means of Zen study in fifteenth-century Japan. They are used in formal Zen training to this day to show the stages of one's realization of enlightenment. Each of the ten pictures is presented here with a preface and general foreword to the series by Chi-Yuan, a monk in the direct line of Kakuan. Myokyo-ni provides a lucid introduction that sets the pictures in their historical context and shows their relevance to modern Zen training. In her own comments on each picture, she discusses how they are representative of our own search for "oneness"- spiritual fulfillment.
link
Monday, 9 June 2014
M.T.Morse: The Gateless Gate
http://www.thegatelessgate.com/
About
The Gateless Gate
About
The Gateless Gate is a personal pictorial reflection on the compilation of Zen cases referred to as the Mumonkan or Gateless Gate. In 2010, a series of events instigated this idea of completing a drawing for each of the Mumonkan’s 48 stories. It was a process that led me through everything from pen and ink, to paper mache figures and Daruma decorated wooden totem poles.
With those initial experiments and drawings completed, it is my intention to revisit each one as a weekly post on this website, offering another opportunity to consider their meaning and continue what has evolved into a meaningful ongoing education in art making.
The Gateless Gate was complied in early 13th century China by Mumon Ekai and the stories remain a central theme to Zen training to this present day. For the purposes of my own efforts, I am making use of the translation and commentary by R.H. Blyth, from his book Zen and Zen Classics, Volume Four, Mumonkan. Although there are several other english translations available in print and online.
The stories of the Mumonkan are largely a mystery to me, especially in regards to the role they play in meditative inquiry. My drawings are for the most part literal caricatures of the stories with further assistance provided from a range of commentaries. Although enlightenment alludes me, the drawing process has provided a wonderful sense of familiarity to the stories as I have been able to put faces to these Zen exploits. The Mumonkan is a book filled with the joy and agony of many wayward and enlightened characters.
I have found them to be a wonderful collection of entanglements that has only grown richer through the time spent envisioning them on paper. Of all it’s stories, the example of Zuigan in case 12 provided a playful potential for my own creative efforts. For if it is possible to call upon your own master, might it be possible to draw your own?
Case 12: Zuigan’s Calling the Master
Every day Zuigan used to call to him self, “True self!” and would answer “Yes?” “Awake! Awake!” he would cry, and “Yes! Yes!” he would answer. “From now onwards, do not be despised by others, do not let them make a fool of you!” “No, I will not!”
Mumon’s Commentary:
The master, Zuigan, himself sells and himself buys. He has a lot of puppets of gods and devils that he plays with. For what reason? Look and see! A calling one, an answering one, one that says “Wake up!” and one that will not be looked down on. But you must not stick to these appearances for that is your former mistake. And imitating others (e.g. Zuigan) is only the mental disguise of a fox.
I’d look forward to any conversation regarding these stories, art making, and of things lost or found in the visual translation. You’ll find me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ or Email.
Thank you
Mark T. Morse
http://www.thegatelessgate.com/
With those initial experiments and drawings completed, it is my intention to revisit each one as a weekly post on this website, offering another opportunity to consider their meaning and continue what has evolved into a meaningful ongoing education in art making.
The Gateless Gate was complied in early 13th century China by Mumon Ekai and the stories remain a central theme to Zen training to this present day. For the purposes of my own efforts, I am making use of the translation and commentary by R.H. Blyth, from his book Zen and Zen Classics, Volume Four, Mumonkan. Although there are several other english translations available in print and online.
The stories of the Mumonkan are largely a mystery to me, especially in regards to the role they play in meditative inquiry. My drawings are for the most part literal caricatures of the stories with further assistance provided from a range of commentaries. Although enlightenment alludes me, the drawing process has provided a wonderful sense of familiarity to the stories as I have been able to put faces to these Zen exploits. The Mumonkan is a book filled with the joy and agony of many wayward and enlightened characters.
I have found them to be a wonderful collection of entanglements that has only grown richer through the time spent envisioning them on paper. Of all it’s stories, the example of Zuigan in case 12 provided a playful potential for my own creative efforts. For if it is possible to call upon your own master, might it be possible to draw your own?
Case 12: Zuigan’s Calling the Master
Every day Zuigan used to call to him self, “True self!” and would answer “Yes?” “Awake! Awake!” he would cry, and “Yes! Yes!” he would answer. “From now onwards, do not be despised by others, do not let them make a fool of you!” “No, I will not!”
Mumon’s Commentary:
The master, Zuigan, himself sells and himself buys. He has a lot of puppets of gods and devils that he plays with. For what reason? Look and see! A calling one, an answering one, one that says “Wake up!” and one that will not be looked down on. But you must not stick to these appearances for that is your former mistake. And imitating others (e.g. Zuigan) is only the mental disguise of a fox.
I’d look forward to any conversation regarding these stories, art making, and of things lost or found in the visual translation. You’ll find me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ or Email.
Thank you
Mark T. Morse
http://www.thegatelessgate.com/
Friday, 2 May 2014
Sanbo Zen : Ten Ox-Herding Pictures with Teisho
Sanbo Zen : Ten Ox-Herding Pictures with Teisho
Ten Ox-herding Pictures
with the Verses Composed by KAKUAN Zenji
with the Verses Composed by KAKUAN Zenji
The "Ten Ox-herding Pictures" are one example of the so-called "Ox-herding Pictures." Here, our essential self is compared to an ox. We seek the ox, grasp it, tame it and finally the self which has always been seeking becomes completely one with the ox. But this also is forgotten so that we now simply carry on our ordinary lives. This is the process described by the Pictures. They show concretely the progression of our practice and are very helpful for a self-examination of our own practice and as encouragement for further practice. I hope then that studying the Ten Ox-herding Pictures will provide an opportunity for all of us to continually examine our practice and also give an indication for self-reflection as to what stage we have now arrived.
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
The Ten Ox-herding images of Zen, Steven Goodheart
http://mettarefuge.wordpress.com/2009/12/20/the-ten-ox-herding-images-of-zen/
The Ten Ox-herding Images of Zen
I thought I’d do something different and fun in this post, and take a look at probably the most beloved images in Zen Buddhism.
Known as The Ten Ox-herding Pictures, they have been the source of endless commentary and inspiration in Zen since at least the 12th century. From the first time I saw them, I loved them for their humor as well as their great beauty, charm, and symbolism.
The images used in this post are attributed to a 15th century Japanese Rinzai Zen monk named Shubun. Shubun’s paintings, in turn, are thought to be copies of the lost masterpieces of a 12th century Chinese Zen Master named Kajuan (also Kaku-an Shi-en or Kuo-an Shih-yuan.)
Just what are these ancient and revered pictures about? I think one of the best succinct explanations of them come from a Theravadan monk named Ajahn Sucitto:
Take your time. Look at the pictures. Drop your defenses. Be open to joy! Ponder what Kaku-an says. Think of each picture and commentary as a koan. No “right” answers anywhere. Nothing to believe, nothing to “get right” or even “get.” Just this.
http://mettarefuge.wordpress.com/2009/12/20/the-ten-ox-herding-images-of-zen/
The Ten Ox-herding Images of Zen
I thought I’d do something different and fun in this post, and take a look at probably the most beloved images in Zen Buddhism.
Known as The Ten Ox-herding Pictures, they have been the source of endless commentary and inspiration in Zen since at least the 12th century. From the first time I saw them, I loved them for their humor as well as their great beauty, charm, and symbolism.
The images used in this post are attributed to a 15th century Japanese Rinzai Zen monk named Shubun. Shubun’s paintings, in turn, are thought to be copies of the lost masterpieces of a 12th century Chinese Zen Master named Kajuan (also Kaku-an Shi-en or Kuo-an Shih-yuan.)
Just what are these ancient and revered pictures about? I think one of the best succinct explanations of them come from a Theravadan monk named Ajahn Sucitto:
“In Zen, the ox-herding images are emblematic of the Path. The person is searching for the ox, and sees its tracks. He is like a person looking for the mind, trying to realize an enlightened mind. He searches for the ox, finds it, and struggles with it. He traps it, tames it, and rides away serenely on it.
This is like the person who finds kàya-viveka, the sense of buoyancy. And then the purification of the mind: the ox becomes docile and the rider lets the ox free. The mind is free and light. And then there is a picture which is just an empty space, like a circle with nothing in it. No ox, no rider: liberation from mind.
The final picture is called going back to the market place with helping hands—it depicts a simple-looking man with a big beam on his face wandering into the market place to do whatever needs to be done.
Abandonment and compassion have met. This, as I understand it, is the main thread of the Buddha’s teaching.”from mind.
The final picture is called going back to the market place with helping hands—it depicts a simple-looking man with a big beam on his face wandering into the market place to do whatever needs to be done.With that brief introduction in mind, open yourself up to The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures and Kaku-an’s commentary.
Abandonment and compassion have met. This, as I understand it, is the main thread of the Buddha’s teaching.”
Take your time. Look at the pictures. Drop your defenses. Be open to joy! Ponder what Kaku-an says. Think of each picture and commentary as a koan. No “right” answers anywhere. Nothing to believe, nothing to “get right” or even “get.” Just this.
http://mettarefuge.wordpress.com/2009/12/20/the-ten-ox-herding-images-of-zen/
The Famous Ten OX-HERDING Pictures
Jaysquare The Ten Ox-herding Pictures
with Ming Qi´s
Comments
http://www.jaysquare.com/ljohnson/ox-herding.html
10 Oxherding Pictures, Rev Eshin
http://www.buddhistdoor.com/OldWeb/passissue/9710/sources/art9.htm
The Ten Oxherding pictures are an early teaching in the Ch'an/Zen tradition. Oxherding was a useful metaphor for training the mind. There is the story of a monk working in the kitchen when his master came in and asked what he was doing. He replied 'Just herding the ox'. The master responded 'How are you herding it?'. The monk replied 'Every time the ox tries to wander off the way to eat grass, I rein it in and put it back to work'. The ox, of course, is our mind. It must be trained not to wander off into distracting, discursive thoughts. It must be trained to align with the Dharma and so become pure. Many versions of the oxherding pictures were created. They varied in number and in the content of the pictures. Eventually ten pictures or stages were developed. The most famous set is by K'uo-an Shih-yuan. Many artists have drawn these pictures and many poets have added commentaries. Below is just one example -
http://www.buddhistdoor.com/OldWeb/passissue/9710/sources/art9.htm
The Ten Oxherding pictures are an early teaching in the Ch'an/Zen tradition. Oxherding was a useful metaphor for training the mind. There is the story of a monk working in the kitchen when his master came in and asked what he was doing. He replied 'Just herding the ox'. The master responded 'How are you herding it?'. The monk replied 'Every time the ox tries to wander off the way to eat grass, I rein it in and put it back to work'. The ox, of course, is our mind. It must be trained not to wander off into distracting, discursive thoughts. It must be trained to align with the Dharma and so become pure. Many versions of the oxherding pictures were created. They varied in number and in the content of the pictures. Eventually ten pictures or stages were developed. The most famous set is by K'uo-an Shih-yuan. Many artists have drawn these pictures and many poets have added commentaries. Below is just one example -
http://www.buddhistdoor.com/OldWeb/passissue/9710/sources/art9.htm
The Taming of the Wild Ox
http://www.4peaks.com/ppox.htm
Taming the Wild OxTen Oxherding Pictures, by Zen Master Kakuan, China, 12th C. A sequence of ten illustrations depicting the levels of realization in Zen, these ancient drawings with Verse and Comments are presented in two new English translations along with contemporary commentary. For zen adepts, dog walkers, and web visitors contemplating a Wilderness Nature Retreat. CLICK & GO! (On this page.) Introduction. 1.Seeking the Ox. 2.Finding the tracks. 3.First glimpse of the Ox. 4.Catching the Ox. 5.Taming the Ox. 6.Riding the Ox home! 7.Ox forgotten, Self alone. 8.Both Ox and Sekf forgotten. 9.Returning to the source. 10.Entering the Market Place withg open hands. Book and Internet Sources. From my mailbag: I love the 10 ox Herding pictures you have on the web page. Where can I get a nice copy of these for my husband's birthday. A fine example of Zen persistence in "the search." Searching for the Bull. (A Zen Ox Story from Uncle Tantra.) (On the next page.) How to Sit (Meditation tips). The Zen of Dog Walking.
Taming the Wild OxTen Oxherding Pictures, by Zen Master Kakuan, China, 12th C. A sequence of ten illustrations depicting the levels of realization in Zen, these ancient drawings with Verse and Comments are presented in two new English translations along with contemporary commentary. For zen adepts, dog walkers, and web visitors contemplating a Wilderness Nature Retreat. CLICK & GO! (On this page.) Introduction. 1.Seeking the Ox. 2.Finding the tracks. 3.First glimpse of the Ox. 4.Catching the Ox. 5.Taming the Ox. 6.Riding the Ox home! 7.Ox forgotten, Self alone. 8.Both Ox and Sekf forgotten. 9.Returning to the source. 10.Entering the Market Place withg open hands. Book and Internet Sources. From my mailbag: I love the 10 ox Herding pictures you have on the web page. Where can I get a nice copy of these for my husband's birthday. A fine example of Zen persistence in "the search." Searching for the Bull. (A Zen Ox Story from Uncle Tantra.) (On the next page.) How to Sit (Meditation tips). The Zen of Dog Walking.
 Dear Visitor,In Buddhist scripture from ancient times sages have compared the human mind with a wild ox. The ox, the most useful beast of burden, had to be captured, tethered and broken to a harness of sorts, a long slow process which eventually made available to man the great power of the beast. Following the example in the story, the Zen initiate is encouraged to directly experience his own mind through zazen (sitting meditation), subdue anxieties and desires, experience oneness with all, and find ultimately great peacefulness (satori). You may consider bringing your ox to experience the natural beauty of our Adirondacks. CLICK HERE for more. |
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