My dear friends,
The Ten Oxherding Pictures are a profound allegorical roadmap that illustrate the stages of a spiritual seeker’s journey to enlightenment. These stages align remarkably with the Bodhisattva path, encompassing both the Lamrim and Lojong teachings. As we traverse through these stages, we witness the transformation of the mind and spirit, moving from ignorance and struggle towards realization and the embodiment of wisdom and compassion.
| 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. |
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In the first picture, we see the seeker in the world, searching for the elusive Ox, a symbol of the true nature of mind. This stage corresponds to the initial steps in the Lamrim, where the practitioner begins to recognize the suffering inherent in samsara and starts the quest for liberation. The tall grasses represent the myriad distractions and delusions that obscure the true path. |
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| 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. |
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Finding the footprints represents the discovery of the Dharma, the teachings that point the way to enlightenment. In the Lamrim, this is akin to finding a qualified spiritual guide and understanding the preciousness of human rebirth, the law of cause and effect, and the benefits of ethical conduct. The footprints are clues that lead the seeker closer to the truth. |
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| 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? |
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Perceiving the Ox signifies the initial direct perception of the mind's true nature. This is comparable to gaining a preliminary understanding of emptiness in the Lamrim teachings. It is a moment of clarity where the seeker catches a glimpse of the ultimate reality beyond conceptual thinking, marking the beginning of deeper insight. |
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| 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. |
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Catching the Ox represents the arduous struggle to control and train the mind. This is where the practice of Lojong, or mind training, becomes crucial. The Ox, symbolizing the untamed mind, is powerful and resistant. Through perseverance, the practitioner learns to apply antidotes to afflictive emotions, cultivating patience, discipline, and diligence. |
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| 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. |
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Taming the Ox illustrates the progress in meditation and ethical conduct. The mind begins to settle and follow the path naturally, much like the Ox that obeys without restraint. This stage reflects the maturation of practice in both Lamrim and Lojong, where the mind's wild nature is subdued, and it starts to embody the qualities of compassion and wisdom. |
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| 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. |
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Riding the Ox Home signifies the harmonious return to one's true nature. The practitioner has gained control over the mind and can now navigate life with ease and grace. This stage represents a deepening of meditative concentration and the joy that arises from a disciplined mind. The melody of the flute symbolizes the spreading of Dharma teachings to others. |
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| 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. |
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The Ox Transcended shows the practitioner reaching a state of natural ease and enlightenment. There is no longer a need for force or struggle. The mind rests in its true nature, embodying serenity and peace. This stage corresponds to the realization of emptiness and the direct experience of ultimate truth in Lamrim and Lojong practices. |
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| 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. |
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Both Ox and Self Transcended represents the ultimate unity of the practitioner with the nature of reality. There is no longer any distinction between the seeker, the path, and the goal. This stage reflects the highest realization in Lamrim and Lojong, where dualistic perceptions are dissolved, and one abides in the vast, unstained expanse of ultimate truth. |
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| 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. |
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Reaching the Source depicts the practitioner dwelling in their true nature, beyond all concepts and dualities. The river flowing tranquilly and the red flowers symbolize the natural, effortless state of being that arises when one abides in the true nature of mind. This stage represents the culmination of the Bodhisattva path, where the practitioner embodies ultimate wisdom and compassion. |
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| Barefooted and naked of breast, I mingle with the people of the world. My clothes are ragged and dust-laden, and I am ever blissful. I use no magic to extend my life; Now, before me, the dead trees become alive. |
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In the World portrays the enlightened practitioner returning to everyday life, engaging with the world in a state of perfect freedom and compassion. The dead trees becoming alive symbolize the transformative power of enlightenment, bringing vitality and wisdom to all interactions. This final stage reflects the Bodhisattva's commitment to help all beings attain liberation, fully embodying the union of wisdom and compassionate action. |
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As we reflect on the Ten Oxherding Pictures, we see a profound allegory for the Bodhisattva journey. From the initial seeking and taming of the mind to the ultimate realization and compassionate engagement with the world, each stage offers deep insights and guidance for our own path. By integrating the teachings of Lamrim and Lojong, we can navigate this journey with clarity, compassion, and wisdom, embodying the true essence of the Bodhisattva.