Ten Ox Herding Pictures
This depiction of the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures, also known as The Ten Bulls, stems from the Zen tradition of Buddhism and represents the stages one goes through in taming the mind. Though of Buddhist origin, it is relevant to the journey of gaining mastery over one’s mind, and being in the world with the intent and gifts to benefit others regardless of one’s faith tradition or beliefs. I revised the text to make the series more inclusive and to express a non-denominational vocabulary.
(I carved the images from linoleum blocks while living in a little cabin on the coast of Orcas Island, by kerosene lamps, during a long cold winter. By the time I got done with the 10th one, my carving had improved to where I went back and re-carved the others! Carvings (1977 ) and narrative (2012) offered by Susan Shannon, M. Div.)
1. The Search for the Bull
One feels there is a missing piece that is preventing a sense of wholeness. Looking for fulfillment on the outside has not produced lastingly positive results. There is a sense that the ego is not all there is, but what else is there? One can feel the presence of a larger mystery but is not sure how to find it.
2. Discovering the Footprints
One begins to see that the inner and outer conflicts created by ego directly relate to the pain in one’s life. In seeing this, the footprints of the bull become visible! There is a way out of this pain and the footprints just might lead to the mystery that just might lead to freedom. No choice but to follow them!
3. Perceiving the Bull
When you see the bull you also see the mystery. The ego lessens its hold that is replaced with a new sense of openness and generosity. You relax into simply being, without attachment and aversion, and become comfortable with the newfound self that contentedly exists regardless of the constantly changing events of day-to-day life.
4. Catching the Bull
Even though you catch the bull, you also see that your ego still exists and continues to try to steer you into judgment and criticism. You see that the skillful means which led you to seeing things just as they are must be used daily, just as a newfound muscle needs exercise in order to develop. You have the benefit of momentum as once you see the bull you can begin training the bull. Qualities such as patience, peacefulness, contemplative observation and compassion grow along with this new sense of being.
5. Taming the Bull
Once caught, the bull is tamed by the engaged awareness of meditative knowledge and the transcendent wisdom gained by an expanded view of self. The bull becomes gentle and obedient, more focused and content.
6. Riding the Bull Home
There is no longer a search for joy, as joy is felt within. The bull obeys the greater master and becomes a rich, creative energy, and singing the very song that leads one home.
7. The Bull Transcended
Once home, the bull dissolves into oneness with being. There is no bull, and the true nature of all reality is seen from a place of total peace. The wisdom voice that was so new becomes more and more familiar as it reveals itself to be your own voice. All efforts to manipulate reality are abandoned in place of a pure, simple acceptance of what is.
8. Both Bull and Self Transcended
One is relaxed in the absence of striving and non-striving. One finds the peace without any aversion or attraction of what simply exists.
9. Reaching the Source
There is a sense of spaciousness and openness and a distinct absence of fear. Energy exists which does not need to be looked for; one is rich within rather than needing to be enriched by outside means. One feels inner warmth. The pulsations of compassion increase and deepen one’s feelings of love and connection with self and others. There is the feeling of finding a treasure within from which communications and activities reflect.
10. Into the World
This is the fully awakened state of being in the world. One’s positive deeds multiply like one moon reflected in a hundred bowls of water no matter where you are or what the deed. What is in front of you is your task. You have merged with your true place in the world and are welcomed by all the wise ones who have taken this path before you.
What does “Into the World” mean when one is incarcerated?
It means the recognition that you are connected with all forms of life and all this world includes regardless of your living conditions. As many of you have already experienced, as you change your own vibration through moving courageously through your journey of awakening, your inner life will change and eventually your outer life will too. This is “into the world”-new people with new ideas that resonate with yours will come into your life whether in person or perhaps through books, radio or other media. You have the capacity to reach out to these people, build upon your ideas, even if just energetically. You have all heard and perhaps have already written your stories or books, influenced others to write about you, even inspired plays or documentaries. Even if not so obvious, “into the world’ can also mean meeting a correspondence course such as this one, or getting regular mailings from a spiritual organization.
You are there!
