Ten Oxherding Pictures

Summary of the Ten Oxherding Pictures

The herder, first embarking upon a spiritual journey, is unaware that the true nature of the mind cannot be found by maintaining a dualistic view of the world around him. If he/she does, the result is confusion and disillusionment.

Though the ox is not yet seen or found, the presence of tracks increases the herder’s confidence that it (i.e. the true nature of the mind) exists. The tracks represent phenomena and the erratic nature of the mind.

The path to enlightenment has been glimpsed, but much practice is needed to keep it in full view. Transcendence of the subject and the object is now known by direct experience. Past thought-patterns (often negative) become painfully apparent.

The herder has caught the ox, but finds it hard to tame. The mind wanders and gets frustrated when the seeker does not have skillful control over it.

Advanced practice makes the herder more at ease with his/her true nature. The ox, though still unruly, puts up no resistance to the persevering herder. Consciousness thus goes beyond the ordinary thinking mind.

The struggle is over. The ox and the herder move in one direction effortlessly. However, the illusion of the subject and the object still persist.

The subject and the object now become one. Duality is transcended, but practice continues. The seeker, having learnt to let go of everything no longer has worldly attachments.

The illusion of reality as being separate from the mind is shattered. Enlightenment as unconditioned state of mind is experienced. The mind has escaped from the trap of opinions and views. Drawing a picture would be a contradiction of ‘no thing.’

The search for enlightenment has come full circle. The world goes on regardless of what changes have occurred. It is the nature of all phenomena.

The enlightened being might be anybody who has renounced the world to help others towards the path. Selfless service becomes the hallmark of wisdom.