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1. The Search for the Bull
In the pasture of the world, I endlessly push aside the tall grasses in
search of the bull. Following unnamed rivers, lost upon the interpenetrating
paths of distant mountains, My strength failing and my vitality exhausted,
I cannot find the bull. I only hear the locusts chirping through the forest
at night.
The herder is searching for the ox. It is the beginning of the spiritual
search, a time for a change of lifestyle and the eradication of bad habits.
Sometimes the Path is difficult to find.
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2. Discovering the Footprints
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.
He finds evidence of the ox. The struggle is difficult and success seems
far away, however, a murmur of achievement is heard faintly.
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3. Perceiving the Bull
I hear the song of the nightingale. The sun is warm, the wind is mild,
willows are green along the shore - Here no bull can hide! What artist
can draw that massive head, those majestic horns?
He sees the ox for the first time. The way appears and he recognises it
as right, even though it is still unclear
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4. Catching the Bull
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.
He catches the ox. It is difficult to tame.
The mind wanders.
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5. Taming the Bull
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.
He tames the ox. The mind is unruly but by perseverance the ox (mind) follows
by itself.
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You may notice that the ox is changing colour from dark to light. The underlying
idea is that the mind is naturally pure but is polluted by extraneous impurities.
Through discipline and meditation practice it is cleansed and regains its
original nature.
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6. Riding the Bull Home
Mounting the bull, 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.
The herder mounts the ox. The mind has submitted
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7. The Bull Transcended
Astride the bull, I reach home. I am serene. The bull too can rest. The
dawn has come. In blissful repose, Within my thatched dwelling I have abandoned
the whip and ropes.
He transcends the ox and stands alone.
The herder pays no further attention to the ox.
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8. Both Bull and Self Transcended
Whip, rope, person, and bull - 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.
The herder and the ox are transcended, neither matter any more. This is
the moment of Awakening. The circle is the symbol "Il Won", the
Dharmakaya Buddha,
the essence of enlightenment.
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9. Reaching the Source
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.
He reaches the origin. Returning to the origin he 'recognises' what he
knew before.
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10. In the World
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.
He returns to the world where he lives to teach others.
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