The Journey of Self-Discovery

The Ten Oxherding Pictures represent a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. This ancient Zen teaching illustrates the path from seeking to ultimate realization.

Understanding the Ten Stages

Each picture represents a stage in the practitioner's journey:

• Seeking the Ox - Beginning the search for truth
• Finding the Tracks - Discovering signs of the path
• First Glimpse - Catching sight of understanding
• Catching the Ox - Grappling with practice
• Taming the Ox - Training the mind
• Riding the Ox Home - Integration of practice
• The Ox Forgotten - Transcendence of self
• Both Ox and Self Forgotten - Complete unity
• Returning to the Source - Original nature revealed
• Entering the Marketplace - Living wisdom in daily life

These stages offer insight into the transformative process of awakening and how we can apply these teachings to our modern lives.