Corpus Illuminata

Posters

Framed Art

Buddhism Art

Ancient Gold Parchment Paper

Mark Sampson

17.00 lb

HERDING THE OX Wild and unruly, the ox roams here and there: seeking pleasure, avoiding pain. Weary of being led around blindly, the boy makes a firm resolution: to catch the ox, tame it, and ride it home. Walking the path and paying close attention, the boy finds the first traces of the ox. With fresh resolve and firm intention, he knows which direction to go. The elusive ox is sighted! In a moment of clear awareness the boy fleetingly sees into the nature of his untrained mind. But the wily ox of unconscious motivations and old habits still runs wherever it wants. The ox is finally caught but puts up a fierce struggle. Its powerful nature is not easily changed. Holding tight onto the rope with firm determination and sustained effort, the boy must turn the ox in a new direction. Having won the struggle, the boy now leads the way. But he must keep a firm hold on the tether. The new mode of being based on understanding and insight is still tender and not yet secured: reverting to previous habits and attitudes can easily occur and must be guarded against. Following the stormy process of transformation comes a time of unity and harmony. The power of the ox has been integrated and the long silenced inner voice finds joyful expression as the pair continues on their Way. The ox is no longer of any concern to the boy. At peace with the nature of all things, the boy enters deep meditation. Dwelling in blissful solitude, the boundaries between "self" and "other" begin to melt. The flame of selfhood has been extinguished: no self, no other, no time, no space, the fulness of Emptiness. Out of Emptiness appears that which IS. Poised in mystic selflessness, there is no self in anything particular: The 10,000 things arise ... and pass away. Returning to the world, one is invisible: no doer, only the doing, every deed a part of the functioning of totality. Pu-tai smiles and walk on. THE ENLIGHTENMENT COMES OF ITSELF

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In the 12th century, a Chinese Zen master painted ten pictures illustrating the search for an ox, an allegory for the search for our true nature. The picture’s accompanying prose, presented here as an illuminating description of the ten pictures, serves to aid in the progress towards enlightenment. Herding the Ox makes a wonderful addition to any school, studio or place of meditation and makes a perfect complement to The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eight Fold Path. Professionally mounted and framed, our gallery framed print makes a truly stunning presentation. Elevated above a double matt of rich crimson and classic ivory material, the silver plaque at the bottom reads: Seek Enlightenment Dimensions: 26x33 inches