Strolling through the quiet aisles of a library in Kudanshita (a neighborhood in Tokyo), I stumbled upon a gem – a small book brimming with Zen stories. It was the "10 Bulls" narrative that truly captivated me. Authored by Paul Reps, this intriguing collection is titled "Zen Flesh Zen Bones," and is available as a free PDF version.
As I explore the depths of Zen and seek inner peace, I find myself on a path of self-discovery, drawing ever closer to enlightenment. Zen, with its sudden bursts of realization, is a journey marked by the gradual awakening of awareness. In moments of difficulty, I retreat to the serene temples of Kita-Kamakura. Lying on tatami (bamboo floors), with the gentle brush of fresh air against my skin, I am rooted in the present, each breath infusing a profound sense of being truly alive.
This piece diverges from my usual Japan-centric content, so I'm labeling it as a special edition of random thoughts. My passion for writing and reading compels me to share compelling discoveries. A few months back, I began 'Zen Monday' on my Twitter, sharing the "Ten Bulls" series. I believe that grasping inner peace and truth is a fundamental human endeavor. Timeless in its wisdom, these ancient teachings continue to resonate, offering profound insights into both philosophical and spiritual domains. They serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life, enriching our understanding of personal growth.
In the twelfth century, the Chinese master Kakuan illustrated this journey with the ten bulls, drawing from earlier Taoist traditions, accompanied by his prose and verse translations. The bull symbolizes life's eternal principle and truth in action. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
The search for the Bull
In the pasture of this world, I endlessly push aside the tall grasses in search of the hull. Following unnamed rivers, lost upon the inter- penetrating paths of distant mountains. My strength failing and my vitality exhausted, I cannot find the bull. I only hear the locusts chirring through the forest at night.
Comment: The bull never has been lost. What need is there to search? Only because of separation from my true nature, I fail to find him. In the confusion of the senses I lose even his tracks.Far from home, I see many crossroads, but which way is the right one I know not. Greed and fear, good and bad, entangle me.
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 no more can be hidden than one’s nose, looking heavenward.
Comment: Understanding the teaching, I see the footprints of the bull. Then I learn that, just as many utensils are made from one metal, so too are myriad entities made of the fabric of self. Unless I discriminate, how will I perceive the true from the untrue? Not yet having entered the gate, nevertheless I have discerned the path.
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?
Comment: When one hears the voice, one can sense its source. As soon as the six senses merge, the gate is entered. Wherever one enters one sees the head of the bull ! This unity is like salt in water, like color in dyestuff. The slightest thing is not a part from self.
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.
Comment: He dwelt in the forest a long time, butI caught him today! Infatuation for scenery interferes with his direction. Longing for sweeter grass, he wanders away. His mind still is stubborn and unbridled. If I wish him to submit, I must raise my whip.
Taming the Bull
The whip and rope are necessary, Else be might stray off down some dusty road. Being well trained, he becomes naturally gentle. Then, unfettered, he obeys his master.
Comment: When one thought arises, another thought follows. When the first thought springs from enlightenment, all subsequent thoughts are true. Through delusion, one makes everything untrue. Delusion is not caused by objectivity; it is the result of subjectivity. Hold the nose-ring tight and do not allow even a doubt.
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.
Comment: This struggle is over; gain and loss are assimilated. I sing the song of the village woodsman, and play the tunes of the children. Astride the bull, I observe the clouds above. Onward I go, no matter who may wish to call me back.
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 hare abandoned the whip and rope.
Comment: All is one law, not two. We only make the bull a temporary subject. It is as the relation of rabbit and trap, of fish and net. It is as gold and dross, or the moon emerging from a cloud. One path of clear light travels on throughout endless time.
8. Both Bull & Self Transcended
Whip, rope, person, and bull—all merge in Nothing. 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 patriarchs.
Comment: Mediocrity is gone. Mind is clear of limitation. I seek no state of enlightenment. Neither do I remain where no enlightenment exists. Since I linger in neither condition, eyes cannot see me.If hundreds of birds strew my path with flowers, such praise would be meaningless.
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 that without— The river flows tranquilly on and the flowers are red.
Comment: From the beginning, truth is clear. Poised in silence, I observe the forms of integration and disintegration. One who is not attached to "form"need not be "reformed. " The water is emerald, the mountain is indigo, and I see that which is creating and that which is destroying.
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 mj life; Now, before me, the dead trees become alive.
Comment: Inside my gate, a thousand sages do not know me. The beauty of my garden is invisible. Why should one search for the footprints of the patriarchs? I go to the market place with my wine bottle and return home with my staff. I visit the wineshop and the market, and everyone I look upon becomes enlightened.
Reference used for article and images:
Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings- Authored by Paul Reps
