THE TEN OXHERDING PICTURES | 十牛図 | III. SEEING THE OX
As we are following the tracks, deepening our practice, the glue that holds the small self together becomes less and less effectual and at some point, we catch a glimpse of our true nature.
The image for this stage rings true-to-life. This is a glimpse at the Ox - we see its tail and hind-quarters. It appears to be fleeing, as it avoids being captured by the conceptual, discursive mind. We don't get a long look at it - certainly not long enough to name it. Yet we know we have seen something wondrous. The ox's head and horns may be buried in the brambles, but no real hiding places exist anymore. The ancestors point to them clearly.
When the discursive mind gives way to direct experience, prajna emerges. As our discursive mind begins to quiet, we sense the wonder and beauty around us. We begin to experience interconnectedness and the separation between us and the universe drops away: An oriole calls from a green bough— Warm sun, gentle breeze, willow-lined river.
Our travels are now in the direction of letting go of the discursive mind through cultivating the faith and trust to open and experience the mystery clearly...
