#6 十牛

 

 

 

 

 

#6 of ten bulls (十牛) -or ten ox herding pictures.

 

 

 

 

The earliest sketches of same were probably drawn by the Chinese zen master, Kuòān Shīyuǎn, in the 12th century.

 

 

 

 

Wikipeda lists the ten (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Bulls):

 

 

 

 

In Search of the Bull (aimless searching, only the sound of cicadas)

Discovery of the Footprints (a path to follow)

Perceiving the Bull (but only its rear, not its head)

Catching the Bull (a great struggle, the bull repeatedly escapes, discipline required)

Taming the Bull (less straying, less discipline, bull becomes gentle and obedient)

Riding the Bull Home (great joy)

The Bull Transcended (once home, the bull is forgotten, discipline's whip is idle; stillness)

Both Bull and Self Transcended (all forgotten and empty)

Reaching the Source (unconcerned with or without; the sound of cicadas)

Return to Society (crowded marketplace; spreading enlightenment by mingling with humankind)

 

 

 

 

Soft pastels on colored card stock, 12 by 12 inches.

 

Done