#10bulls

[bulltamer]

2. 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.

[bulltamer]

My commentary for Bull 1 – In Search of the Bull.  Original commentary from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones appears below.  For more information on the ten bulls check out this site.  

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http://www.4peaks.com/ppox.htm.

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1. The Search for the Bull 

In the pasture of this world, I endlessly push aside the tall grasses in search of the bull.

I realize that there is something missing.  If there is something missing then it means that it is apart from me.  I know that there is more than this.  I must search.

Following unnamed rivers, lost upon the interpenetrating paths of distant mountains,

I found sources of information.  Things that seem to be a way to find what I am missing.  I search many different sources, hear and see many beautiful things. and get lost along the way.

My strength failing and my vitality exhausted, I cannot find the bull.

I search and I search to point of of being ready quit.  But I know that if I keep searching I will find it.

I only hear the locusts chirring through the forest at night.

I have quieted down my thinking enough that I am able to hear the locusts and birds despite being inside.  Everything and everywhere I go seems to be filled with the sound.  The harmony.

Original 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.

[bulltamer]

1. The Search for the Bull

In the pasture of this world, 

I endlessly push aside the tall grasses in search of the bull.

Following unnamed rivers, 

lost upon the interpenetrating 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.

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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.