A favorite with early Zen practitioners in China and Japan, The Ten Oxherding Pictures uses the ox as a symbol for Buddha nature the original possession of all human beings and the taming of the ox as a symbol for the practice of realizing that nature. This volume contains lectures on the text given by Yamada Mumon Roshi (1900 1988) to his monks while master of Shofuku-ji Monastery. It is the first authentic explication of a Zen text by a traditional Japanese Zen master. A seeker of the way, Yamada Mumon spent many years sharing a life of practice with young monks at the monastery in addition to serving as president of Hanazono College and director of the Research Institute for Zen Studies. Later he assumed the post of chief abbot of the Myoshin-ji temples. Followers of Zen have long been waiting for this book. According to Mumon Roshi, the path of the seeker is not only for the committed specialist. Even the average reader, drawn along by Mumon Roshi s straightforward explanations, will move forward on the journey of the self (symbolized by the taming of the ox) and come to see humanity with new eyes.

This book is based on "the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures of Zen", a classic of Zen literature from the 12th century. It counts among the fundamental and essential works of Zen Buddhism. The book portrays the spiritual path to realisation by means of a story, illustrated in picture and verse, of an ox-herder searching for his lost ox - his true self. Zen Master Zensho's invaluable annotations are an expression of his enlightened consciousness - exceptionally clear, readily understood and true-to-life. They are highly practical and a unique orientation aid on the path to self-realisation. These enlightening explanations give us a new opening to a clear understanding of the mystical meaning of the Ten Ox-herding Pictures of Zen.

Uniting fifty never-before-seen watercolor images, this book explores the powerful influence of Zen on the renowned artist and composer's work.

In the twelfth century, the Chinese Zen master Kakuan Shien produced the pictures, poems, and commentaries we know as the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures. They trace a universally recognizable path of contemplative spirituality, using the metaphor of a young ox-herder looking for his lost ox. According to Addison Hodges Hart, the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures and the teachings of Christ, the Good Shepherd who guides us to God, share a common vision. Both show us that authentic spiritual life must begin with an inner transformation of one's self, leading to an outward life that is natural and loving. In The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd Hart shares the story that these pictures tell, exploring how this ancient Buddhist parable can enrich and illumine the Christian way. Includes 10 color illustrations

Manual of Zen Buddhism's main object is to inform the readers to various literary materials relating to the monastery life. It also tells us about those edicts which the Zen monks read before the Buddha in daily service in the different quarters of institution.

A Buddhist parable best known as The Ten Ox Herding Songs, likens a herdsman's search for a missing ox to an individual's journey toward enlightenment and features color artwork taken from its earliest known Japanese handscroll.

First Published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.