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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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 Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:36 pm
I have here a book titled "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones". I'd like to give an excerpt here from it, entitled 10 bulls. I suggest that if you enjoy this, you should go out and purchase this book.
Some brief history of the 10 Bulls
In 12th century China, Master Kakuan drew the pictures of the 10 Bulls, basing his on earlier drawings of Taoist bulls. He then added his own coments and prose, and compiled them into a short book.
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:39 pm
 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 cannont fund the bull. I only hear the locusts chirring through the forest at night.
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:40 pm
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.
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:41 pm
3. 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?
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:42 pm
4. 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.
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:43 pm
5. Taming the Bull
The whip and rope are necessary,
Else he might stray off down some dusty road.
Being well trained, he becomes naturally gentle.
Then, unfettered, he obeys his master.
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:44 pm
6. 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.
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:45 pm
7. 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 have abandoned the whip and rope.
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:46 pm
8. Both Bull and Self Transcended
Whip, rope, person, and bull -- all merge in No-Thing.
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.
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:46 pm
9. 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.
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Akanishi Makoto Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:48 pm
10. 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 my life;
Now, before me, the dead trees become alive.
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