A sequence of ten illustrations depicting the levels of realization in Zen, these ancient drawings with Verse and Comments are presented in two new English translations along with contemporary commentary.

These pictures originated in China in the 12th century during the Sung Dynasty. In these pictures, the herder is you, the person on the spiritual quest and the ox is the mind.

With an introduction by Urs App.

Famous series of drawings representing the steps in the realization of one's true nature. The ox represents the eternal principle of life, truth in action.

The protagonist of this poetic picture story, a boy herdsman, stands for none other than you. It is the very "I" that reads these lines through a pair of eyes, the subject of your life, the protagonist of that unique story that is yours. It is what thinks your thoughts, makes your plans, has your desires, and signs your checks: it is what was born of your parents and will die on your deathbed. This "I" is also the starting point of the Zen Buddhist quest.

The Ten Oxherding Pictures which relate back to a Ch'an master in the Sung dynasty China (1126-1279 AD), have spiritual roots in the early Buddhist texts. They provide useful imagery of an illusion to be negated before a seeker of truth can experience enlightenment. The ox symbolize the mind and the herder symbolizes the seeker.