Life is wild. Messy. And short. You're a little lost. Aimless. Roughed up. Frightened. So you meditate.

By Sam Yang - Get similar updates here

"Ten Bulls" is a classic series of poems that illustrates the Buddhist's progress towards the purification of the Self into enlightenment, and the subsequent return to society to share in this wisdom. In comparative mythology, this is known as the monomyth or the hero's journey — as introduced by American mythologist Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces.

Building on the tradition of Taoist bull parables, Buddhist master Kuòān Shīyuǎn (Kakuan Shien) took what was already present and made it deeper and wider. A pure and potent version of what is now known as Zen.

First appearing in China in the 12th century, these poems, along with Taoism, greatly influenced Chan Buddhism. As Chan Buddhism spread to Japan, it developed into the practice known as Zen Buddhism.

Into Zen

In contemporary culture, "zen" has become a colloquialism. An adjective interchangeable with "mellow"; "zen" is the prevailing slang, occupying the space "chill" once held. But the colloquialism is not congruent with Zen Buddhism. Rather than a practice, "zen" describes a state of being or a personality trait that requires no practice.

However, there is the rare occasion someone might use "zen" to express discipline, austere minimalism, and mastery. This description complements the practice. After all, from Zen came Eastern martial arts. (Perhaps one without the other is incomplete.)

Unlike its predecessors, Zen de-emphasizes sutras and doctrines, and favors adherent practice of meditation, along with direct study under a master. The willingness to drop ego and be the student, shoshin, is the hallmark of Zen practice. It requires stringent self-control, commitment, and deep-empathy.

If it takes 12-steps to transform your life, Zen only needs ten steps to a full life.

Zen Meditation

The practice of Zen meditation is neither a means to unlocking superhuman abilities nor a shortcut to happiness and productivity. It is a way to uncover one's natural wisdom. The difference between knowledge and wisdom is compassion. The compassionate mind is considered our true Nature. We pursue meditation for self-centeredness, but if done correctly, what we improve is our other-centeredness.

"Ten Bulls," accompanied by Zen paintings, became the prescriptive guide to Zen meditation. Pay particular attention to the cyclical nature of the allegory (the influence of Taoism). The ending of the final stage introduces the first stage. In this context, if you do not let go of the Self, you will never complete the cycle. No better than before, stuck to repeating the same patterns of negativity.

Also, do not focus merely on the original intent of the poem. Use your representational process to interpret how this can nurture a better quality of life.

Ten Bulls

Verses by Kuòān Shīyuǎn (Kakuan Shien, 12th century). Translation by Senzaki Nyogen and Paul Reps in Zen Flesh Zen Bones. Paintings attributed to Tenshō Shūbun (1414 – 1463).

(And below them, you will find my own verses of reflection.)

1. In Search of the Bull