The Fourth Picture | Ox Herding at Morgan's Bay

In this picture, the ox herder has caught the ox and has gotten the rope around it, but it is still wild and resistant. The ox wants to wander in the fields and eat grass.

This picture refers to the person who has continued to practice diligently after seeing his self-nature. He now has two eyes open, and they won’t close again. His eyes may get heavy at times and not see things clearly, but they are always ready to open wide again.

At this stage the person has control of his vexations. Vexations may still rise in the mind, but they are controlled in body and speech. Although thoughts of hate might emerge, the person could not be driven to harm someone, whereas an ordinary person still has the potential to harm others. There might be thoughts of lust, but they would not carry over into words and actions. Such a person truly maintains the precepts.
Is someone at this stage qualified to be a teacher? If there is a master around who is more advanced, the person should continue to study with him. However, if there are no other masters, the person should try to help those who have not yet reached his level.

Where do you stand in these pictures? Where is your ox? Seeing your self-nature is not an easy thing to do, is it?

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