These are the ancient Ox-herding pictures, done in many styles over the centuries. All ten can be found <br><a href=http://www.wisdomworkshops.com/oxherding.html>here.</a>
Here is a brief explanation of the images. The first shows a seeker looking for the Ox (the Ox represents the goal of enlightenment). Then he catches sight of the ox, catches him, tames him, rides him, arrives home. Then he forgets the ox and expreiences bliss, then he forgets both the ox and him SELF. Finally he returns to the marketplace (the world) just as the bodhisattva chooses to remain in the world to help all beings achieve Nirvana.
A more complete description is found in Sacred Words of Wisdom, and there are many books that contain them, including Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand by
Zen Inspirations, (leatherbound on Books for the journey page of this web site)
