Stumbling Blocks and Sticking Places

Susan Ji-on Postal

On October 18 th , in an all day Workshop here, we are going to look at the spiritual journey itself by way of a wonderful roadmap – the classic Ox-herding pictures from Tung Dynasty China which depict transformation through the image of seeking, taming, riding, and forgetting the Ox. Many of you are no doubt familiar with this series of
drawings and verses, most likely as found in the writings of D.T. Suzuki and Phillip Kapleau. It seems an appropriate time to let this text help us reflect on where we are going, where we are, where we have been, and most importantly, where we are stuck. Teachings always need to be about where we are stuck, because we are never not stuck! The clinging mind goes on and on; what shifts is our capacity to see that more clearly. Study of these Ox-herding pictures can be a useful way to help us get a picture of what is happening right now. Each picture serves as a sign-post, a milestone and, at the same time, alerts us to the inevitable stumbling blocks and muddy swamps along the way.

Before we go any farther, I have to say that there is something really disturbing in looking at a linear series of pictures of the spiritual journey. Only the other day we were talking about the principle of “no gain” and we all certainly know that any idea of “progress” is instantly an obstacle. So what in the world are we dong looking at a series that goes from 1 to 10, from delusion to awakening? In some ways it makes no sense at all. Is it possible to see that all 10 pictures are happening at the same time, all happening now? From one perspective, there is no movement, it is all already here. That is what
the Buddha taught. Right from the beginning we are awake and clear. But that is only one part of the equation, at the intrinsic level. At the experiential level, if we are honest, we know there is a journey and we know that we take steps, have insights and grow over time. That is a fact; both are true. Everything is complete and perfect as it is – no stages
are possible and, at the same time, there is a journey of growth and maturation. We always want to fix the truth on one side or another. Can we hold both at the same time? We have to “get” that deep in our gut. The head can’t understand. Our rational thinking mind is hopelessly dualistic. Standing with both feet planted in “bothness” we can enter the powerful imagery offered by this classic series. (to be continued) Debido a su enfermedad, Susan Jion nunca terminó este ciclo de enseñanzas.