The Path - Ten Ox Herding - Part 2 - Art Print / Framed Print.

With perseverance, and the strenuous physical training, that is required to face big waves, or long and exhausting hours of studies. Mental strength is increased, as well as the wisdom to face such mighty adversities. And all along this journey you will also find valuable hints and pointers that will lead you to the place of the "Sleeping Giant".

About the Ten Ox Herding project

This project is a collaboration with my friend Shinji Asai. It is a surfer's search of the true nature of the mind, based on the story from "Ten Ox Herding".

Ten Bulls or Ten Ox Herding is a series of short poems and accompanying drawings used in the Zen tradition to describe the stages of a practitioner's progress toward enlightenment and her or his return to society to enact wisdom and compassion.

Shinji wrote the story in Japanese for each step:

見跡
試練は続き　忍耐は試される
猛る波に立ち向かうには　鍛錬が必要だ
身体だけではなく　逞しい精神も問われるだろう
自分が何者であるかを　知るための終わりなき学び
地平線へと続く　果てなき旅路をゆきながら
乾いた喉を潤す　朝露に光明をいだく
眠れる巨人の稜線が　彼方に浮かぶ


and Tim Crowe translated it into English:

"After the tough physical training required to face big waves, or long hours of studies to increase mental strength and wisdom to face huge adversities. You will find footprints, valuable hints, pointing you towards the home of the sleeping giant."

The Kanji and stamp is made by Shinji's brother Junichi Asai.

The print: Gallery quality archival Giclee prints on Jonas favourite paper - Hahnemühle Photo Rag, a white, 100% cotton paper with a smooth surface texture. Available with or without a matte/ border, and with or without a black/ white wood frame.