Riding the Ox Home: Stages on the Path of Enlightenment

by John Daido Loori

Maps and guideposts are helpful when we undertake a journey. The ten Ox-Herding Pictures, the accompanying ancient poems, and a modern commentary by John Daido Loori, sketch the spiritual path encountered in Zen training, a path of exhaustive study of the self and the realization of the ultimate nature of reality. The Ox-Herding Pictures can be our companion on the Way of self-discovery, our compass and perspective when we need one. They are a bottomless source of mysterious wisdom to which we can return again and again for inspiration, and they translate easily into the gritty reality of spiritual practice that emerges from and grounds us in the inescapable relevance of our daily lives.

The exquisite versions of the pictures found in the book are traditional Chinese nanga brush paintings by Gyokusei Jikihara Sensei, a modern Japanese master of calligraphy and a teacher in the Obaku School of Zen. The traditional verses accompanying them have been translated by John Daido Loori and Kazuaki Tanahashi, translator and editor of Enlightenment Unfolds: The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Dogen.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Zen, Spirituality, Religion

104 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2002

About the author

John Daido Loori was a Zen Buddhist rōshi who served as the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery. He was the founder of the Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism and CEO of Dharma Communications.

Reviews

[Esteban del Mal · Rating 1 out of 5]

We have reached a stage of no return. There's no turning back.

I have reached a place that prevents me from reading any further. I can't read anymore. Because this thing is lousy with dumb. It is stupid.

[David Wu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear description of the Zen path through 10 ox pictures. I liked how concise and definite the markers, challenges, and lifestyle of each picture were laid out in this book by Loori. Good to know where I am

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple but profound book on zen and its stages of self realization. Not difficult to read but incorporates deep ideas into compact paragraphs. One of those books that need time and thinking to absorb its deep meanings.

[shypgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly kind of a tough read only bc it shines light on how much of my attention span has just been destroyed by modern media n’at but thanks to this book i’m meditating daily truly on my journey with the ox

[Lenny Balacco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book by a great man.
A book you return to over and over again.

[Marc Mannheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have never read this guy (Loori) before, but he is clear and relateable in his commentary. i don't have anything to compare the translations to (they were only a small portion of the book), but they had impact as well. As a whole, actually made me think/introspect, whereas a lot of meditation lit zombifies me.

[Eduardo A. Camargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for any Zen Practitioner! This is the 2nd book by John D. Loori I have read. The other one is The Heart of Being. Both are great for inspiration and guidance

[John Fredrickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear and easily read book on the discipline of Zen, and the obstacles one encounters and overcomes as one makes progress along the path.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems to be a great introduction - or reminder - to the practices and forms of Zen teachings.

[Ann Viveros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art as well

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little book of Zen wisdom-- wonderful versions of the pictures and corresponding poems with clear commentary. A great way to spend an hour.
Or a lifetime.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thin book but a deep subject. Inspiring and poetic, but very dense.