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The Vision Cow

An author finds inspiration in the mysterious Vision Cow, a distant cousin to the famed Zen Ox.Edward Espe Brown

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Based on the traditional Zen Ox-Herding SeriesThe traditional series of ten ox-herding pictures depict the spiritual journey from ordinary life through realization of emptiness, and the return to the everyday. The Vision Cow appeared one day on the way home from Drake’s Beach and became the basis for a modern updating of the ancient paradigm: a cow realizes its true nature and is saved from all suffering, benefiting all beings. Here are some notes on the series:

© Edward Espe Brown

1

The Ordinary Life of Cows

 

Grazing, lazing, plenty
of grass and lots of
space. What’s not to
like? Each is a chosen
one. Who says there is
no pleasure here?

© Edward Espe Brown

2
Cow Regimentation

 

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