Finding Peace With The Ten Oxherding Pictures

If you've actually felt like you're looking for something you can't quite name, you'll probably find a large amount of meaning in the ten oxherding pictures . These drawings have been around for decades, originating in 12th-century China, and they've become one of the most popular ways to explain the path to waking up—or "enlightenment, " if you want to use the fancy expression. But honestly, these people aren't just for monks in hill caves. They're a really grounded way to look at just how we cope with our own messy, distracted minds. ...

April 2, 2026 · 7 min · Najun Tanikawa