Buddhism

Ox Herding Pictures: Catching the Ox

15/10/201508/12/2016 Jessica DavidsonLeave a comment

He must tightly grasp the rope and not let it go, for the Ox still has unhealthy tendencies. Now it charges up to the highlands Now it loiters in a misty ravine. This stage of the path is all about discipline. You’ve finally discovered the truth about your Buddha Nature. It’s been hidden inside you… Continue reading Ox Herding Pictures: Catching the Ox

Buddhism

Ox Herding Pictures: First Glimpse of the Ox

12/10/201508/12/2016 Jessica DavidsonLeave a comment

A nightingale warbles on a twig, the sun shines on undulating willows. There stands the Ox, where could it hide? That splendid head, those stately horns, what artist could portray them? This is where you get a glimpse of the truth you’re seeking. It isn’t full enlightenment because you only see the tail of the… Continue reading Ox Herding Pictures: First Glimpse of the Ox

Buddhism

Ox Herding Pictures: Finding the Tracks

08/10/201508/12/2016 Jessica DavidsonLeave a comment

Innumerable footprints has he seen in the forest and along the water’s edge. Over yonder does he see the trampled grass? Even the deepest gorges of the topmost mountains can’t hide this Ox’s nose which reaches right to heaven. By asking the right questions you begin to sense there might be more to life than you… Continue reading Ox Herding Pictures: Finding the Tracks

Buddhism

Ox Herding Pictures: Seeking the Ox

05/10/201508/12/2016 Jessica Davidson5 Comments

Desolate through forests and fearful in jungles, he is seeking an Ox which he does not find. Up and down dark, nameless, wide-flowing rivers, in deep mountain thickets he treads many bypaths. Bone-tired, heart-weary, he carries on his search for this something which he yet cannot find. At evening he hears cicadas chirping in the… Continue reading Ox Herding Pictures: Seeking the Ox

Buddhism

Zen Ox Herding Pictures: Introduction

02/10/201508/12/2016 Jessica Davidson5 Comments

The ox herding pictures represent the process of awakening as described in Zen Buddhism. Each image is a metaphor that reveals the internal stages of meditation – how awakening looks from the inside. In this series we’ll look at each picture and explore what they mean, but first a bit of background. The original drawings… Continue reading Zen Ox Herding Pictures: Introduction

Writing

Writing Isn’t Like Making a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

14/09/201526/06/2020 Jessica Davidson4 Comments

“Every single time you sit down to write – a story, a poem, an essay, a novel – it will be a brand-new experience. No formula works. The mystery that solved your previous story doesn’t speak the same language as your current story. The key that unlocked the sonnet of yesterday won’t work today. Accept… Continue reading Writing Isn’t Like Making a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

Apocalypse

Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower

05/09/201526/06/2020 Jessica Davidson1 Comment

I’ve been watching the unfolding calamity of the refugee crisis in Europe, searching for a response – how to process the grief and not turn away from the darkness that I’m seeing. Then I found this beautiful poem by Rilke (from Sonnets to Orpheus II, 29) and it helped. I hope it helps you too…… Continue reading Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower

Awakening

It Starts Now

17/08/201526/06/2020 Jessica DavidsonVideo3 Comments

I’ve shared this fantastic video from Alan Watts before, but it bears repeating as a little reminder of a basic truth: you can’t blame others for the world you’re living in. Wake up and remember who you are!

Creativity · Meditation

Colouring Books: Art Therapy or Mindless Money-spinner?

10/08/201504/06/2023 Jessica Davidson9 Comments

There’s a new mindfulness craze sweeping the nation: colouring books for adults. It’s supposed to help you relax and be more mindful, but does it work? The idea is that keeping your hands occupied allows the mind to become still. If you struggle with normal meditation, where you have to sit and do nothing but… Continue reading Colouring Books: Art Therapy or Mindless Money-spinner?

Writing

The Real Cause of Writer’s Block and How to Overcome It

04/08/201509/06/2019 Jessica Davidson1 Comment

Every writer gets stuck once in a while, but suffering from writer’s block takes stuckness to a whole new level. It’s said that the difference between writers and would-be writers is that writers write. They actually put the words down and keep putting the words down – regardless. So what happens when you’re a writer… Continue reading The Real Cause of Writer’s Block and How to Overcome It

Awakening

Shadow and Light Source Both

30/07/201526/06/2020 Jessica Davidson3 Comments

How does a part of the world leave the world? How does wetness leave water? Don’t try to put out fire by throwing on more fire! Don’t wash a wound with blood. No matter how fast you run, your shadow keeps up. Sometimes it’s in front! Only full overhead sun diminishes your shadow. But that… Continue reading Shadow and Light Source Both

Awakening

Pooh Follows the Honey of Intuition

27/07/201526/06/2020 Jessica Davidson1 Comment

In which Pooh teaches us how to listen to our intuition and not the rabbiting of our egos: On a foggy day, Pooh, Piglet and Rabbit were trying to find their way home, only it wasn’t going to plan… “The fact is,” said Rabbit, “we’ve missed our way somehow.” They were having a rest in… Continue reading Pooh Follows the Honey of Intuition