The Ten Bulls

The Ten Bulls are pictures and a poem written by the Zen Master Kakuan in the C12th. Each picture illustrates a different stage of a person’s journey through life and the lessons they learn along the way. The Bull is a symbol of our life force, our energy, of our true self.

It begins with a picture of someone in the market place, with no idea there is more to life than meets the eye. Gradually he or she realizes something is missing and sets off on a search for the Bull.

The seeker looks everywhere and eventually glimpses the Bull, pursues him, catches him. struggles with him, tames him and the two ride home together in harmony.

Earlier versions of the story ended here with a blank picture. At this stage you were supposed to spend the rest of your life sitting serenely in a deep peace. But Kakuan said this was not enough. To completely fulfil ourselves, we need to return to the market place and enjoy ordinary life again - in all its aspects. So he added a tenth Bull.

The Tenth Bull is the same as the first. Because here we find, what we were seeking is, and always was, right here in the market place all along. Though we had to leave on our long journey to realize this. Though the place may be the same, however, we are not. The journey has transformed us. At "The Tenth Bull" we hope some aspects of this journey are reflected.