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Scene 30, Episodes 4-6. Baodingshan, Dazu (map)
The Oxherding Parable illustrates the process of enlightenment. As the herdsman gradually tames his ox, so the spiritual seeker tames his unruly mind by the practice of Zen.
In Episode 4 (left side of left photo), the ox has been tamed but is beset with danger; the herdsman, his back to the viewer, climbs up to pull the ox down to safety. This represents freeing the mind from delusions. In Episode 5 (right side of left photo, and left side of right photo), the ox follows willingly, with only a slack rope. In Episode 6 (right side of right photo), the ox is completely freed from the rope.
Episodes 5 and 6 (center of right photo) are linked by an affectionate couple that, oddly, represents the seeker embracing himself. They are the same person, only at different stages of spiritual development; it is as if the seeker is saying hello/goodbye from the old self to the new, upon moving to the next stage. Their embrace symbolizes the happiness that accompanies this stage of spiritual development, and connects these two critical scenes at the moment of liberation. The ox follows them willingly, connected only by a slack rope that also joins the two embracing figures. The right-hand figure no longer holds the rope, which is merely draped around him playfully by his companion.
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