1.
Not for a moment may the herdsman drop whip and rein
Or the bull would break free and stampede into the dust.
But once patiently trained and made truly gentle,
He follows the herdsman without halter or chain.
2.
Now the bull may saunter through the hill forests,
Or else walk the much travelled roads, covered in dust.
Never will he touch fodder from another man's meadow.
Coming or going requires no effort - the bull quietly carries the man.
3.
In patient training the bull got used to the herdsman and is truly gentle.
Should he walk right into dust, he now no longer gets dirty.
Long and patient gentling! In one sudden plunge the herdsman has won his whole fortune.
Under the trees, others encounter his mighty laugh.
(The Bull and his Herdsman Comments and pointers by Zen Master D.R. Otsu pub Zen Centre London 1989)
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