The fourth Zen Ox-herding picture or the fourth stage on the road to enlightenment in Zen Buddhism is called “Catching the Ox.” Hixon writes:
“Today he encountered the Ox, which has long been cavorting in the wild fields, and actually grasped it. For so long a time it has reveled in these surroundings that the breaking of its old habits is not easy. It continues to yearn for sweet-scented grasses: it is still stubborn and unbridled” (Coming Home: The Experience of Enlightenment in Sacred Traditions by Lex Hixon).
Belief
In The Matrix when Morpheus was captured by the agents and held in a military-controlled building, Neo needed to make a choice. Neo needed to focus his mind and harness the wild, divine energy of the Self (Ox) in order to rescue Morpheus. Tank tries to dissuade Neo from attempting to rescue Morpheus. Tank says, “Neo, this is loco. They’ve got Morpheus in a military-controlled building. Even if you somehow got inside, those are agents holding him. Three of them. I want Morpheus back too, but what you’re talking about is suicide.” Neo replies, “I know that’s what it looks like, but it’s not. I can’t explain to you why it’s not. Morpheus believed something and he was ready to give his life for what he believed. I understand that now. But that’s why I have to go.” Tank questions, “Why?” Neo responds,” Because I believe in something.” Trinity asks, “What?” Neo answers, “I believe I can bring him back….”
Faith
Neo has developed faith in himself and faith in the divine energy (Self, Ox) to support him in his task. Faith isn’t just a Christian concept. Faith is important in other religions, including Buddhism. In Pure Land Buddhism, faith is one of its three main precepts. Neo has caught the Ox and uses his newfound faith and energy to rescue Morpheus.
In trading, without faith in yourself and/or a Divine Other, it would be difficult to pull the trigger (make a trade). If you rely only on your intellect for your trading decisions and do not take into account your instinctual nature (the Ox), then your trading may not be successful. If you do not do the difficult inner work of struggling and coming to terms with your divine nature, then neither your trading or your life may be considered a meaningful endeavor.
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