Taming the Wild Horse: An Annotated Translation and Study of the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures

The Daoist Horse Taming Pictures is a virtually unknown text by Gao Daokuan that offers unique insights into the transformative effects of Daoist contemplative practice. It consists of twelve poems that develop the metaphor of a wild horse to represent ordinary consciousness and must be reined in and harnessed through sustained self-cultivation, especially meditation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In the vibrant tapestry of thirteenth-century China, a Daoist monk named Gao Daokuan emerged, leaving an indelible mark with his remarkable creation: the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures. This extraordinary compilation comprises a series of illustrated poems accompanied by verse commentary, offering a profound glimpse into the transformative power of Daoist contemplative practice. In his annotated translation and insightful study, Louis Komjathy unveils the hidden treasures of this virtually unknown text, revealing unique insights into the profound effects of Daoist meditation.

Taming the Wild Horse delves into the intricate interplay between monasticism and contemplative practice, exploring the multifaceted significance of the horse in traditional Chinese culture. It sheds light on the consequences for both human and nonhuman animals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Comprising twelve poems, ten of which center around the horse, the Horse Taming Pictures skillfully employ the metaphor of a wild or untamed horse to symbolize ordinary consciousness. This consciousness, akin to a untamed horse, requires diligent reining in and harnessing through the practice of sustained self-cultivation, particularly meditation.

Komjathy's translation provides a rich tapestry for reflection, offering insights into contemplative practice in general and Daoist meditation in particular. It encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, fostering a transpersonal way of perceiving and being that transcends the boundaries of the individual. Through this annotated translation and study, Gao Daokuan's legacy continues to resonate, inviting us to explore the depths of our own consciousness and embrace the transformative power of Daoist contemplative practice.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 143 x 222 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231181273