The true source of all Buddhas is inherent in every being. Lost in confusion, beings sink and revolve in the three realms; awakened, they instantly transcend the four forms of birth. Thus, Buddhahood can be attained, and beings can realize their potential. For this reason, the ancient sages, moved by compassion, established numerous paths. Their teachings range from partial to complete, from sudden to gradual, moving from the coarse to the subtle, from the shallow to the profound. In the end, there was the flashing glance over the blue lotus flowers, which moved the Elder to smile. From that moment, the Treasury of the True Dharma Eye spread through heavens and earth, in this world and others. Those who grasp its principle surpass all conventions and boundaries, like birds flying through the sky leaving no trace. Those who cling to its words become trapped in expressions and phrases, like a sacred turtle dragging its tail.

Clear Dwelling Master once observed the dispositions of sentient beings and, applying the appropriate remedy for their ailments, created the "Ox Herding" diagram to teach according to their conditions. Beginning with gradual whiteness, it shows that one's power is not yet fully developed; next comes pure authenticity, indicating that one's faculties are gradually illumined. Finally, when both person and ox disappear, this marks the complete vanishing of mind and dharmas. Its principle has fully reached the root source, its method still retains the straw coat, causing those with shallow roots to doubt and err, creating confusion among those of medium and lower capacities. Some mistake it for falling into emptiness, others call it falling into eternalism.

Now we see Master Zegong, emulating the models of former sages and expressing his own inner vision, presenting ten superb verses that interweave and illuminate each other. Beginning from the state of loss and ending with a return to the source, he skillfully responds to all kinds of beings as if saving the hungry and thirsty. Ciyuan, therefore, explores the sublime meanings, gathers the profound and subtle, like a jellyfish seeking sustenance, relying on a sea shrimp for its eyes.

Starting from "Searching for the Ox" and ending with "Entering the Marketplace," he forcibly stirs up waves and randomly produces horns. If there is no mind to be found, what ox is there to search for? And as for "Entering the Marketplace," what kind of demon or illusion is that? Moreover, when one’s ancestors are not yet understood, calamity extends to sons and grandsons. Without measuring my own foolishness, I venture to raise this for discussion.