_Seeing the Traces of the Cow._ By the aid of the Sutras and by inquiring into the doctrines, he has come to understand something, he has found the traces. He now knows that things, however multitudinous, are of one substance, and that the objective world is a reflection of the self. Yet, he is unable to distinguish what is good from what is not, his mind is still confused as to truth and falsehood. As he has not yet entered the gate, he is provisionally said to have noticed the traces. By the water, under the trees, scattered are the traces of the lost: Fragrant woods are growing thick—did he find the way? However remote, over the hills, and far away, the cow may wander, Her nose reaches the heavens and none can conceal it. III [Illustration: Drawing of a person on rural path catching a glimpse of a cow] _face p. 359_ _Seeing the Cow._ He finds the way through the sound, he sees into the origin of things, and all his senses are in harmonious order. In all his activities, it is manifestly present. It is like the salt in water and the glue in colour. [It is there though not separably distinguishable.] When the eye is properly directed, he will find that it is no other thing than himself. Yonder perching on a branch a nightingale sings cheerfully; The sun is warm, the soothing breeze blows through the willows green on the bank; The cow is there all by herself, nowhere is there room to hide herself; The splendid head decorated with stately horns, what painter can reproduce her? IV [Illustration: Drawing of a person roping a cow] _face p. 360_ _Catching the Cow._ After getting lost long in the wilderness, he has at last found the cow and laid hand on her. But owing to the overwhelming pressure of the objective world, the cow is found hard to keep under control. She constantly longs for sweet grasses. The wild nature is still unruly, and altogether refuses to be broken in. If he wishes to have her completely in subjection, he ought to use the whip freely. With the energy of his whole soul, he has at last taken hold of the cow: But how wild her will, ungovernable her power! At times she struts up a plateau, When lo! she is lost in a misty unpenetrable mountain-pass. V [Illustration: Drawing of a person leading a cow with a rope] _face p. 361_ _Herding the Cow._ When a thought moves, another follows, and then another—there is thus awakened an endless train of thoughts. Through enlightenment all this turns into truth; but falsehood asserts itself when confusion prevails. Things oppress us not because of an objective world, but because of a self-deceiving mind. Do not get the nose-string loose, hold it tight, and allow yourself no indulgence.