Zen & Potter

MASAKAZU KUSAKABE----Zen & Potter 10 Steps 　
Steps for the Zen
1. You decide to look for your favourite cow that is out in your fields. You learn tracking techniques to look for your favourite cow.
2. You search the fields and find the cow's footprints. You know the cow is nearby.
3. You look around the area see your favourite cow in the distance.
4. You are able to catch your cow but the cow is wild from living in the fields.
5. You spend time with your favourite cow and train it so that it will obey your commands.
6. You ride your tamed cow back home from the field. You are two beings who have become one and understand each other. There is a strong bond between you.
7. You release your cow from his halter. You busy yourself with other chores but the cow stays close to you and the farmhouse.
8. The cow stays near the farmhouse but understands freedom again and does not follow you in body or thought.
9. You and the cow now think individually and are both free of your bonds to each other. You interact very naturally and live as equals with one another.
10. You become everything and nothing.

Steps for the Potter
1. You realize that ceramic objects are enjoyable.
2. You begin to study ceramic shapes, history and uses.
3. You decide that you want to add ceramics to your life, maybe as a hobby or by becoming an apprentice.
4. You become a craftsman. You have knowledge of clay, forming, glazing, firing and kiln construction. You are capable of producing pottery.
5. You know how to use ceramics to live life more beautifully. You strive for beauty and grace in your work and share this with others.
6. Ceramics becomes your life. You need to express your ideas, thoughts and messages through ceramic art. You display these thoughts and messages through ceramic exhibits and shows.
7. Ceramics has now led to an interest in other areas such as gardening, cooking, painting, music and history. The pursuit of all knowledge becomes equal and ceramics no longer holds centre stage.
8. You loose your connection to ceramics and submerge yourself in the natural would, trying to live serenely and peacefully with the plants and animals around you.
9. You become part of the natural world and know that you are equal with all other living things. You loose your individuality and like the rabbit that feeds the hungry hawk, you would also give your life for another creature.
10. You become nothing and everything.