While the kensho experience is seeing one's Buddha nature, it is not the same as becoming a buddha. But in riding the ox, one is on the path back home.

In the picture, the ox herder is playing a flute. The ox still has a ring through its nose, but there's no need to hang onto the rein, which is thrown around the ox's horn. The ox herder doesn't bother directing the ox, because it is familiar with the way. Here, practice is effortless. The person's six sense organs are purified. That is to say, when he comes into contact with things in the environment, vexations do not rise. The person is aware of the environment, but the environment does not generate feelings of greed or anger in him.

Someone at this level feels close to all that he sees, hears, or feels. It's as if the whole world is a Buddha world. Everything is proclaiming the Dharma. The person knows that practice is still necessary. He knows there is a mind that needs cultivation, so he continues to practice. Practice, however, is effortless.

There is no need to encourage the person to practice. Nothing can come between him and practice along the path. In fact, everything he does is practice. When a person reaches this stage, he is safe. Precepts, samadhi and wisdom become part of his being. The person no longer thinks or says, "I need to practice."