Playing the Lute to a Cow: How Consciousness Perfumes Manas

Although the melody of the zither is elegant, melodious, and pleasing to the ear, the ox, being extremely dull-witted, initially neither comprehends nor appreciates it. This is because the ox, representing the manas (the seventh consciousness), is burdened by profound ignorance. Since beginningless kalpas (eons) in the cycle of birth and death, it has spent the vast majority of time suffering retribution, lacking the opportunity to be influenced by the truths of both the mundane and supramundane worlds. Consequently, it has never understood the principle of liberation. Despite the Dharma being so sublime, the manas remains unaware, fails to grasp its meaning, and does not even seek the methods of liberation. The conscious mind's (the sixth consciousness) influence upon the manas is like casting pearls before swine.

At this point, the conscious mind must train itself in the art of playing and patiently persist in playing for a long time. Eventually, one day, the manas-ox will perceive the charm within the music. The conscious mind must intensify its training efforts to ensure that, regardless of the tune played, the manas-ox can understand it. This is extremely difficult and requires considerable effort. Once the ox comprehends the melody, things become much easier, and spiritual practice will proceed with smooth sailing.