Definition
Reading: mukaku no tetsugyū / Reading (ZH): wú jiǎo tiě niú
A "hornless iron ox" is an ox made of iron. An ox made of iron has no emotions or discrimination (sentient feelings). Also, having horns is the original fixed form of an ox. Having no horns means it does not take the fixed form of an ordinary ox. Therefore, it is a metaphor for a person whose emotions and discrimination have vanished and who has reached a state unconstrained by fixed frameworks. "Iron ox" has the same meaning as a wooden horse or a mud ox. In ancient times, it is said that King Yu of the Xia Dynasty placed a large iron ox at the boundary dividing Henan and Hebei to calm the flooding of the Yellow River.
Q&A
- Q: Why is the term "hornless iron ox" used as a metaphor for enlightenment or an ideal person?
- A: Because it symbolizes a person who is not swayed by emotions or discrimination like iron, and who has let go of even the fixed idea (fixed form) that "an ox should be like this," reaching a free state unconstrained by any framework.
