Four Horses

(NO_ITEM_DATA:S.Suzuki2011) talks about the four different kinds of horses in
the section on Right Practice. These four types of horses are cited as
being discussed in the Samyuktagama Sutra. There is the best horse,
the good horse, the poor horse and the bad horse.

Best horse will run at the right speed in the right direction
according to the driver's will before the whip is even within
view. Good horse can do this too, but only just before the whip
strikes. Poor horse can even accomplish this once it feels the whip's
pain.

Worst horse is retarded and requires a thorough beating before knowing
what's going on. Worst horse needs to feel the pain down to the
marrow of its bones. The reference to bone marrow is of course a
reference to other stories regarding a deep understanding of
Dharma. I don't know about that understanding part, but I am the
retarded horse.

Suzuki goes on to say that in zen, practicioners should not strive to
become the best horse. Worst horse is a more sympathetic figure
because of the struggle it endures to learn. And that struggle in a
way, makes its understanding deeper.

The practice, whether correct or not, whether attained quickly or not,
is the point. Trust the process and keep practicing. And here's hoping
that master's hand does not get tired before I learn to be less
stupid.