The stages of spiritual development from a Zen Buddhist perspective are sometimes represented by a series of images called the Zen Ox-Herding Pictures, also sometimes referred to in their totality as In Search of the Missing Ox. The Ox in the series is traditionally interpreted through the Mahayana concept of Tathagata-Garbha – “Buddha-Nature” or “Buddha-Womb.” The Tathagatagharba is commonly seen as inherent in each individual, and represents either our potential to become a Buddha, or our already inherent Buddha Nature, which only needs to be realized. The Tathagatagharba is also referred to within Zen as one’s True or Original Nature. Many contemplative traditions contain one or more “maps of spiritual development” – designed, among other things, to lead one toward authentic selflessness. The pieces here represent the third stage in the Zen Series, in which one “catches a glimpse” of the Ox.