The Ox Lives, the Horse Dies: 'Useng-masa'

Useng-masa (牛生馬死). When a flood sweeps both animals into the rapids, it is said that the ox lives and the horse dies. The horse, by nature fast and aggressive, resists the current, thrashing its legs desperately. Eventually it runs out of strength and dies. In contrast, the ox is slow and passive. It has the habit of entrusting its body to the rushing current.

 

 

In an important contest, what decides victory or defeat is “budongsim” (the unmoving mind). In a great crisis, it’s also what decides life or death. That’s why athletes, in addition to mastering their sport, must learn how to govern their own minds. The field differs, but the same is true whether you’re an executive or an employee.

 

“Useng-masa” is interesting in this light. It refers to the saying that when an ox and a horse fall into a flooded river, the ox lives and the horse dies. Both animals respond according to their “usual selves.” The horse, as it would on land, aggressively resists the current and flails its legs, but over time runs out of strength and dies. The ox, used to slowly plowing the fields, yields its body to the rapids, doesn’t waste its strength, and, when it meets land, may even live. Whether that’s true in reality I don’t know, but it’s a compelling story.

 

“Useng-masa.” In an important contest or a great crisis, remember the “unmoving-mind ox” being swept along by the flood.