In China and Japan there is an association between horses and monkeys.
Monkeys are depicted riding on horseback; which may not seem noteworthy until you understand what is meant by it.
There are several phrases originating in Buddhist writings that literally mean "heart monkey, mind horse" or “mind monkey, heart horse” referring to the restless, unruly consciousness of the common person.
One who’s mind is untrained, like a monkey, so that it has no control over the horse, which, as a vehicle, represents the body.
When the body is in charge of our reality we are in the grip of our survival instincts.
We will stay in the barn, or abusive marriage, even though we can see it is burning down.
When the monkey is in control of our minds we are not making conscious choices.
We have no insight, and react to our environment out of habitual programs in our brain. With no thought of choice or higher truths.
In modern Buddhist meditation practices, one is taught to first subdue the restless mind.
The goal is to stop being diverted by everything, to stop mentally grabbing at whatever comes into sight like an addict; and to stop being fooled by mere appearances.
To carefully craft a thought. Hold it. Dispassionately observe it, and then move on.
To live otherwise is to create your future life from your past.
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