Buddha was a prince before he became enlightened, and when he was a prince he really loved horses.
He was a lover of horses.
When he became enlightened he remembered the horses many times.
In many ways he talks about horses.
He says there are four kinds of horses.
First, the worst: even if you beat them, the more you beat, the more they become stubborn.
They have no aristocracy, no grace, no dignity.
You can insult them, you can whip them, you can beat them — they are very thick-skinned.
If they don't want to move, they will not move.
Then the second kind: if you beat them they will move; they have a little dignity, a sense of self-honor.
Then the third kind, a little higher: you need not beat them — just the noise of the whip is enough.
And the highest, the fourth: even the noise of the whip is not needed — only the shadow of the whip is enough.
Buddha says men are also of four kinds.
The highest, the most intelligent, the real seekers of truth, only need just the shadow of the whip; just a little hint from the master is enough.
They need not be beaten, they need not be forced.
A NOBLE HORSE RARELY FEELS THE TOUCH OF THE WHIP.
There is no need for the noble horse to feel the touch of the whip — just the shadow.
So there are four kinds of disciples too.
The highest kind simply takes the hint.
Sometimes not even a word is uttered; the master just looks into your eyes, and that's enough.
OSHO