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The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd: Finding Christ on the Buddha's Path
In the twelfth century, the Chinese Zen master Kakuan Shien produced the pictures, poems, and commentaries we know as the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures. They trace a universally recognizable path of contemplative spirituality, using the metaphor of a young ox-herder looking for his lost ox.
According to Addison Hodges Hart, the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures and the teachings of Christ, the Good Shepherd who guides us to God, share a common vision. Both show us that authentic spiritual life must begin with an inner transformation of one's self, leading to an outward life that is natural and loving. In The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd Hart shares the story that these pictures tell, exploring how this ancient Buddhist parable can enrich and illumine the Christian way.
Includes 10 color illustrations
According to Addison Hodges Hart, the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures and the teachings of Christ, the Good Shepherd who guides us to God, share a common vision. Both show us that authentic spiritual life must begin with an inner transformation of one's self, leading to an outward life that is natural and loving. In The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd Hart shares the story that these pictures tell, exploring how this ancient Buddhist parable can enrich and illumine the Christian way.
Includes 10 color illustrations
126 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 6, 2020
This is a fantastic little book reflecting on The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures from Zen Buddhism from a Christian perspective. Hart begins with the point that from a Christian perspective all truth is Gods truth and truth found anywhere ought not be feared. From that, he sees lots of similarities between this story and the Christian story.
A knowledge of Buddhism is helpful but not essential. I think of some of those old apologetic charts that pointed out what was unique about Christianity, and there’s nothing wrong with seeing the difference in various religions. But Hart’s writing is so much more profound and beautiful than a chart listing differences. And why wouldn’t we expect similarities in world religions?
Fun fact, Addison is the older brother of David Bentley Hart and they clearly think along similar lines. I don’t know what their parents did but Id like to know so I can teach my kids that way!
A knowledge of Buddhism is helpful but not essential. I think of some of those old apologetic charts that pointed out what was unique about Christianity, and there’s nothing wrong with seeing the difference in various religions. But Hart’s writing is so much more profound and beautiful than a chart listing differences. And why wouldn’t we expect similarities in world religions?
Fun fact, Addison is the older brother of David Bentley Hart and they clearly think along similar lines. I don’t know what their parents did but Id like to know so I can teach my kids that way!
July 20, 2022
Riding free, I buoyantly wend my way
homeward.
Enveloped in the evening mist, the voice of
my
flute intones.
Singing a song, beating time, my heart is
filled
with indescribable joy.
The Ox requires not a blade of grass.
My struggle is over. Gain and loss no longer concern me. I hum the rustic tune of the woodsman and play the simple songs of the village children. Astride the Ox’s back, I serenely gaze at the clouds above. Even if called, no turning back; however enticed, no more disturbance.
- Kakuan Shien, poem and commentary for the sixth Ox-Herding picture
Only on the Ox was I able to come home.
But, look—the Ox is now vanished, and
serenely
I sit alone.
Though the red sun rides high in the
heavens,
I placidly dream on.
Under a thatched roof my whip and rope lie
idle.
All is one law, not two. The Ox was only a temporary symbol. When a rabbit is caught, a trap is no longer needed; when a fish is caught, a net is no longer needed. It is like gold separated from dross, like the moon breaking through the clouds. One ray of light, serene and penetrating, shines eternally.
- Kakuan Shien, poem and commentary for the seventh Ox-Herding picture
“So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
– Apostle Paul, Galatians 3:24-26
A lovely treatise on taming the inner life, returning to one’s true, undefiled self—the image of God—through a direct encounter with the Source of all things, and returning to social life with new vitality, naturalness, and grace to be of service to others. Recommended for aspiring saints and bodhisattvas.
homeward.
Enveloped in the evening mist, the voice of
my
flute intones.
Singing a song, beating time, my heart is
filled
with indescribable joy.
The Ox requires not a blade of grass.
My struggle is over. Gain and loss no longer concern me. I hum the rustic tune of the woodsman and play the simple songs of the village children. Astride the Ox’s back, I serenely gaze at the clouds above. Even if called, no turning back; however enticed, no more disturbance.
- Kakuan Shien, poem and commentary for the sixth Ox-Herding picture
Only on the Ox was I able to come home.
But, look—the Ox is now vanished, and
serenely
I sit alone.
Though the red sun rides high in the
heavens,
I placidly dream on.
Under a thatched roof my whip and rope lie
idle.
All is one law, not two. The Ox was only a temporary symbol. When a rabbit is caught, a trap is no longer needed; when a fish is caught, a net is no longer needed. It is like gold separated from dross, like the moon breaking through the clouds. One ray of light, serene and penetrating, shines eternally.
- Kakuan Shien, poem and commentary for the seventh Ox-Herding picture
“So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
– Apostle Paul, Galatians 3:24-26
A lovely treatise on taming the inner life, returning to one’s true, undefiled self—the image of God—through a direct encounter with the Source of all things, and returning to social life with new vitality, naturalness, and grace to be of service to others. Recommended for aspiring saints and bodhisattvas.
January 7, 2014
One of the best books on faith I've ever read...and I secretly love that this book would scare almost every Christian I know...the problem is, they won't ever read it, so won't ever know it could change their faith and view of God in the most positive directions. I think we Christians have alot to learn from other religions and Buddhism more than most. The author takes a classic series of ancient Buddhist drawings meant to guide spiritual practice and applies them to the Christian life. I'm floored by how much we have in common with other faiths when you really pay attention and, again, how much we can gain by following truth wherever it leads...
I'm also ashamed at times to be part of a faith that doesn't trust God as much as they say they do. That lack of trust puts up walls to beautiful and helpful works like this and it's no wonder why Jesus has such a bad name these days.
I'm also ashamed at times to be part of a faith that doesn't trust God as much as they say they do. That lack of trust puts up walls to beautiful and helpful works like this and it's no wonder why Jesus has such a bad name these days.
April 13, 2014
Presumes some knowledge of Zen Buddhism beforehand, but if you have that, this is well worth the read. (If not, get a copy of D.T. Suzuki's books ASAP. Talk about a game-changer.)
Any book that begins with the words "The Christian by definition is someone who is interiorly free" and "Wherever truth is to be found, we are free to search for it" -- that book should be on your map.
Addison Hart is a master and looks like Santa. Read it in one sitting. Read it while standing up peeing.
Any book that begins with the words "The Christian by definition is someone who is interiorly free" and "Wherever truth is to be found, we are free to search for it" -- that book should be on your map.
Addison Hart is a master and looks like Santa. Read it in one sitting. Read it while standing up peeing.
April 8, 2020
A refreshing read of a Christian self-aware that he is seeking to find truth from Buddhist spiritual/devotional tools, even at the risk of appropriation.
February 24, 2019
A beautiful little book, and perhaps I can pay it no higher complement than to say it was a book I really needed at this moment in my life, feeling overburdened by knowledge and spiritually unsteady. Hart writes with clarity and simplicity, showing where Christians and Zen practitioners walk together, following the imaginative path of the Ten Ox-Herding pictures.
I approach this book from Christianity, though I have also read a fair amount of Buddhist literature, and this has given me more peace in my fidelity to the former. Hart is committed to helping us see familiar teachings in an unfamiliar light. He emphasizes the etymological root of the word "sin" as wandering astray rather than congenital wickedness or rule-breaking, he subverts the ossified distinction between nature and supernature, and he recovers Christ as a great spiritual teacher without denying any of the traditional dogmas about his ministry. Perhaps most significantly, he uses the Ox-Herding pictures to illuminate a fresh and attractive vision of sainthood or divinization, the end of the Christian life. I would recommend this book especially to Christians grappling with the wisdom of the East or in need of a new perspective on their own faith.
I approach this book from Christianity, though I have also read a fair amount of Buddhist literature, and this has given me more peace in my fidelity to the former. Hart is committed to helping us see familiar teachings in an unfamiliar light. He emphasizes the etymological root of the word "sin" as wandering astray rather than congenital wickedness or rule-breaking, he subverts the ossified distinction between nature and supernature, and he recovers Christ as a great spiritual teacher without denying any of the traditional dogmas about his ministry. Perhaps most significantly, he uses the Ox-Herding pictures to illuminate a fresh and attractive vision of sainthood or divinization, the end of the Christian life. I would recommend this book especially to Christians grappling with the wisdom of the East or in need of a new perspective on their own faith.
October 11, 2024
Beautiful little book about the Ten Bulls or Ox-Herding Pictures. I'd never heard of this classic depiction of the journey to enlightenment until it was mentioned by Michael Singer in a podcast that I listened to recently. They are a series of illustrations accompanied by poems that represent a different phase in the realization of one's true nature. Very wonderful that my first introduction to the nuances of this Zen Buddhist text/drawings/concept was from Addison H. Hart. The original illustrations and poems convey the idea that we must learn to govern our thoughts. And Hart is a fine guide to these ideas because he is clearly well read in the ancient Christian writings. In fact he references the Philokalia of Eastern Orthodox writings as one of the crucial points of "Taming the Ox" chapter. He points out the meaning of the word "metanoia" is "to change one's mind" or to go beyond it. He shares how this is a concept that is also in Buddhism via meditation. Or the use of the Jesus Prayer. Definitely one to add to the permanent collection of numinous writings.
December 31, 2022
A delightful read that is clear, simple, and honest in its presentation. Hart wastes no time in making it clear his own views on religious dialogue and his broad openness to the mysterious blowing of the Spirit. While not being anything of an expert on Buddhist, or specifically Chan/Zen, Hart’s treatment seems respectful and genuine enough while offering a refreshing interpretation on the beauties of the Christian message through these 10 images. It is, as we often need, a window at Jesus-as-teacher, rather than Jesus as savior (not to deny its importance). It shows us that the way of Jesus, and the teachings of the Kingdom of God can be sharpened and deepened by reflecting on Kakuan Shien’s insights on the journey to enlightenment.
This is a must read for the Christian interested in interfaith dialogue and Buddhism. It is also a useful read for the Buddhist to see the clarity and insight the Christ-dharma has to offer that is so often hidden under a layer of dust.
This is a must read for the Christian interested in interfaith dialogue and Buddhism. It is also a useful read for the Buddhist to see the clarity and insight the Christ-dharma has to offer that is so often hidden under a layer of dust.
February 26, 2022
This short book compliments well my overall direction in spirituality for the past two years. I must confess that I only heard of Addison Hart from his brother David, but I found Addison’s prose to not only rival his brother’s but even in certain ways to exceed it. However, their works compliment each other so well in getting at the idea that the enlightened Christian should not be afraid to use the traditions and perspectives of other religions and philosophies to get at greater insight into Christ. I would actually argue that the principles of Buddhism and Taoism provide necessary insight into a faith which has abandoned or may never even possessed such spiritual richness.
September 22, 2017
This is an amazing little book. Consistent with both a buddhist world view and a Christian world view. However, the Christian world view offered here is what grows from a man who lived 2000 years ago, and transcended the lies and traps of the priests' world view.
July 3, 2018
This is an amazing book. I enjoyed it thoroughly. A must read for anyone who is familiar with Jesus and the gospels and loves the transcendent message they contain, but is left unmoved by the Christian religion and the doctrines that have grown out of it.
July 20, 2019
Some very nice lessons on how to be a good human are included in this book. Can be hard to follow at times but it is still somewhat enlightening.
October 15, 2022
I love this book. It takes a well known Buddhist text and interprets it through a Christian lens. It is so helpful in approaching spiritual texts of all varieties. It is beautiful and profound.
January 8, 2025
I liked this book a lot. The similarities of these faiths was presented in a digestible and engaging way.
January 20, 2025
A short but beautiful read
November 13, 2013
There is a principle that says that all truth is God's truth and thus we should not be afraid to follow it wherever it leads. Addison Hodges Hart is a Christian and a retired pastor. In this book he shows how Christ can be found along a path that is laid out by Buddhism.
In this book Hart takes a look at a set of ten pictures produced by a twelfth century Chinese Zen master named Kakuan Shien. These pictures focus on three figures -- an ox, a boy, and a man. The Ox is the true self. In the course of the pictures (with accompanying poems), the boy, who is the disciple or learner, becomes lost and then finds the inner self. It is, a meditation of finding one's identity. In this set of paintings along with commentary provided, we find a pathway to connecting ourselves spiritually to the inner self. It is not until the tenth picture that the Man (Hotei) appears. Hotei appears to be a Buddha figure or a bodhisttva, an enlightened one.
In the processof discovery the boy and the ox are united and in the end Hotei appears, as a figure of joy and abundance. Hart writes that in the course of this journey we discover that the spiritual pathway is not simply that of asceticism, though it can include some ascetic practices, but is ultimately a way to finding divine abundance.
In this book Hart takes a look at a set of ten pictures produced by a twelfth century Chinese Zen master named Kakuan Shien. These pictures focus on three figures -- an ox, a boy, and a man. The Ox is the true self. In the course of the pictures (with accompanying poems), the boy, who is the disciple or learner, becomes lost and then finds the inner self. It is, a meditation of finding one's identity. In this set of paintings along with commentary provided, we find a pathway to connecting ourselves spiritually to the inner self. It is not until the tenth picture that the Man (Hotei) appears. Hotei appears to be a Buddha figure or a bodhisttva, an enlightened one.
In the processof discovery the boy and the ox are united and in the end Hotei appears, as a figure of joy and abundance. Hart writes that in the course of this journey we discover that the spiritual pathway is not simply that of asceticism, though it can include some ascetic practices, but is ultimately a way to finding divine abundance.
August 27, 2016
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I struggled quite a bit with the content in this book. Maybe if it was about finding Buddha on Christ's path I wouldn't have struggled so much because I understand Christ's path a little bit better. In fact, I greatly appreciated the Christian ideals in this book, but my western Christian mind simply had a hard time understanding the Buddhist concepts presented here. That said, despite my own lack of understanding, this was a wonderful introduction to the ten ox-herder drawings! To (try to) explain them with their original Zen Buddhist meaning and then frame them in a Christian setting was wonderful! It could be a great starting point for a Buddhist and a Christian to begin discussing the similarities in their beliefs.
I struggled quite a bit with the content in this book. Maybe if it was about finding Buddha on Christ's path I wouldn't have struggled so much because I understand Christ's path a little bit better. In fact, I greatly appreciated the Christian ideals in this book, but my western Christian mind simply had a hard time understanding the Buddhist concepts presented here. That said, despite my own lack of understanding, this was a wonderful introduction to the ten ox-herder drawings! To (try to) explain them with their original Zen Buddhist meaning and then frame them in a Christian setting was wonderful! It could be a great starting point for a Buddhist and a Christian to begin discussing the similarities in their beliefs.
February 21, 2015
This is a wonderful book. Easy to read, but extremely thought provoking, and I will return to it again and again. HIghly recommended as a very good introduction to the famous Ox-herder pictures and how to understand them, but even more, very helpful and deceptively simple guidance in how to think about the path of spiritual development they describe
May 13, 2014
I really appreciated the premise. I wish I had more knowledge about eastern religions and art. But I got the gist.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews