Ox Herder And The Good Shepherd

A thoughtful, fascinating take on spiritual truth

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 were taken to Japan and became the standard version of these icons, tracing a universally recognizable path of contemplative spirituality.

Addison Hodges Hart argues that there is a similar spiritual vision between the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures and the teachings of Christ. 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 fruit of his years of reflection on the simple, beautiful, humble, humorous, and joyful Ten Ox-Herding Pictures, presenting as they do a perennial parable through art.