Disputation with the Doctors
Duccio, di Buoninsegna, 1310

My dear friends,

In the story of Mary and Joseph's search for the preteen Jesus in the Temple, we can find a metaphor of the search for enlightenment similar to that in Buddhism's Ten Oxherding Pictures. Our story begins:

Now the parallel stories continue:

The Search for the Ox In the first Oxherding picture, the seeker realizes the ox (the true self or ultimate reality) is missing and begins the search. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. - Luke 2:44b Mary and Joseph, upon realizing that Jesus is not with them, start an anxious search, symbolizing the initial awareness of something profoundly important being "lost."
Discovering the Footprints The seeker notices signs of the ox’s presence, igniting hope and focus. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. - Luke 2:45 Mary and Joseph’s questioning and retracing of their steps to Jerusalem represent a careful examination of clues to rediscover Jesus, akin to finding evidence of the spiritual path.
Perceiving the Ox The ox comes into sight, but it is still distant. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. - Luke 2:46-47 When Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple, their initial reaction is confusion, as Jesus is physically present, but his actions and words indicate a deeper, more mysterious reality.
Catching the Ox The seeker actively engages with the ox but struggles to bring it under control. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" - Luke 2:48-49 Mary and Joseph confront Jesus with parental concern, symbolizing the attempt to reconcile spiritual insight with their earthly roles as his parents.
Taming the Ox The ox begins to cooperate, reflecting growing harmony between the seeker and the spiritual truth. But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. - Luke 2:50-51a This suggests a gradual integration of the profound spiritual realization into their daily lives.
Riding the Ox Home The seeker and the ox are now in harmony, and the journey toward true understanding is underway. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor. - Luke 2:52 Jesus' growth symbolizes the ongoing, harmonious development of spiritual maturity within the family context.
The Ox Forgotten, the Self Alone Even the distinction between seeker and sought disappears; the seeker abides in ultimate truth. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. - Luke 2:51b Mary’s quiet reflection suggests a shift toward contemplative understanding and acceptance of divine mystery.
Both Ox and Self Forgotten The seeker abides in a state of unity and realization. Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house? - Luke 2:49 Jesus' words point toward transcending earthly attachments and roles, revealing a higher spiritual purpose.
Returning to the Source The seeker returns to the origin, abiding naturally in the Way. Then they returned to their own town of Nazareth. - Luke 2:39 Mary and Joseph’s return to ordinary life parallels integrating spiritual insight into everyday existence.
Entering the Marketplace with Open Hands The seeker, now enlightened, returns to the world to serve others. And he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed. - Acts 10:38 This stage is exemplified by Jesus’ later ministry, bringing spiritual teachings and healing to all humanity.

Mary and Joseph’s search for Jesus and their eventual finding of him reflect a journey of awakening, where initial confusion gives way to deeper understanding and integration of spiritual truths. Similarly, the Ten Oxherding Pictures depict the seeker’s progressive journey from initial realization to a holistic integration of love, compassion, wisdom, and service. Both narratives underscore the transformative power of seeking and finding what is sacred.