A fifth-century Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma is credited with bringing Zen to China. Although the tradition that traces its ancestry back to him did not flourish until nearly two hundred years after his death, today millions of Zen Buddhists and students of kung fu claim him as their spiritual father.While others viewed Zen practice as a purification of the mind or a stage on the way to perfect enlightenment, Bodhidharma equated Zen with buddhahood and believed that it had a p...

A lively and plainspoken translation of the Buddhist sutra known as the ‘holy grail of Zen’—with “plentiful notes, explanations, and study questions” (Library Journal)The first English translation of the original text used by Bodhidharma—the source upon which all Chinese Zen masters have relied ever sinceHaving translated The Diamond Sutra and The Heart Sutra, and following with The Platform Sutra, Red Pi...

Discover the most influential Buddhist sutra in the Mahayana Buddhism tradition—from one of the world’s preeminent translators of religious texts.Simplified organization, helpful glossaries, and word-for-word analysis make understanding Buddhist scripture easier than ever.The Heart Sutra is Buddhism in a nutshell. It has had the most profound and wide–reaching influence of any text in Buddhism. This short text covers more of the Buddha’s te...

**WINNER OF THE 2018 THORNTON WILDER PRIZE FOR TRANSLATIONA masterful translation of the Diamond Sutra, an essential Zen Buddhist scripture—with insightful commentary and helpful historical context**Zen Buddhism is often said to be a practice of mind–to–mind transmission without reliance on texts—in fact, some great teachers forbid their students to read or write. But Buddhism has also inspired some of the greatest philosophical writings of any religion, and two such works ...

A preeminent translator of Chinese poetry and Buddhist texts explores the traditions of Chinese hermits in the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution.A fascinating slice of Chinese life for armchair travelers—with insights into the history of Taoism, Buddhism, and Zen in modern China.In 1989, Bill Porter, having spent much of his life studying and translating Chinese religious and philosophical texts, began to wonder if the Buddhist hermit tr...

An accessible translation of Hui-neng’s autobiography and teachings, completing the classic triumvirate of Zen (Ch’an) Buddhist sutrasIt is often linked with The Heart Sutra and The Diamond Sutra to form a trio of texts that have been revered and studied for centuries. However, unlike the other sutras, which transcribe the teachings of the Buddha himself, The Platform Sutra presents the autobiography of Hui–neng, the controversial 6th Pat...

"A travel writer with a cult following."-The New York Times"There are very few westerners who could successfully cover so much territory in China, but Porter pulls it off. Finding Them Gone uniquely draws upon his parallel careers as a translator and a travel writer in ways that his previous books have not. A lifetime devoted to understanding Chinese culture and spirituality blossoms within its pages to create something truly rare."-The Los An...

"The Mountain Poems of Stonehouse [is] a tough-spirited book of enlightened free verse."-Kyoto JournalThe Zen master and mountain hermit Stonehouse-considered one of the greatest Chinese Buddhist poets-used poetry as his medium of instruction. Near the end of his life, monks asked him to record what he found of interest on his mountain; Stonehouse delivered to them hundreds of poems and an admonition: "Do not to try singing these poems. Only if you sit on them wil...

If a Mountain Lion Could Sing stands as the first major English translation of poems written by China’s greatest lyric poet, Xin Qiji.World-renowned translator Red Pine has found a new dance partner. His latest bilingual collection, If a Mountain Lion Could Sing, boasts 126 poems by swordsman, visionary, and China’s greatest lyric poet, Xin Qiji. Paying respects at the poet’s grave and visiting the very places where Xin composed his stanzas—the ca...

This unique collection presents the verse, much of it translated for the first time, of fourteen eminent Chinese Buddhist poet monks. Featuring the original Chinese as well as english translations and historical introductions by Burton Watson, J.P. Seaton, Paul Hansen, James Sanford, and the editors, this book provides an appreciation and understanding of this elegant and traditional expression of spirituality."So take a walk with...these cranky, melancholy, lonely, mischievous poe...

A pocket-sized presentation of the three most venerated Buddhist sutras of Zen Buddhism: the Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and Platform Sutra, featuring easy-to-understand translations and helpful footnotes—all from a legendary practitioner and translator of Buddhist teachingsThree classic Buddhist sutras—often linked to form a trio of texts that have been revered and studied for centuries—are now available together in this single volume. Red Pine, whose acclaimed tr...

9 translations of Zen Buddhist sutras and sacred texts from the first 1,000 years of Zen—presented in a travel-friendly package for on-the-go reading or contemplation!Dating from the middle of the second century B.C. to the middle of the ninth century A.D., Zen Roots includes:• The Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and Platform Sutra• Selections from the Vimalakirti and Lankavatara sutras• Bodhidharma’s Principles & Practice...