Two Zen Classics: The Gateless Gate and the Blue Cliff Records

The Wumenkuan is probably one of the greatest Buddhist texts I've ever read, and the translator's notes are extremely helpful. No complaints from me, thoroughly enjoyed the book and am very grateful for all the help the translator gives.

I like the added notes, it brings more to the passages. It's great for Western thought because it's so different from Eastern thought. We just have different cultural backgrounds. I believe we can learn quite a lot from each other. I recommend this to anyoneinterested in Zazen even if you're Eastern. It gives a different perspective. I really enjoyed the book so I say 5 s*t*a*r*s*!

At this time, I was relatively new to the Zen tradition (having read Shunryu Suzuki, Dogen, & D.T. Suzuki), and still felt I was missing an important piece, because these writers often appeared to be referencing some unseen/unspecified body of literature.So, when I eventually heard about the mysterious “Blue Cliff Records”, I knew this was something I needed to look into -- and that search lead me here.This work was exactly what I was looking for; the Blue Cliff Records [Jap: Hekiganroku] contains an ancient collection of 100 short, cryptic, & poetic dialogues called “ko’ans” --often an exchange between a historical Master & student-- collected & commented on by Setcho [Xuedou Chongxian; d.1052] and subsequently Engo [Yuanwu Keqin; d.1135] for the purpose of acting as a tool for monks to cultivate discernment & concentration.In this present volume, not only did Katsuki Sekida [et al.] provide quality translations of TWO famous ko'an collections (Mumonkan & Hekiganroku), but he also provided essential exposition & enlightening commentary on the otherwise impenetrable aspects of each vignette.For example:1) Sekida illuminates obscure Chinese & Japanese cultural references, as well as obscure references to aspects of Zen Buddhism2) provides historical background on important personages [monks, masters, emperors, etc.]3) useful linguistic/translation insights4) and of course, contributes perspective on the meaning of various phrases within the koan.Essentially, Sekida supplements the necessary information/analysis to bring the koans to life -- to allow you to get the most out of them.He does this via his own substantial Zen experience and by working with what remains of Engo’s ancient notes.The arrangement is very appealing & orderly, and each koan case (plus Sekida's bullet-point notes) lasts about 2-3 pages.Needless to say, I really enjoyed reading this book. Between experiencing the minds of the Zen Patriarch-pantheon, &Sekida’s skillful assistance in drawing out their message, “Two Zen Classics” elevated my perception, & deepened my understanding of Zen.~-Paul C.

I use The Blue Cliff Record by Thomas Cleary and J.C. Cleary for koan study encounters with my zen teacher. But, when I had special difficulty understanding one of the cases, he recommended Sekida's translation of the case and verse. He was right, Sekida's translation was far clearer, easier to understand. I now refer to both translations for each Koan pointer, case, and verse. I rarely ever find them openly conflicting, but their flavors are very different. Sometimes one is clearest and sometimes the other,What makes Sekida's translation so good? I think it is that he translates from the point of view of a zen student and teacher. Koan study is personal, active, intimate. Sekida's translation most often does it. However, he does tend to paraphrase the original commentary rather than strictly translate it. This can be helpful to understanding the context or background of some cases.The Cleary's do a wonderful job as academics. I have virtually all of their works. All English speaking zen students owe them a great debt of gratitude. But, Sekida often turns a case's verse into an English version of the personal, intimate language of a zen teacher. And the ancient authors were all zen teachers.I recommend a koan student use both books. Often, it is the difference between them that is most instructive.

Katsuki Sekida's translations of the two classic Japanese collections of Zen koans recorded in 'The Gateless Gate' and 'The Blue Cliff Records' are very user-friendly and readable for a westerners unfamiliar with the Japanese language, and therefore unable to understand the nuances of the language in the koans or the associated commentaries. This book, containing both of the classics in translation, is a valuable addition to Katsuki Sekida's own prodigious and insightful knowledge and understanding of Zen as set out in the volume 'Zen Training: Methods and Philosophy'. Any westerner interested in Zen practice will find both to be invaluable resources in understand and practising Zen Buddhism, and having one without the other leaves an understanding incomplete, since one describes the methods and philosophy underlying the practice of Zen, while the other presents details of the most important Zen meditation strategy..

Brilliant commentaries on a master work. I had the wonderful experience of being at the Maui Zen Center with Katsuki Sekida in the early 70s, and had the experience of living and working with a master of Zen (he would chuckle at that description if he heard it — he didn't even want to be called a teacher or a roshi). He was a delightful, brilliant, passionate man who understood — who had realized — the beauty and depth of Buddhism. This book is a masterpiece, a work to study for a lifetime.

I really like Sekida's translation and commentary. While some think he may give away too much, I find his notes to be the kind of thing a good, helpful teacher will provide. Reading from this book can give you a nudge, without giving up too much. This is a great complement (or alternative) to other translations and seems to have become my favorite over the years.

enough material to keep my mind engaged for a decade at least... highly recommended. love it.

Highly recommend this book especially, Case 41, Joshua and the great death. This case is very important because it outlines what happens when one practices absolute Samadhi meditation. I know of no modern teachers who really understand this form of meditation. And most importantly how one must move on from the enlightenment/satori experience. To be nobody is the way.

A wonderful synopsis of Zen history. The author has done an amazing job with rigorous research, thoughtful synthesis, and an engaging style. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in and practicing Zen.

Absolute must for anyone who likes Zen thought. Well presented and preserved, it relates the 'wisdom' of the ages easily.

Excellent

brilliant, mesmerising found beyond words