The core of this extraordinary work is a collection of one hundred traditional citations and stories, selected for their ability to bring about insight and enlightenment. These vignettes are known as gongan in Chinese and koan in Japanese.Secrets of the Blue Cliff Record is a fresh translation featuring newly translated commentary from two of the greatest Zen masters of early modern Japan, Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768) of the Rinzai sect of Zen and Tenkei Denson (1648-1735) of the Soto sect of Zen. This translation and commentary on The Blue Cliff Record sheds new light on the meaning of this central Zen text.

    

    Blyth, one of the world's foremost translators and interpreters of Zen teachings until his death in 1964, provides a simple, straightforward look at the principles and values inherent in Zen thinking.

    The aim of this book is to approach reality. It is an indispensable guidebook to the path of self-knowledge and realization. It contains an examination of spiritual systems, blocks and aids to spiritual progress, and a common sense approach to spiritual seeking. Also included is a poetic account of Richard Rose's own spiritual experience.

    The Hazy Moon of Enlightenment takes readers to the next level, exploring some of Zen's most subtle and sophisticated topics. The first two parts of the book explore enlightenment and delusion: the nature of enlightenment, what it means to describe it as "sudden" or "gradual," and the nature of delusion and how to distinguish it from reality. Part three looks at "enlightenment in action" -- what it means for someone to be living and acting in order with the deep wisdom of enlightenment, and how they can practice "learning how to be satisfied" and enjoy serenity and tranquility. The final section is a moving firsthand account of one woman's solitary realization of the deepest truths, a story -- like this book -- at once practical and inspiring.