Customer Reviews

Classics of Buddhism and Zen, Volume 1: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary

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Essential for Zen students, enriching for all.

All Five Volumes of Classics of Buddhism and Zen contain the translations of some of the most essential literature of Buddhism and Zen.

Volume One focuses primarily on the classic Chinese masters of Zen (like Pai-chang, Lin-chi-tsung [J.Rinzai] and his teacher, Huang-po, Yunmen, and more), but also contains some gems from Japanese masters (including Eihei Dogen), and a wonderful translation of one of the classic meditation treatises by the Korean master Chinul.

As the Collected Works of Thomas Cleary, these translations span his remarkably prolific career. Finally, they have become available in this beautiful, accessible five-volume set. This five-volume set includes nearly all of Thomas Cleary's translations (some have even been slightly revised and updated). They also include all the supplemental material included in the original individual translations, ie. glossaries, notes, indexes, Introductions, and Cleary's own insightful commentaries.

Only a handful of Thomas Cleary's Buddhist and Zen translations are not included in this set, primarily because their own bulk would necessarily constitute a volume unto themselves-these include, The Blue Cliff Record (trans. with J.C. Cleary), The Book of Serenity, and The Avatamsaka Sutra.

Volume One contains:

Zen Lessons: The Art of Leadership

Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom

The Five Houses of Zen

Minding Mind: A Course in Basic Meditation

Instant Zen

All five volumes are formatted for ease of access and reading. The set, or the individual volumes are a perfect gift for anyone with an interest in Zen or Buddhism, Eastern Religion or Eastern Philosophy. The Hardcovers are sturdy and finely bound, the Trade Paper are also made to last.

Essential translations of the classic texts of Buddhism and Zen!

All Five Volumes of Classics of Buddhism and Zen contain the translations of some of the most essential literature of Buddhism and Zen.

Volume One focuses primarily on the classic Chinese masters of Zen (like Pai-chang, Lin-chi-tsung [J.Rinzai] and his teacher, Huang-po, Yunmen, and more), but also contains some gems from Japanese masters (including Eihei Dogen), and a wonderful translation of one of the classic meditation treatises by the Korean master Chinul.

As the Collected Works of Thomas Cleary, these translations span his remarkably prolific career. Finally, they have become available in this beautiful, accessible five-volume set. This five-volume set includes nearly all of Thomas Cleary's translations (some have even been slightly revised and updated). They also include all the supplemental material included in the original individual translations, ie. glossaries, notes, indexes, Introductions, and Cleary's own insightful commentaries.

Only a handful of Thomas Cleary's Buddhist and Zen translations are not included in this set, primarily because their own bulk would necessarily constitute a volume unto themselves--these include, The Blue Cliff Record (trans. with J.C. Cleary), The Book of Serenity, and The Avatamsaka Sutra.

Volume One contains:

Zen Lessons: The Art of Leadership

Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom

The Five Houses of Zen

Minding Mind: A Course in Basic Meditation

Instant Zen

(You can find more info on the contents of these texts by "searching" them individually).

All five volumes are formatted for ease of access and reading. The set, or the individual volumes are a perfect gift for anyone with an interest in Zen or Buddhism, Eastern Religion or Eastern Philosophy. The Hardcovers are sturdy and finely bound, the Trade Paper are also made to last.

An excellent collection of Cleary's translations of Zen Classics.
Full of real insight that points the Way through this confusing
age of science and materialistic religions towards true Awakening.
"Don't cling, don't seek. Act spontaneously without attachment."
"Float like a cloud, flow like water, bend like grass in the wind."

Highly recommended!

Tom Cleary is not merely a translator. He is an insightful interpreter, working from inside the material, bringing the essential meaning to readers in the English language. His commentary is every bit as much an authentic addition to the literature of Zen and Buddhism as that of the classical commentators, inviting you to stop and see for yourself. Do you understand?

This product was a gift, and I have no first hand contact with it. Nevertheless, its recipient informed he of his complete satisfaction with its delivery and contents. I can rate it only less than perfect for the simple reason that I lack any first hand experience with the item I purchased for someone else. In no way is this rating intended to convey any dissatisfaction with the book whatsoever.