Customer Reviews

Classics of Buddhism and Zen, Volume 2: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary

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I could write a dissertation about Thomas Cleary's translating ability, but it is very important to communicate the one most beautiful feature of this collection of classics: Their Comprehensability as seen through the CRYSTAL PRYSM of Thomas Cleary's profound mind. It is like he himself is the Buddha so clear and precisely stated as they are in his readable and beautiful English.

I may come back and do a formal review, but I had to say, I have read and reread these books so much they are worn out in four years. If I were a collector rather than a reader of books, I'd have to buy another set just to replace my weathered and hand worn volumes.

Cleary writes so precisely and beautifully I re-read every page time and time again as a form of meditation and the meaning keeps flowing from a good beginning understanding to deeper and deeper realizations of meanings. His translation makes these classic texts vibrant again with living power. He is a transformative linquist par excellence!

I recommend you read his work. If you bought two of each copy, you'd do as I have, give them to someone you care for deeply.

FIVE STARS PLUS!!!! THis is such a great translation, I'd love to meet this great man who did this massive work.

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

Classics of Buddhism and Zen, Volume 2: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary (Classics of Buddhism and Zen)

Classics of Buddhism and Zen, Volume 3: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary (Classics of Buddhism and Zen)

Classics of Buddhism and Zen, Volume 4: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary (Classics of Buddhism and Zen)

Classics of Buddhism and Zen, Volume 5: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary (Classics of Buddhism and Zen)

And...Just as above, there are these below, but I'll only point to one, but there are several volumes of this set also. READ THEM and you will never be the same again!

The Taoist Classics, Volume 1: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary (Taoist Classics (Shambhala))

These translations are great for study. Whether you are an aspiring Buddhist, Buddhist or just studying world religions this series is perfect. Definitely recommend for anyone.

He gives a nice introduction to each section that helps you understand what is going on. We all know that ancient writings can be tricky but he translated these writings perfectly.

And you don't have to start at any specific point or volume.

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?

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 Two focuses primarily on the classic Japanese masters of Zen including Eihei Dogen, but also contains some gems from Chinese masters including the letters of Yuanwu, the editor of the Classic Blue Cliff Record.

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 Two contains:

Teachings of Zen

Zen Reader

Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu

Shobogenzo: Zen Essays by Dogen

The Ecstasy of Enlightenment

(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.

I sent this item as a gift to an incarcerated friend; he found it priceless. Also, product delivery in every way met our expectations.