The Collected Works of Chinul|The Korean Approach to Zen [Hardcover]

Chinul (Author), Robert E. Buswell Jr. (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Korean (translation)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 468 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawai'i Press (January 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824807855
• ISBN-13: 978-0824807856
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #959,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buswell's massive effort offers us much more than the usual examination of a Zen master, February 18, 2009

By 

Ted Biringer "Author of The Flatbed Sutra of ... (Anacortes, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Collected Works of Chinul|The Korean Approach to Zen (Hardcover)

Chinul is the "Dogen" of Korean Zen - An important book

Chinul has been called the "Dogen of Korea", and Robert Buswell's masterpiece makes it clear why. All of the surviving Korean schools of Zen trace their lineage through this uniquely gifted Zen master. Born in 1158, Chinul almost single-handedly reformed and re-vitalized Zen in Korea by the time of his death in 1210 (when Dogen was 10 years old). An intellectual prodigy, and deeply compassionate man, Chinul's huge effect on Buddhism in Korea parallels that of the greatest masters of all time.

Buswell's massive effort offers us much more than the usual examination of a Zen master. After providing us with a thorough account of the history of Buddhism in Korea, The Korean Approach to Zen: The Collected Works of Chinul, presents an extensive account of Chinul's remarkable life, including detailed examinations of all his three of major awakenings that shaped the future course of Chinul's teachings. Buswell then walks us through a meticulous examination of the Chinul's thought and teaching. From Chinul's exposition and integration of Huayen Buddhism, especially as presented by Tsung-mi, to his understanding of original enlightenment and gradual cultivation, and his view on koan practice, and more.

Perhaps the greatest treasure is Buswell's inclusion of translations from all of Chinul's major works including Secrets on Cultivating the Mind, Straight Talk on the True Mind, The Complete and Sudden Attainment of Buddhahood, Excerpts from the Dharma Collection and Special Practice Record, and more...

A great scholarly work, including an extensive glossary and a detailed, easy to use index. This massive text will be a source of Zen wisdom for decades to come.

Highly recommended!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chinul is the "Dogen" of Korean Zen - An important book, June 9, 2008

By 

Ted Biringer "Author of The Flatbed Sutra of ... (Anacortes, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

Chinul has been called the "Dogen of Korea", and Robert Buswell's masterpiece makes it clear why. All of the surviving Korean schools of Zen trace their lineage through this uniquely gifted Zen master.

Born in 1158, Chinul almost single-handedly reformed and re-vitalized Zen in Korea by the time of his death in 1210 (when Dogen was 10 years old). An intellectual prodigy, and deeply compassionate man, Chinul's huge effect on Buddhism in Korea parallels that of the greatest masters of all time.

Buswell's massive effort offers us much more than the usual examination of a Zen master. After providing us with a thorough account of the history of Buddhism in Korea, The Korean Approach to Zen: The Collected Works of Chinul, presents an extensive account of Chinul's remarkable life, including detailed examinations of all his three of major awakenings that shaped the future course of Chinul's teachings.

Buswell then walks us through a meticulous examination of the Chinul's thought and teaching. From Chinul's exposition and integration of Huayen Buddhism, especially as presented by Tsung-mi, to his understanding of original enlightenment and gradual cultivation, and his view on koan practice, and more.

Perhaps the greatest treasure is Buswell's inclusion of translations from all of Chinul's major works including Secrets on Cultivating the Mind, Straight Talk on the True Mind, The Complete and Sudden Attainment of Buddhahood, Excerpts from the Dharma Collection and Special Practice Record, and more...

All the extras of a great scholarly work, including an extensive glossary and a detailed, easy to use index. This massive text will be a source of Zen wisdom for decades to come. Highly recommended!!