The Golden Age of Zen: The Classic Work on the Foundation of Zen Philosophy [Paperback]

John C.H. Wu (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1995

Wu's book has long been a primary source for understanding the development of the hugely influential philosophy of Zen Buddhism by students and teachers alike. The Golden Age of Zen explores the philosophy's history, from its early connections with Taoism to the magnificent flowering forth of the whole movement in the hands of succeeding generations of Chinese sages.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is the the first U.S. edition of this 1967 work, a significant study of the Zen masters of T'ang dynasty China, by Wu, a respected scholar and jurist. Many of the often-difficult-to-understand stories related here will be familiar to students of Zen, but Wu offers his own interesting interpretations of them. His thorough knowledge of Chinese religious traditions such as Confucianism and Taoism allows him to place Zen-C'han in China-in a cultural and intellectual context that helps bring alive the human character of the masters. The interweaving of Taoism and Buddhism that shaped C'han is treated particularly well. Wu counted among his friends Thomas Merton, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and D.T. Suzuki, and each of them appears in the discussions in one way or another. Merton's introduction is a valuable discussion of Zen and Christianity, Holmes's wisdom has a startling freshness in this context, and the influence of Suzuki's scholarly approach to Zen is pervasive. Recommended for any collection with an interest in Zen or comparative religion.
Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., N.Y.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Image; 1st Image Books ed edition (December 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038547993X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385479936
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,364,292 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT!Perfectly flowing history of early Chinese Zen Masters, July 29, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Golden Age of Zen: The Classic Work on the Foundation of Zen Philosophy (Paperback)

First of all, this is a page-turner, from the Foreward by Thomas Merton, through the last page, which you hate to see arrive. It traces the early Chinese development of Ch'an, which relies on the guidance of an Enlightened Master, rather than the Japanese method of "Zazen", or "sitting quietly" (meditation), as a means of obtaining Enlightenment. Most of what we in the west know about Zen has to do with meditation, but these early founders of Ch'an saw quiet contemplation as a waste of time. A student was brought to enlightment by many methods with these Patriarchs of Ch'an. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Chao Chou, the originator of probably the most famous Koan of all, "MU", the man was not only wise, but had a fine sense of humor too. Enlightment could also be gained via a loud shout, a door slammed on your foot, or a swift whack from your Master. You're going to have to read this to find out what the hell I'm talking about. This book will be part of your library forever, and I can guarantee it will be read many times. Also a fantastic book for those seeking the similarities of the mystical experience of all religions. BUY THIS BOOK

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE GOLDEN AGE OF ZEN, October 30, 2001

By 

Tony (Oak Park, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Golden Age of Zen: The Classic Work on the Foundation of Zen Philosophy (Paperback)

Wu provides a perspective of Zen which is as illuminating as Suzuki's. The additional commentary by Merton is also helpful as both he and Wu are Christians. Their Christian background provides a common jump-off point for many of us of Christian beginnings into the non-dogmatic world of Zen. At the same time our Christianity is deepened with the unmeasurable Buddha mind.

Wu additionally provides a meaningful translation of the Tao te Ching.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The real history of Zen, March 29, 2003

By 

Suckwoo Lee (Seoul, Seoul South Korea) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Golden Age of Zen: The Classic Work on the Foundation of Zen Philosophy (Paperback)

This book deals with the heyday of Zen Buddhism, Tang dynasty. The purpose of this book is introducing the Westerners to the Zen Buddhism. In other word, this is a Zen primer. Zen master Suzuki¡¯s ¡®An Introduction to Zen Buddhism¡¯ is widely read for this purpose. But this book is somewhat different from Suzuki¡¯s. Just like Suzuki¡¯s book, this book follow the standard format of Zen primer. Listing koans (about the koan, see my review on Suzuki¡¯s book) chronically with the related anecdotes. But unlike Suzuki¡¯s, Wu takes the stance of interpreter not of storyteller. Storytelling is the classic way to introducing Zen Buddhism (for the reason, see my review on Suzuki¡¯s). But in that way, beginners can¡¯t grasp even the basic of Zen Buddhism. So Wu approaches somewhat differently. He begins with why Zen should take place in China, not in India. He points out the influence of Taoism. Taoism has, in fact, affinity to Buddhism and it¡¯s the mindset the Chinese understood foreign thought, Buddhism. So Wu argue that we can¡¯t figure out Zen without understanding basic principles of Taoism. Suzuki¡¯s book, for example, represents and explains the principles of Zen from the tradition of Buddhism. But unfortunately it seems not that good way to figure out Zen. Like other thoughts, Zen could be best understood against the historical backdrop. And it¡¯s the way this book employs and the beauty of this book: each principle of Zen is explained against Taoism and historical backdrop. Thought could be fully understood when the behind motives are grasped, I think. Yep, such works are not hard to see in Buddhology. But this book is written in the plain English to be steadfast to the intention of Zen primer.