Hsin-Hsin Ming: Verses on the Faith-Mind [Paperback]

Gyoskusei Jikihara (Illustrator), Richard B. Clark (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2001

“The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences.”—Seng-t’san

The Hsin Hsin Ming, Verses on the Faith-Mind by Seng-t’san, the third Chinese patriarch of Zen, is considered to be the first Chinese Zen document. Lucidly translated here by Richard B. Clark, it remains one of the most widely-admired and elegant of Zen writings, and is as relevant today as it was when it was written. In a world where stress seems unavoidable, Seng-t’san's words show us how to be fully aware of each moment.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard B. Clark is the resident teacher of The Living Dharma Center in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 12 pages
• Publisher: White Pine Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189399614X
• ISBN-13: 978-1893996144
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 4.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #141,184 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Zen
  • #16 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Asia > General
  • #17 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly such!, November 4, 2004

By 

C. E. Hawkins "Chuckhawk" (Reno, NV) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hsin-Hsin Ming: Verses on the Faith-Mind (Paperback)

This is absolutely all you need! This little 12 page book that was the first published sayings of a Zen master (Patriarch of China) in English. It is all you need because you already have everything.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The infinite universe stands always before your eyes..., March 29, 2005

By 

Michael J. Sax (Bilambil Heights,, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hsin-Hsin Ming: Verses on the Faith-Mind (Paperback)

A sweet, delightful read, rich in the essence of non-duality. This book is a constant companion, loved for its purely distilled clarity and it amazing succinctness. Who was this guy? Wow! What seeing!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece of world literature, January 12, 2009

By 

Dr. J. Adam Shaw (Glen Ellen, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hsin-Hsin Ming: Verses on the Faith-Mind (Paperback)

One of the greatest and most unheralded masterpieces of all time, this poem is more concise and elegant even than the Tao Te Ching. It delivers a pure and refreshing teaching literally in every line. Every human being should be given this book at birth. The instruction is bold and undiluted. What it calls for is nearly impossible --to completely let go at every point of attachment-- but without it there is no freedom.
As a readable text, the Clarke translation is superb and the most gratifying I have found. It is full of life, and it is imbued with the gentle spirit and presence of the Third Patriarch.
You can find this translation in several places online for free, but the delightful tiny package and reasonable price makes it a great back pocket companion. Buy 10 and give them away.