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Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui

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The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui are sure to instill a profound and shattering recognition in any student of the Way. Again and again this venerable maverick Zen master swings his blow at the very core of Buddhist thinking, while responding to questions and riddles posed by his own followers, as well as by monks visiting his monastery. Most of Master Bassui's teachings are arranged in the usual Q&A form, prevalent in Zen literature, with short, concise and helpful notes by the translator appearing at the end of the book. Although coming to us from a distance of some centuries, the teachings are an enjoyable reading, their message as clear as glass. Put your mind to it and learn from this extraordinary Master!

Zen Master Bassui's instruction always cut right to the heart of the great matter: he emphasized deep and clear penetration into one's own true nature. Questioned about many common Buddhist concepts, Bassui brought the listener - and here the reader- back again and again to the inescapable necessity of seeing one's true nature. In this manner, all the dualistic questionings are brought back to the non-dual. Arthur Braverman's translation reflects his expertise and personal history in Zen practice inasmuch as he sensitively unlocks the insights of the teachings in their original language and historical context and brings them forth into English. This and his explanatory notes keep the reader on track for understanding a Zen teacher whom I find much more accessible than Dogen. Plus, its just a very enjoyable and readable book.

If you ever read Bassui from the beginning, as one of your very first Buddhist writings, and then went on to read all those hundreds of other Buddhist works, I think you'd eventually return to Bassui: he just teaches it simply and without the circus and fanfare.
If, on the other hand, you happened upon Bassui after having read all those other hundreds of Buddhist works, then I think you just might find your self thinking "why didn't I start with Bassui from the very beginning?" If you had an original samadhi, so many years ago, and now your life is one of searching to re-experience that original "seeing", study Bassui. Especially "Letters to His Disciples". He is nuts-and-bolts Buddhism but without the labeling and the window dressing. Better yet, if it's possible, practice to realize your True Nature first, then bring in Bassui.