Wisdom of the Zen Masters [Paperback]

Tsai Chih Chung (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 1998

The sixth book in the Zen Speaks series of cartoon-illustrated adaptations of Chinese thought and philosophy by world-renowned author Tsai Chih Chung, Wisdom of the Zen Masters combines selections from the most important and famous Zen texts into a single volume.

Only one Chinese Buddhist work ever attained the status of an official scripture, the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. Wisdom of the Zen Masters illustrates the key narrative of this text and follows the orthodox line of Zen transmission in a loosely chronological format from patriarch to patriarch, master to master. The result is a delightful romp through the history of forty or so illustrious and irreverent Zen masters, complete with enlightening anecdotes and disarming wisdom.

In addition to the Platform Sutra, many episodes are drawn from other key Zen texts, including the Transmission of the Lamp, the Gateless Gate (Mumonkan), and the Blue Cliff Record. All of these are recognized as rich sources of the famous Zen koan.

Wisdom of the Zen Masters is not only a perfect introduction to Zen Buddhism, but also an essential component of any Zen collection.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

From the Inside Flap

The sixth book in the Zen Speaks series of cartoon-illustrated adaptations of Chinese thought and philosophy by world-renowned author Tsai Chih Chung, Wisdom of the Zen Masters combines selections from the most important and famous Zen texts into a single volume.

Only one Chinese Buddhist work ever attained the status of an official scripture, the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. Wisdom of the Zen Masters illustrates the key narrative of this text and follows the orthodox line of Zen transmission in a loosely chronological format from patriarch to patriarch, master to master. The result is a delightful romp through the history of forty or so illustrious and irreverent Zen masters, complete with enlightening anecdotes and disarming wisdom.

In addition to the Platform Sutra, many episodes are drawn from other key Zen texts, including the Transmission of the Lamp, the Gateless Gate (Mumonkan), and the Blue Cliff Record. All of these are recognized as rich sources of the famous Zen koan.

Wisdom of the Zen Masters is not only a perfect introduction to Zen Buddhism, but also an essential component of any Zen collection.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (October 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385487436
• ISBN-13: 978-0385487436
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,082,795 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another great work by Tsai Chih Chung, November 12, 2001

By 

"amartz" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wisdom of the Zen Masters (Paperback)

If you are a fan of his other works that convert Eastern literature, riligion, and philosophy into an entertaining and reliable comic format, you will also love this book. I agree with others that it is not as engaging as his first Zen book. Presumably, this is because of the Zen literature used for the books, and not some nuance of his performance. If you don't have the first book ("Zen Speaks") then get that and read it first. If that one left you wanting more, as it did for many of us, then pick up this book- you'll enjoy it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Start Here, November 17, 2001

By 

evenfall007 "evenfall007" (Rancho Cordova, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wisdom of the Zen Masters (Paperback)

Just getting started on your desire to understand eastern philosophies? Have you stood at the bookstore for hours pouring over where to start and what to buy?

Any of this authors books are a wonderful place to start. The reason? Because these books are all about the title subject in a nutshell, easy to read as a comic book, the story lines and illustrations are wonderful, and after you read this as well as all the other books by Tsai, you will have a great, well rounded start on your path and will know what you want to study more deeply!

To add, when others ask you about your interest in eastern philosophy, you can get them started here as well, because these books are fun, consise, and you know they will enjoy them over and over again!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, of course, but not as well structured as his others, November 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Wisdom of the Zen Masters (Paperback)

The artwork is amazing of course, but the book's structure seems a lot more chaotic than Chung's other works. The material is a bit more confusing as well....but it is still excellent.