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Two Zen Classics: The Gateless Gate and the Blue Cliff Records Paperback – September 13, 2005

by Katsuki Sekida (Translator)

4.7 123 ratings

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A new translation of The Gateless Gate and The Blue Cliff Records, two classic collections of Zen koans—or guiding ‘riddles’—used in the study of Zen Buddhism

The strange verbal paradoxes called koans have been used traditionally in Zen training to help students attain a direct realization of truths inexpressible in words. The two works translated in this book, Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate) and Hekiganroku (The Blue Cliff Records), both compiled during the Song dynasty in China, are the best known and most frequently studied koan collections, and are classics of Zen literature. They are still used today in a variety of practice lineages, from traditional zendos to modern Zen centers.

In a completely new translation, together with original commentaries, the well-known Zen teacher Katsuki Sekida brings to these works the same fresh and pragmatic approach that made his Zen Training so successful. The insights of a lifetime of Zen practice and his familiarity with both Eastern and Western ways of thinking make him an ideal interpreter of these texts.

Editorial Reviews

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"Katsuki Sekida brings to these works the same fresh and pragmatic approach that made his Zen Training so popular. The insights of a lifetime of Zen practice and his familiarity with Western as well as Eastern ways of thinking make him an ideal interpreter of the texts for the people of today."—Asahi Evening News

"These notes are the fullest and most intelligent that have so far appeared in English."—Japan Times

"Two Zen Classics is a product of Herculean labors, wrought with dedication and understanding."—Philip Kapleau

About the Author

Katsuki Sekida (1893–1987) was by profession a high school teacher of English until his retirement in 1945. Zen, nevertheless, was his lifelong preoccupation. He began his Zen practice in 1915 and trained at Empuku-ji in Kyoto and Ryutaki-ji in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture. He taught at the Honolulu Zendo and Maui Zendo from 1963 to 1970 and at the London Zen Society from 1970 to 1972.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala; First Edition (September 13, 2005)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1590302826
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1590302828
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 840L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.95 x 1.13 x 8.99 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #100,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #10 in Mystery Writing Reference
- #184 in Philosophy Movements (Books)
- #24,031 in Religion & Spirituality (Books)

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4.7 123 ratings

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Customers find the books helpful for understanding and practicing Zen Buddhism. They appreciate the insightful knowledge and understanding of Sekida. The translation quality is excellent, with useful linguistic insights. The book provides an intimate, personal approach to Koan study.

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Knowledge level Translation quality

9 customers mention "Knowledge level"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and helpful for understanding Zen Buddhism. They appreciate the added notes that enhance the passages. Readers say it provides enough material to keep their minds engaged for a decade or more. Overall, they describe it as one of the greatest Buddhist texts they've read.

"...The Cleary's do a wonderful job as academics. I have virtually all of their works...." Read more

"...collections (Mumonkan & Hekiganroku), but he also provided essential exposition & enlightening commentary on the otherwise impenetrable aspects..." Read more

"The Wumenkuan is probably one of the greatest Buddhist texts I've ever read, and the translator's notes are extremely helpful...." Read more

"I like the added notes, it brings more to the passages. It's great for Western thought because it's so different from Eastern thought...." Read more

4 customers mention "Translation quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the translation and commentary. They say it provides useful linguistic insights and is great for Western thought, which differs from Eastern thought.

"...provide quality translations of TWO famous ko'an collections (Mumonkan & Hekiganroku), but he also provided essential exposition & enlightening..." Read more

"...the greatest Buddhist texts I've ever read, and the translator's notes are extremely helpful...." Read more

"I like the added notes, it brings more to the passages. It's great for Western thought because it's so different from Eastern thought...." Read more

"I really like Sekida's translation and commentary...." Read more

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ABChwhite
Essential to Koan Study
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2009
Verified Purchase
I use The Blue Cliff Record by Thomas Cleary and J.C. Cleary for koan study encounters with my zen teacher. But, when I had special difficulty understanding one of the cases, he recommended Sekida's translation of the case and verse. He was right, Sekida's translation was far clearer, easier to understand. I now refer to both translations for each Koan pointer, case, and verse. I rarely ever find them openly conflicting, but their flavors are very different. Sometimes one is clearest and sometimes the other,

What makes Sekida's translation so good? I think it is that he translates from the point of view of a zen student and teacher. Koan study is personal, active, intimate. Sekida's translation most often does it. However, he does tend to paraphrase the original commentary rather than strictly translate it. This can be helpful to understanding the context or background of some cases.

The Cleary's do a wonderful job as academics. I have virtually all of their works. All English speaking zen students owe them a great debt of gratitude. But, Sekida often turns a case's verse into an English version of the personal, intimate language of a zen teacher. And the ancient authors were all zen teachers.

I recommend a koan student use both books. Often, it is the difference between them that is most instructive.

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53 people found this helpful

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Paul Clermont
A Must for Buddhists & for Understanding Zen.
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2016
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At this time, I was relatively new to the Zen tradition (having read Shunryu Suzuki, Dogen, & D.T. Suzuki), and still felt I was missing an important piece, because these writers often appeared to be referencing some unseen/unspecified body of literature.
So, when I eventually heard about the mysterious “Blue Cliff Records”, I knew this was something I needed to look into -- and that search lead me here.

This work was exactly what I was looking for; the Blue Cliff Records [Jap: Hekiganroku] contains an ancient collection of 100 short, cryptic, & poetic dialogues called “ko’ans” --often an exchange between a historical Master & student-- collected & commented on by Setcho [Xuedou Chongxian; d.1052] and subsequently Engo [Yuanwu Keqin; d.1135] for the purpose of acting as a tool for monks to cultivate discernment & concentration.

In this present volume, not only did Katsuki Sekida [et al.] provide quality translations of TWO famous ko'an collections (Mumonkan & Hekiganroku), but he also provided essential exposition & enlightening commentary on the otherwise impenetrable aspects of each vignette.

For example:
1) Sekida illuminates obscure Chinese & Japanese cultural references, as well as obscure references to aspects of Zen Buddhism
2) provides historical background on important personages [monks, masters, emperors, etc.]
3) useful linguistic/translation insights
4) and of course, contributes perspective on the meaning of various phrases within the koan.

Essentially, Sekida supplements the necessary information/analysis to bring the koans to life -- to allow you to get the most out of them.
He does this via his own substantial Zen experience and by working with what remains of Engo’s ancient notes.

The arrangement is very appealing & orderly, and each koan case (plus Sekida's bullet-point notes) lasts about 2-3 pages.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed reading this book. Between experiencing the minds of the Zen Patriarch-pantheon, &
Sekida’s skillful assistance in drawing out their message, “Two Zen Classics” elevated my perception, & deepened my understanding of Zen.
~

-Paul C.

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20 people found this helpful

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Zen Elder
The Gateless Gate and the Blue Cliff Records, Translation and Commentary by Katsuki Sekida
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
The Gateless Gate and the Blue Cliff Records, translation and commentary by Sekida: I wanted a less expensive copy with a more modern translation of the Blue Cliff Records. Got this used, with points. His commentary is in the form of "Notes," so doesn't have the continuity of a talk, but I wanted the koans more than the commentary, so this is ok. I like Cleary's is better, but it is exorbitantly expensive (in my opinion).

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Broos963
Good Stuff
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
The Wumenkuan is probably one of the greatest Buddhist texts I've ever read, and the translator's notes are extremely helpful. No complaints from me, thoroughly enjoyed the book and am very grateful for all the help the translator gives.

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One person found this helpful

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Gregory Mortelliti
Book review
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2024
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I’ve been reading one of these cases per day.
It’s been a good journey.
I highly recommend it.

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Jade Crowley
Wonderful edition
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022
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I like the added notes, it brings more to the passages. It's great for Western thought because it's so different from Eastern thought. We just have different cultural backgrounds. I believe we can learn quite a lot from each other.

I recommend this to anyone
interested in Zazen even if you're Eastern. It gives a different perspective.

I really enjoyed the book so I say 5 s*t*a*r*s*!

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Marc Allen
A zen master's commentaries
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2017
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Brilliant commentaries on a master work. I had the wonderful experience of being at the Maui Zen Center with Katsuki Sekida in the early 70s, and had the experience of living and working with a master of Zen (he would chuckle at that description if he heard it — he didn't even want to be called a teacher or a roshi). He was a delightful, brilliant, passionate man who understood — who had realized — the beauty and depth of Buddhism. This book is a masterpiece, a work to study for a lifetime.

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4 people found this helpful

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A Good Customer
Very interesting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 24, 2024
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Nice.

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M. Jamison
Joshua's great death. The essence of Zen meditation
Reviewed in Canada on May 13, 2021
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Highly recommend this book especially, Case 41, Joshua and the great death. This case is very important because it outlines what happens when one practices absolute Samadhi meditation. I know of no modern teachers who really understand this form of meditation. And most importantly how one must move on from the enlightenment/satori experience. To be nobody is the way.

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Rakesh R
Five Stars
Reviewed in India on July 31, 2017
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Excellent

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Angela
A great read!
Reviewed in Canada on February 21, 2021
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A wonderful synopsis of Zen history. The author has done an amazing job with rigorous research, thoughtful synthesis, and an engaging style. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in and practicing Zen.

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Lee K Freeman
An absolute must
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2017
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Absolute must for anyone who likes Zen thought. Well presented and preserved, it relates the 'wisdom' of the ages easily.

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