Title
The Record of Linji (Nanzan Library of Asian Religion and Culture, 20),Used
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The Linji lu (Record of Linji) has been an essential text of Chinese and Japanese Zen Buddhism for nearly a thousand years. A compilation of sermons, statements, and acts attributed to the great Chinese Zen master Linji Yixuan (d. 866), it serves as both an authoritative statement of Zens basic standpoint and a central source of material for Zen koan practice. Scholars study the text for its importance in understanding both Zen thought and East Asian Mahayana doctrine, while Zen practitioners cherish it for its unusual simplicity, directness, and ability to inspire.One of the earliest attempts to translate this important work into English was by Sasaki Shigetsu (18821945), a pioneer Zen master in the U.S. and the founder of the First Zen Institute of America. At the time of his death, he entrusted the project to his wife, Ruth Fuller Sasaki, who in 1949 moved to Japan and there founded a branch of the First Zen Institute at Daitokuji. Mrs. Sasaki, determined to produce a definitive translation, assembled a team of talented young scholars, both Japanese and Western, who in the following years retranslated the text in accordance with modern research on Tangdynasty colloquial Chinese. As they worked on the translation, they compiled hundreds of detailed notes explaining every technical term, vernacular expression, and literary reference. One of the team, Yanagida Seizan (later Japans preeminent Zen historian), produced a lengthy introduction that outlined the emergence of Chinese Zen, presented a biography of Linji, and traced the textual development of the Linji lu. The sudden death of Mrs. Sasaki in 1967 brought the nearly completed project to a halt. An abbreviated version of the book was published in 1975, but neither this nor any other English translations that subsequently appeared contain the type of detailed historical, linguistic, and doctrinal annotation that was central to Mrs. Sasakis plan.The materials assembled by Mrs. Sasaki and her team are finally available in the present edition of the Record of Linji. Chinese readings have been changed to Pinyin and the translation itself has been revised in line with subsequent research by Iriya Yoshitaka and Yanagida Seizan, the scholars who advised Mrs. Sasaki. The notes, nearly six hundred in all, are almost entirely based on primary sources and thus retain their value despite the nearly forty years since their preparation. They provide a rich context for Linjis teachings, supplying a wealth of information on Tang colloquial expressions, Buddhist thought, and Zen history, much of which is unavailable anywhere else in English. This revised edition of the Record of Linji is certain to be of great value to Buddhist scholars, Zen practitioners, and readers interested in Asian Buddhism.
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We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is 'The Record of Linji' about? A: 'The Record of Linji' is a compilation of teachings and anecdotes attributed to the Chinese Zen master Linji Yixuan, serving as a key text for Zen Buddhism in both China and Japan.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Thomas Yuho Kirchner, who worked to provide a modern translation and annotation of the original text.
- Q: What are the key features of this edition? A: This edition features a revised translation based on modern research, nearly six hundred detailed notes, and an illustrated format, enhancing understanding of Zen teachings.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in Zen Buddhism? A: Yes, the straightforward language and directness of Linji's teachings make it accessible for beginners, while the annotations provide deeper insights for advanced practitioners.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: 'The Record of Linji' contains 520 pages, offering extensive material for study.
- Q: When was this edition published? A: This edition was published on October 31, 2008.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is listed as 'New' and is in good condition, suitable for readers looking for a fresh copy.
- Q: Does this edition include illustrations? A: Yes, this edition is illustrated, which aids in visualizing the concepts discussed throughout the text.
- Q: What can I expect from the notes included in the book? A: The notes are based on primary sources and provide context on Zen history, Buddhist thought, and Tang-dynasty colloquial expressions, enriching the reader's understanding.
- Q: Is this book recommended for academic study? A: Yes, the detailed annotations and scholarly approach make it a valuable resource for academic study in Zen Buddhism and East Asian Mahayana doctrine.