The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-Neng

By Hui-Neng, Thomas Cleary, Hsüan Hua, et al.

Book Overview

An accessible translation of Hui-neng's autobiography and teachings, completing the classic triumvirate of Zen (Ch'an) Buddhist sutras

It is often linked with The Heart Sutra and The Diamond Sutra to form a trio of texts that have been revered and studied for centuries. However, unlike the other sutras, which transcribe the teachings of the Buddha himself, The Platform Sutra presents the autobiography of Hui-neng, the controversial 6th Patriarch of Zen, and his understanding of the fundamentals of a spiritual and practical life. Hui-neng's instruction still matters--the 7th-century school of Sudden Awakening that he founded survives today, continuing to influence the Rinzai and Soto schools of contemporary Zen.

Red Pine, whose translations of The Heart Sutra and The Diamond Sutra have been celebrated and widely received, now provides a sensitive and assured treatment of the third and final sutra of the classic triumvirate. He adds remarkable commentary to a translation that, combined with the full Chinese text, a glossary, and notes, results in a Mahayana masterpiece sure to become the standard edition for students and seekers alike.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1593761775
• ISBN13: 9781593761776
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Counterpoint LLC
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

One of the Classic Zen Records - Hui-neng (Eno) is second only to Bodhidharma

Hui-neng (Eno) is the Sixth Ancestor of Zen in China. This Grand Master is considered by all Zen schools as second in importance only to Bodhidharma (The First Ancestor of Zen in China). Many consider this record by Hui-neng as THE point in Zen history when the universal elements of Buddhism achieved its first thoroughly Chinese expression. That is to say, the point where the Zen became Zen. Phillip B. Yampolsky's translation continues to be the standard (although Thomas Cleary's translation is excellent also) of this classic record, which is the only acknowledged Buddhist text composed in China to achieve the status of sutra (scripture). Yampolsky's translation is from the earliest text in existence - the Tun-huang manuscript. This book includes an in-depth introduction introducing the reader to the historical aspects of its creation, the various versions, and an overview ot the fundamental concepts of Hui-nengs Zen teaching.

Ever so mellow

This volume is a great entry to the Chinese take on Buddhism. It consists of a hefty introduction/historical background section as well as the text in translation and the original. The translation of the text is one of the smoothest I've read of Chinese, which must be a confluence of the material and the translator. The Platform Sutra itself consists of more than metaphysical exposition, going into the biography of Hui-neng and the context of his teaching (both of which are at least as interesting as the religious part of the text). If you want to broaden your understanding of the quest for understanding, this book would be a great addition to your library.