Among the most important texts of Zen literature, the Lin-Chi lu
details the insights and exploits of the great ninth century Chinese Zen
master Lin-chi, one of the most highly regarded of the T'ang period
masters. PEN Translation Prize-winner Burton Watson presents here an
eloquent translation -- the first in the English language -- of this
seminal classic, The Zen Teachings of Master Lin-chi. The work is an
exacting depiction of Lin-chi's words and actions, describing the Zen
master's life and teaching, and includes a number of his sermons.
Because Lin-chi's school outlasted other forms of early Chinese Zen to
become dominant throughout China to this day, this translation bears
unique significance within the literature of this great Asian nation.
With Watson's lucid introduction to the work, a glossary of terms, and
notes to the text, The Zen Teachings of Master Lin-chi is a generously
constructed and accessible model of translation that will stand as the
definitive primary material on Lin-chi for many years to come.