the sermons r relatively stereotypical chan stuff, tho the play w prajnaparamita/yogachara terms is kinda novel and amusing. the authors intro and commentarial annotations r annoyingly outdated, and somewhat embarrassing in light of advancements in buddhist studies/translation. the best part by far r the Q&A dialogues, since the rancor and irritation comes so clearly to the fore--its hilarious to witness such undisguised animosity bw the speaker and the audience, and see the master's reaction. some of the koans r also very good--the best sermon-like exposition of chan dharma in this book is imo contained in the longest so-called "koan" ( )

This complete translation of the original collection of sermons, dialogues, and anecdotes of Huang Po, the illustrious Chinese master of the Tang Dynasty, allows the Western reader to gain an understanding of Zen from the original source, one of the key works in its teachings; it also offers deep and often startling insights into the rich treasures of Eastern thought. Nowhere is the use of paradox in Zen illustrated better than in the teaching of Huang Po, who shows how the experience of intuitive knowledge that reveals to a man what he is cannot be communicated by words. With the help of these paradoxes, beautifully and simply presented in this collection, Huang Po could set his disciples on the right path. It is in this fashion that the Zen master leads his listener into truth, often by a single phrase designed to destroy his particular demon of ignorance.

This review is not a review, but it is not no-review. No mind. ( )

John Blofeld's translation of Ch'an Master Huang-po may be the most significant translation of Tang dynasty Buddhism to reach western shores. Students of Dzogchen will readiy appreciate the flavor of Huang Po's direct , timeless method of teaching.Although I no longer own my original copy, I have been acquainted with this book for over three decades, first encountering it as a teenager. It remains among my favorites. ( )