The Sayings of Layman P'ang: A Zen Classic of China - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1590306309 ISBN 13: 9781590306307

Publisher: Shambhala, 2009

Synopsis

These wise and funny stories have been an inspiration to spiritual practice for more than twelve centuries, particularly for all those who follow the Buddhist path as laypeople. Layman P'ang (740-808) was a merchant and family man who one day put all his money and possessions in a boat and sunk it in a river, so that he could devote his life to the study of the dharma. His wife, son, and daughter joined him enthusiastically on his new path, taking up a joyfully itinerant life together as they traveled from temple to monastery across southern China. This collection of anecdotes and verses about the enlightened layman and his family has become an enduring Zen classic.

About this title

Review:

"P'ang the Layman is terrific at pulling the rug out from underneath you just at the right time. He is one of the great, wild, exhilarating Zen figures, a pioneer in the adventure of understanding the mind. James Green is one of the very best translators we have, and this book is a classic."--John Tarrant, Roshi, author of Bring Me the Rhinoceros

Synopsis:

Layman P'ang (740-808) was a Chan/Zen Buddhist who serves as a model for Buddhist practice for all those who choose to lead the spiritual life outside the bounds of institutionalized monasticism. He was a successful merchant, with a wife, son, and daughter, who gave up his possessions and wealth in order to study the Buddhist sutras-and he brought his family along with him. His family adopted the Zen life most enthusiastically, becoming extremely well-versed in Buddhist philosophy themselves, especially his daughter, Ling Zhao, who, from the stories about her, seems to have become an even greater Zen adept than her father.Layman P'ang is the source of one of the most famous sayings in the literature of Chinese Zen, a joyous statement about the miracle of everyday activities: How miraculous and wondrous! Hauling water and carrying firewood. The sayings of and stories about Layman P'ang contained in this classic text are charming, mysterious, and funny and will be an inspiration to spiritual practice for anyone.

About this edition

• Publisher: Shambhala
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1590306309
• ISBN 13: 9781590306307
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176