Classics of Buddhism and Zen, Volume 2: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary
by Thomas Cleary

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential translations of the classic texts of Buddhism and Zen!, April 24, 2008

All Five Volumes of Classics of Buddhism and Zen contain the translations of some of the most essential literature of Buddhism and Zen.

Volume Two focuses primarily on the classic Japanese masters of Zen including Eihei Dogen, but also contains some gems from Chinese masters including the letters of Yuanwu, the editor of the Classic Blue Cliff Record.

As the Collected Works of Thomas Cleary, these translations span his remarkably prolific career. Finally, they have become available in this beautiful, accessible five-volume set. This five-volume set includes nearly all of Thomas Cleary’s translations (some have even been slightly revised and updated). They also include all the supplemental material included in the original individual translations, ie. glossaries, notes, indexes, Introductions, and Cleary’s own insightful commentaries.

Only a handful of Thomas Cleary’s Buddhist and Zen translations are not included in this set, primarily because their own bulk would necessarily constitute a volume unto themselves–these include, The Blue Cliff Record (trans. with J.C. Cleary), The Book of Serenity, and The Avatamsaka Sutra.

Volume Two contains:

Teachings of Zen

Zen Reader

Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu

Shobogenzo: Zen Essays by Dogen

The Ecstasy of Enlightenment

All five volumes are formatted for ease of access and reading. The set, or the individual volumes are a perfect gift for anyone with an interest in Zen or Buddhism, Eastern Religion or Eastern Philosophy. The Hardcovers are sturdy and finely bound, the Trade Paper are also made to last.

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