Records of the Transmission of the Lamp: Biographies and Extended Discourses

The spiritual marriage between the great world cultures of India and China, with their distinctly different worldviews, has borne its first mature fruit in this compilation of Buddhist biographies, teaching and transmission stories of Indian and Chinese Chan (Japanese 'Zen') masters from antiquity up to around the year 1008 CE. The fertilisation of Chinese spirituality by Indian Buddhism has fructified the entire Asian culture.

This work conveys the message that Chan practice can enable a free participation in life's open-ended play, a message that seems as necessary to our own time as it was to the restless times of 11th century Song China. This volume is the seventh in a full translation of this work, which spans thirty books.

The compilation traces the rich tapestry of spiritual lineages and teachings that emerged from the cross-pollination of these two great civilisations. It preserves the stories and insights of Indian and Chinese masters who dedicated their lives to the exploration of consciousness and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Through these biographies and anecdotes, readers are invited to witness the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, as the Indian Buddhist teachings were adapted and transformed by the unique sensibilities of the Chinese Chan practitioners. The work celebrates the adaptability and resilience of the human spirit, as it navigates the challenges and complexities of the spiritual path.

The message of this text resonates powerfully with the modern reader, as we too grapple with the open-ended play of life and seek ways to approach it with a spirit of freedom and authenticity. The timeless wisdom and practical insights contained within these pages offer guidance and inspiration for those seeking to deepen their own spiritual understanding and engagement with the world.

This seventh volume, as part of the larger translation project, represents a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue between Eastern and Western thought, bridging the gap between cultures and inviting a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of human spiritual experience. The work stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to transcend cultural boundaries and find common ground in the universal pursuit of enlightenment.

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