The Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Zhongfeng Mingben

This book presents Chan (Zen) Buddhism through the talks and writings of Zhongfeng Mingben (1263-1323), the key Chan master of the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Through translation of various genres of Zhongfeng's talks and writings, the book attempts to allow Zhongfeng to "speak Chan/Zen" for himself. His interactions with foreign students (such as disciples from distant Yunnan and Japan) and his teachings on the relationship between Chan and Pure Land nianfo (nembutsu) are closely examined. Also, the book highlights his influence on the Linji Chan of the subsequent Ming dynasty (a neglected area in Chan studies).