The Sayings of Layman P'ang

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.