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

(Paperback)

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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.

Reviews

Pang 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

Author Bio

James Green is a longtime Zen student and former monk who is a disciple of the renowned Japanese Zen master and artist Keido Fukushima Roshi. He is also the translator of The Recorded Sayings of Zen Master Joshu.