Unlocking the Zen koan
Subtitle: a new translation of the Zen classic Wumenguan
By: translated from the Chinese with commentary by Thomas Cleary.
Contributors: Cleary, Thomas F., 1949-
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Berkeley, Calif
Language: eng
Number of pages: 213
Subjects: Koan -- Early works to 1800.
Genres: Early works to 1800.
Description: In Unlocking the Zen Koan (originally published as No Boundary) Thomas Cleary translates directly from the Chinese and interprets Zen Master Wumen's text and commentaries in verse and prose on the inner meaning of the koans. Cleary then gives us other great Chinese Zen masters' comments in prose or verse on the same koan. Cleary's probing, analytic commentaries wrestle with meaning and shading, explaining principles and practices.

Five different steps to follow in reading the koan begin with its use as a single abrupt perception, and lead progressively to more intellectual readings, illustrating the fixations which stand in the way of a true Zen understanding.